Dear Orange Friends:
On March 24, 2020, Syracuse University will celebrate its sesquicentennial, the 150th anniversary of its founding.
In February 1870, at the Methodist State Convention in Syracuse, a resolution was passed to “establish, without delay, in the City of Syracuse or its immediate vicinity a first-class university.” The goal then was to raise $500,000 to endow the new university and purchase 50 acres of farmland in southeastern Syracuse. On March 24, 1870, the Board of Trustees of Syracuse University signed the University charter and certificate of incorporation.
Looking to this significant milestone in the distinguished history of our great university, I recently appointed a sesquicentennial steering committee.
The committee is a cross-section of students, faculty, staff, trustees, and alumni. Their charge is to plan and create a yearlong series of events that will engage alumni and friends within the campus community, in Central New York, throughout the nation, and across the globe in meaningful ways.
Each member brings unique knowledge and experience and acts as a citizen of the entire University. This steering committee will create subcommittees and working groups to support its efforts.
There will be many opportunities for the campus community to help and participate in this planning. This effort will be nimble and flexible and recognize the many important and diverse groups that comprise our university. I encourage you to get involved.
Sincerely,
Chancellor Kent Syverud
