Syracuse University notable alumni have made waves across entertainment, sports, politics, and business, showcasing the power of an Orange education. From Hollywood stars to NBA icons and influential leaders, these famous graduates of Syracuse University inspire students and job seekers eyeing Syracuse, New York opportunities. Discover top talents and rate Syracuse professors to see where your path might lead, or check higher ed jobs nearby.
Syracuse shines in entertainment with alumni dominating TV, film, and music. These Syracuse University celebrities bring creativity and charisma to global stages.
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Athletics is Syracuse's powerhouse, producing NFL legends and NBA MVPs who embody Orange pride.
Syracuse grads shape policy and journalism, from cabinet secretaries to news anchors.
Explore academic jobs in Syracuse or higher ed career advice.
Business moguls from Syracuse drive innovation and wealth.
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Syracuse University notable alumni have left an indelible mark across entertainment, sports, politics, and beyond, inspiring current students and job seekers alike with their groundbreaking achievements. Imagine channeling the same drive that propelled Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, who earned his Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law in 1968. His journey from Syracuse classrooms to the White House showcases how the university's rigorous programs foster influential leaders ready to shape global policy.
In entertainment, famous graduates of Syracuse University like Aaron Sorkin (B.A. in 1983) have redefined storytelling. Sorkin's Oscar-winning scripts for The Social Network and The West Wing highlight the creative edge honed at Syracuse's Newhouse School of Public Communications. Vera Farmiga (B.F.A. in 1995), known for her roles in Up in the Air and the chilling Bates Motel, credits her dramatic arts training for her versatile career. Meanwhile, Vanessa Williams (B.A. 1983), the first African American Miss America, transitioned into music and TV stardom with hits like "Save the Best for Last" and roles in Ugly Betty.
Sports figures shine brightly too—Jim Brown (B.S. 1957), the NFL's greatest running back, dominated with the Cleveland Browns, later becoming a civil rights activist. Broadcasters Bob Costas and Marv Albert, both Syracuse grads, have narrated decades of iconic moments, proving the S.I. Newhouse School's broadcast legacy. For business minds, the Newhouse family, including Samuel Irving Newhouse Sr., built Advance Publications into a media empire.
These entertaining insights reveal Syracuse's knack for producing trailblazers. Dive deeper into entertainment figures or sports alumni. Aspiring pros can explore faculty insights on Rate My Professor for Syracuse University or browse higher ed jobs nearby. Check Syracuse's official alumni page or Wikipedia list for more. Whether you're a student eyeing Syracuse jobs or parents proud of Orange pride, these stories motivate chasing dreams with Syracuse grit.
Syracuse University notable alumni have made remarkable impacts across various fields, inspiring current students, faculty, staff, parents, and job seekers worldwide. These ratings evaluate alumni achievements based on global influence, innovation, and cultural significance over the past decade, drawing from verified data on Syracuse's official records and trusted sources like US News and Niche. Ratings use a 10-point star scale, where 10/10 signifies legendary status with transformative legacies.
Sports Figures: ✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭ (10/10)
Syracuse's athletic alumni, especially from basketball and football, dominate with icons like Jim Brown (class of 1957, NFL legend and civil rights activist) and Carmelo Anthony (2003, NBA star and philanthropist). Their achievements highlight the university's powerhouse status in Division I sports, producing Hall of Famers and Olympians. Advice: Aspiring athletes should leverage Syracuse's renowned training facilities and Rate My Professor reviews for sports management courses to build networks like these alumni. Check sports figures for full list.
Entertainment Figures: ✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭☆ (9/10)
Famous graduates from Syracuse University in entertainment include Bob Costas (1974, Emmy-winning broadcaster) and Al Roker (1976, Today Show weatherman), thanks to the prestigious S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. They've shaped TV journalism and pop culture. Tip: Job seekers can emulate their paths by interning at Syracuse's advanced media labs and exploring higher ed jobs in broadcasting. See entertainment figures.
Politics: ✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭☆☆ (8/10)
Notable alumni from Syracuse University in politics, such as former U.S. Rep. Dan Maffei, demonstrate leadership in public service. Advice: Students eyeing government roles should review Syracuse professors in public affairs and connect via alumni events for mentorship. Explore opportunities in Syracuse, New York.
Business (Millionaires/Billionaires): ✭✭✭✭✭✭✭☆☆☆ (7/10)
Syracuse boasts successful entrepreneurs like Robert Rich Jr. (billionaire founder of Rich Products). To achieve similar success, use higher ed career advice and target internships listed on faculty jobs. View millionaires and billionaires.
Overall, these ratings underscore Syracuse's strength in media and sports. For inspiration, visit the official Syracuse alumni page. Job seekers in Syracuse can find roles via New York listings, while rating professors helps choose paths mirroring these stars. Emulate by joining clubs, networking globally, and pursuing passions—Syracuse's network propels careers forward.
