May 12, 2004
Syracuse changes school nickname, logo
Say goodbye to the Orangemen -- and the Orangewomen. From now on, Syracuse University's athletic teams will be known simply as the Orange (the color presumably, not the fruit) and have the same logo, an interlocking SU. The school announced the change as part a result of the identity design program recently completed with partner Nike. 
“The goal of the project is to create a very clean, refined and unique identity that by design fuses elements of the past with the aesthetic values of the future,” said Christopher McClure, creative director for Nike Team Sports. “We want to respect the past and represent the future.”
Nike has been working on the idea for two years and presented it to Syracuse for consideration. SU consulted with the men’s and women’s basketball coaches, men’s lacrosse coach, and football coach about the change.
The new Orange will sport an orange that is a bit brighter and a blue that is slightly darker. Helmets design will not change. No word yet on how long before the new Syracuse logo appears in stores.
Comments:
SW SU86 said:
posted on May 16, 2004 9:11 PM — 65.54.98.143 — link — abuse?
Dear Jake Crouthamel:
My first thought regarding Syracuse University's decision to change its nickname is to remind you that the corporatization of the university (in this instance, Syracuse's ties with Nike) is responsible for (1) the University's flexible labor base (that is, a vast increase in the hiring of adjunct faculty, lecturers, and graduate teaching assistants who earn far less than their tenured counterparts yet are asked to do a professor's job, typically without appropriate material conditions, e.g., office and phone; (2) the continual overproduction of Ph.Ds to support this flexible labor base; and (3) the overall streamlining of education that not only affects curricula but privileges (via funding) those disciplines serving "pragmatic" corporate interests (e.g., the sciences and economics). The latter often results in the discontinuation of entire disciplines let alone courses.
Furthermore, I wouldn't fall back on "tradition" to justify the choice in nickname. As I understand it, the Orangemen were (are) Prostestants who killed Catholics in Great Britain not too long ago or more recently an Onondagan Indian, which makes the move racist to say the least.
If none of the above moves you, I'd ask you to consider this:
Could you imagine The Syracuse Mauve?
posted on May 16, 2004 9:30 PM — link — abuse?Kevin Donahue said:
I'm thinking that this guy's just a tad bit bitter. Don't fret, dude, maybe they'll bring that little Orange ball guy out every once and a while.
schmed said:
posted on May 17, 2004 5:45 PM — 208.248.231.58 — link — abuse?
A short subject video...
IN WHICH: The Syracuse University Orangebeings audition for new AZM (Athletic Zealotry Music):[Cut to AUDIO STUDIO]
[Pan Syracuse University Athletic Dept Muckedys]Assistant AD #1: Who's next on the list?
AAD #2: (squinting at list) The Flammingo Lips?
Flaming Lips Dude: That's FLAMING Lips, man.
Asst AD #1: Very well, proceed.
[SU AADs insert earplugs...]
~I know a girl who,
Reminds me of Cher.
She's always changin'
The color of her hair.
She don't use nothin'
You buy at the store.
She likes her hair to
Be real orange.She uses TAAAAAAN-GERINES!
TaaaaaaN-GERINES!
TAAAAAAAAAN-JEREENS!AAD #1: (Screaming) STOP!
(Cacophonious music cessation)
TFL: (Bitching all together) What?! WHADDAYAMEAN!?! &$*#7#&@ A*****S! (etc.)
AAD #3: We're looking for music about Orange stuff, not citrus fruits.
FL Dude: Look, we had a hard enough time faking up "buy at the store" with "be real orange" for one stanza, dude, but ain't no way to make a whole freaking song with it.
AAD #1: Very well. Thank you. Next?
AAD #2: (squints at list) Carrotpot?
Carrottop: NO! DIAL DOWN THE CENTER!...
[Fade out]
SHHH said:
posted on October 18, 2004 12:28 AM — 128.230.229.80 — link — abuse?
I actually go to the school and I am currently writing a paper on being politically correct. I am not PC but the paper demands that i suggest the opposition without taking sides. The change was highly irrational and just an example of how the liberal PC views are now swaying the methods of big business companies such as Nike. What other reason would they have for wanted to develop an "identity design program." This program is just an attempt at installing the equalitarian views of the PC at any cost or audience. By the way im a freshman class of 2008
Cody Sanders said:
posted on November 28, 2004 10:30 PM — 209.192.77.137 — link — abuse?
I like the change from orangemen to orange. It sounds better then it did before. Also I think Syracuse football needs new jerseys. The ones they have now are old,lame,and out of style just like the Alabama Crimson Tide they've had thier jerseys since their football team was founded. I just think Syracuse needs more style Like blue pants and blue jeresys or orange pants and orange jerseys.I think it would look alot better.
Please note that all comments are subject to the Fanblogs Comment Policy.
schmed said:
posted on May 13, 2004 9:46 AM — 208.248.231.58 — link — abuse?Changing their name isn't a smart move, especially if it's because of PC worries (Orangewimmings?)
Lookit how hard it's gonna be to write fight songs - at least Orangemen ryhmes with stuff.