A&S Welcomes Back Students and Alumni with Fall Events
Major events included the triannual Coming Back Together Weekend, Class of 2020 Commencement celebration, Family Weekend and Orange Central.
2021 Orange Central
After a year of virtual reunions, A&S | Maxwell welcomed alumni back to campus during this year's Orange Central, October 28-31. Events like a book signing by A&S alumna Eileen Collins ’78, a reading by professor Dana Spiotta of her recent novel “Wayward” and stargazing at the Holden Observatory made this year’s Orange Central so memorable. A&S was honored to host Col. Collins during Saturday's breakfast with Dean Karin Ruhlandt, where students, faculty, staff and alumni enjoyed mingling with them both and one another.

A&S alumna Eileen Collins ’78 (third from right) with current A&S undergrads.

Professor Dana Spiotta during the reading of her new book "Wayward."

Attendees of Professor Dana Spiotta’s book reading.

Dr. Ruth Chen and A&S alumna Eileen Collins ’78.

A&S family enjoys breakfast with Dean Ruhlandt.

Getting excited for a weekend of Orange Central events!
2021 Family Weekend
October 8-10, the College of Arts and Sciences | Maxwell School welcomed families near and far for a fun-filled weekend on campus. Guests kicked off their weekend with a Welcome Breakfast hosted by A&S Dean Karin Ruhlandt and Maxwell Dean David Van Slyke in the Milton Atrium of the Life Sciences Complex. The celebration included refreshments, the opportunity to meet both Deans and a chance for students and families to learn about A&S’ | Maxwell’s experiential learning programs.

A&S | Maxwell family members enjoying Syracuse University swag.

A&S Dean Karin Ruhlandt (left) visiting with A&S student and parents.

Gathering in the Milton Atrium of the Life Sciences Complex.

Family sports ’Cuse gear for the weekend.

Off to explore after breakfast with the Deans!

Maxwell Dean David Van Slyke (left) enjoys breakfast with Maxwell family.
2020 Commencement Celebration Reception
Syracuse University hosted the Class of 2020 commencement celebration weekend September 17 to 19. Alumni and families enjoyed a range of events including a "welcome home" reception on the Quad, reunion celebration and tailgate party prior to the Syracuse Orange football game against Albany, and a commencement ceremony inside the Stadium with remarks by New York State Governor and A&S | Maxwell alumna Kathy Hochul '80.
The weekend's events culminated with a celebration reception for A&S | Maxwell alumni inside the National Veterans Resource Center's Tan Auditorium. Over 900 people, including graduates and their families, attended the event.

A&S | Maxwell alumni and their families filled the National Veterans Resource Center's Tan Auditorium for the celebration reception.

A&S Dean Karin Ruhlandt (center) visiting with students at the commencement celebration reception.

An A&S | Maxwell alumna posing for a photo holding the A&S picture frame.

A 2020 grad smiles for the camera.

An alumna with her family at the A&S | Maxwell commencement celebration reception.

Two A&S | Maxwell alumni enjoying the reception festivities.
Coming Back Together Weekend
A&S welcomed back alumni for Coming Back Together (CBT) Weekend September 9 to 12. The triennial reunion welcomes Black and Latino/a alumni back to campus to celebrate their accomplishments, meet current students and remain connected with the University. As part of CBT, A&S celebrated 150 Years of Fearless Firsts with a special luncheon, featuring remarks by Dr. Gezzer Ortega and Dean Karin Ruhlandt. Alumni also enjoyed mingling and meeting students, faculty and fellow A&S alumni.
Four A&S alumni, Dr. Gezzer Ortega ’03, Victor Holman ’82, Felisha Legette-Jack ’89 and Jacqueline Welch ’91, were honored by the University later that weekend for their extraordinary professional achievements. Read more about the alumni honored during CBT.

Attendees pose for a photo at A&S' Coming Back Together luncheon.

A&S Dean Karin Ruhlandt presenting remarks to alumni, faculty and students in attendance.

The luncheon was held in the Milton Atrium of the Life Sciences Complex.

Dr. Gezzer Ortega ’03 addresses his fellow alumni at A&S' Coming Back Together luncheon.

Alumna Jade Fulce smiles for the camera while holding the A&S picture frame.

Alumna Candice Carnage posing for a photo with the A&S picture frame.
First Day of Classes and Fall Views

A view of Carnegie Library on the first day of classes.

Tolley Hall provided a beautiful backdrop on opening day.

It was great to see the bustle of students walking to and from classes again.

Purple flowers set the stage for a picturesque walk up to the Hall of Languages.

The hydrangea plants have been in full bloom throughout the fall.
Department Fair Photo Gallery
The College of Arts and Sciences | Maxwell School held a department fair and barbecue inside the air-conditioned Stadium on Friday, August 27, to mark students' return to campus. Attendees had the opportunity to chat with professors and advisors (and Dean Ruhlandt and her dog, Bear), learning about the many programs A&S | Maxwell have to offer.

A&S Dean Karin Ruhlandt and her dog, Bear, visit with students.

Students posing for a photo at the A&S | Maxwell department fair.

Drummers with the Community Folk Art Center provided a beat for attendees at the welcome event.

Syracuse University mascot Otto posing with members of the biology department.

A&S Dean Karin Ruhlandt speaking with attendees.

Students taking part in a physics demonstration.