Her Hilltop High

The 1980s began in Syracuse with the Carrier Dome holding its first football game and a fuzzy orange is introduced as a candidate for SU’s new mascot. And while Otto and the Carrier Dome have undoubtably become a part of Syracuse’s collective history, a tragedy in 1988 holds a different and important spot.

The late 60s and early 70s were rife with protest on Syracuse University's campus. It was the era of civil rights and the Vietnam War.  Students demonstrated against racism, war and anti-indigenous policies and symbolism on campus and across the country.

America’s History as well as Syracuse University’s history starts to get busy in the middle of the century. It's during this time that SU strengthens its relationship with veterans, accepting nearly 7,000 soliders under the G.I. Bill after World War II. This doubled enrollment at the school, so Syracuse hired more faculty and expanded academic programming.

This episode of Her Hilltop High starts right before the United States enters World War I. Football and basketball are established sports on campus. But in 1916, SUNY ESF students introduce a new game to Syracuse University students: Lacrosse. 

In this episode of Her Hilltop High, University Archivist Meg Mason tells us about past first year student traditions. This includes wearing beanies to identify yourself and sometimes getting salt thrown at you.  

The first episode of Her Hilltop High starts at the very beginning of Syracuse University in 1870. We'll look at many beginnings: The first building on campus, the first football game, and the first times the chimes rang from Crouse College.

Syracuse University is celebrating it's Sesquicentennial in 2020, and a lot has happened in its 150 year existence. Her Hilltop High will explore the University's traditions, tragedies and triumphs. It will also explore how the events of the past have affected the present and the way SU approaches the future.