By John Boccacino ’03
For the first time, Orange Central, Syracuse University’s annual celebration of all things Orange, is going virtual with dozens of complimentary conversations, interactive demonstrations and lively gatherings designed to bring our Orange family together.
From Oct. 29 – Nov. 1, the Syracuse University Alumni Association will offer alumni around the world the opportunity to reconnect with classmates, explore the University’s newest places and programs and get to know today’s campus community through interesting and informative live programs. If our live events don’t fit your schedule, you can also enjoy exclusive content accessible on demand.
The response to virtual Orange Central has been terrific, with alumni from 43 states and 14 countries around the world registering. There’s still time to sign up; the deadline to register online is noon EDT on Monday, Oct. 26.
“We are looking forward to bringing the Orange community together, and we’re pleased to offer a wide variety of on-demand content that alumni can view anytime, anywhere from the comfort of their home, like an exclusive campus tour and a spirit celebration with the marching band, cheerleaders and Otto. We’re also excited about our engaging programming to help advance your career, improve your nutrition and stimulate your brain,” says Sue Ballard, vice president of alumni engagement.
“Virtual Orange Central will help connect alumni around the world to their alma mater. We can’t wait to celebrate what it means to be Orange with everyone.”
New this year, Orange Central features the University’s first virtual 5k, with all proceeds going to support student scholarships. Alumni and friends can run (or walk) anytime and anywhere and get steps in to support Healthy Monday, a national public health initiative with the Lerner Center.
Pia ’98, G’01, L’01 and Akima Rogers ’93 are excited to participate in the virtual 5K. 
“These virtual programs do such a great job of connecting us when we can’t physically be there together,” says Pia Rogers, who earned her undergraduate degree in broadcast journalism from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and a dual law and public administration master’s degree from the College of Law and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.
“Being an alumna of Syracuse means having access to a great network of alumni. That connection to your University continues to flourish once you graduate, and it’s neat that my husband and I both have the shared experience of going to Syracuse,” adds Pia, who also attended the virtual Coming Back Together (CBT) celebration on Oct. 16.
When the pandemic struck, Pia and Akima, residents of Washington, DC, found themselves working from home instead of commuting to their respective offices in Virginia and Maryland. With the time they usually would have spent driving to the office, the duo decided to start running together, getting in daily runs of three to five miles every morning.
When they heard about how the virtual 5K would benefit student scholarships, Akima says it was “a no-brainer” to sign up.
“Running is our one guaranteed time away from the kids,” Akima says with a laugh. “To be able to connect to and compete with other alumni in the 5K was something we jumped at, and any chance we have to connect and give back to Syracuse students is something that gives us great pride.”
While Pia and Akima run daily, Scott Greene ’93 found himself searching for ways to get active during the pandemic. Greene, co-chair of the Syracuse University Alumni Club of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts, registered for the virtual 5K to both give back to current students through scholarships and to incorporate more exercise into his life.
“This was the Orange Central virtual event I was most excited for. I’m not in a Reunion year, and this just seemed to be the most attractive event for me. Plus, it got me out the house for a while. I recommend everyone register for Orange Central. It doesn’t cost anything and you can find activities and programs that fit your interests,” says Greene, who earned a broadcast journalism degree from Newhouse.
Among the programs planned during virtual Orange Central:
• Zoom-unions for alumni celebrating milestone reunions in the Classes of 1960, 1970, 1985, 1995, 2010, 2015 and 2020.
• Brunch and Learn programs covering topics from career development and nutrition to electrifying science and unnerving insects.
• Campus tours, exclusive sneak peeks at artifacts and exhibits, a spirit celebration, trick-or-treating with Otto, pizza making at Varsity and other prerecorded content you can watch when it’s convenient for you.
There will also be gatherings for former student-athletes and Greek life members, as well as student groups like Hendricks Chapel, the Mary Ann Shaw Center for Public and Community Service, the Ongwehonwe Alumni Association, Remembrance and Lockerbie Scholars, Syracuse Abroad, Syracuse Hillel and WAER.
Truly, virtual Orange Central offers something for everyone who bleeds Orange.