Syracuse University alumni have made their mark in entertainment as actors, musicians, composers, gamers, and chess masters, contributing to film, television, music, gaming, and competitive chess with innovative performances and creative works that shape global popular culture. These graduates demonstrate the university's strong programs in performing arts and communications, fostering talents who excel in dynamic, competitive industries.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeremy Strong | Actor | Drama | 2001 | Emmy Award-winning actor known for portraying Kendall Roy in Succession and roles in films like The Trial of the Chicago 7. |
| Vanessa Williams | Actress, Singer | Theatre | 1984 | First African American Miss America (1984) and star of TV series like Ugly Betty and 538 Ways to Die in Outer Space, with Grammy-nominated music career. |
| Steven Mackey | Composer, Musician | Biology | 1979 | Pulitzer Prize finalist composer blending classical and rock elements in works like Physical Property. |
| Eileen Davidson | Actress | unknown | Emmy-nominated actress famous for roles on Days of Our Lives and The Young and the Restless. | |
| Jim Breuer | Comedian, Actor | unknown | Stand-up comedian and former Saturday Night Live cast member known for Joe Pesci impression. | |
| Rob Cohen | Film Director, Producer | Television, Radio and Film | 1968 | Director of blockbusters like The Fast and the Furious and Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story. |
| Illeana Douglas | Actress, Director | unknown | Actress in films like Goodfellas and Cape Fear, granddaughter of Melvyn Douglas. | |
| Bob Costas | Sportscaster, Television Host | Communications | 1974 | Emmy-winning broadcaster known for hosting NBC's Olympic coverage and MLB games. |
| Don Knotts | Actor, Comedian | unknown | Five-time Emmy winner best known as Barney Fife in The Andy Griffith Show and comedic roles in films. | |
| Lou Reed | Musician, Singer-songwriter | English | 1964 | Legendary rock musician, co-founder of The Velvet Underground, known for hits like 'Walk on the Wild Side'. |
| Dick Clark | Television Host, Producer | Radio and Television | 1951 | Iconic host of American Bandstand and Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve for over 30 years. |
| Telly Savalas | Actor | Psychology | unknown | Golden Globe and Emmy-winning actor famous for Lt. Theo Kojak in the TV series Kojak. |
| Grace Gummer | Actress | Acting | 2008 | Actress recognized for roles in The Newsroom, American Horror Story, and Mr. Robot. |
Athletes; Syracuse University alumni have made lasting impacts in professional leagues such as the NBA, NFL, and Major League Lacrosse, showcasing excellence in basketball, football, lacrosse, and more while contributing to the university's storied athletic tradition.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence Moten | NBA player | 1995 | Syracuse's all-time leading scorer with 2,515 points. | |
| Joe Morris | NFL running back | 1982 | Two-time All-American and Syracuse's third all-time leading rusher. | |
| Tim Green | NFL linebacker | 1986 | First-round NFL draft pick and author, radio host, and lawyer. | |
| Mike Powell | professional lacrosse player | 2003 | Three-time All-American attackman and Lt. Col. Warner Milner Award winner. | |
| John Wallace | NBA player | 1996 | Led Syracuse to the 1996 NCAA Final Four and played professionally overseas. | |
| Leo Rautins | NBA player | 1981 | First Canadian player drafted in the NBA and member of the 1984 Canadian Olympic team. | |
| Roosevelt Bouie | NBA player | 1980 | Syracuse's all-time leading rebounder and two-time All-American center. | |
| Hakim Warrick | NBA player | 2005 | Dramatic game-winning block in the 2003 NCAA Championship and 11-year NBA veteran. | |
| Don McPherson | NFL quarterback | 1988 | 1987 Heisman runner-up, Maxwell Award winner, and Davey O'Brien Award recipient. | |
| Marvin Harrison | NFL wide receiver | 1996 | Pro Football Hall of Famer and eight-time Pro Bowler for the Indianapolis Colts. | |
| Paul Gait | professional lacrosse player | 1990 | Lacrosse All-American and twin brother of Gary Gait, known for dynamic midfield play. | |
| Art Monk | NFL wide receiver | 1979 | Pro Football Hall of Famer with 12,721 receiving yards over 16 NFL seasons. | |
| Carmelo Anthony | NBA player | 2002 | Led Syracuse to its only NCAA Men's Basketball Championship in 2003 as a freshman before becoming a 10-time NBA All-Star and three-time Olympic gold medalist. | |
| Jim Brown | NFL running back | education | 1957 | Pro Football Hall of Famer, three-time NFL MVP, and lacrosse All-American who starred for the Cleveland Browns. |
| Ernie Davis | NFL running back | 1961 | First African American Heisman Trophy winner and two-time All-American for Syracuse football. | |
| Floyd Little | NFL running back | 1967 | Pro Football Hall of Famer nicknamed 'The Franchise' for revitalizing the Denver Broncos. | |
| Dave Bing | NBA player | business administration | 1966 | NBA Hall of Famer, seven-time All-Star, and former Mayor of Detroit. |
| Derrick Coleman | NBA player | 1989 | NBA Rookie of the Year in 1991 and four-time All-Star. | |
| Billy Owens | NBA player | 1990 | NBA All-Rookie First Team selection and key player on Syracuse's 1987 Final Four team. | |
| Gary Gait | professional lacrosse player | 1990 | National Lacrosse Hall of Famer, four-time All-American, and inventor of the 'Air Gait' behind-the-back shot. |
Syracuse University alumni have made significant contributions to U.S. and international politics, serving in high-level government roles such as senators, representatives, governors, and diplomats, influencing policy, legislation, and global affairs through their leadership and public service.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John J. LaFalce | U.S. Representative | Law | 1964 | Former U.S. Representative for New York's 29th congressional district. |
| Peter G. Fitzgerald | U.S. Senator | Law | 1982 | Former U.S. Senator from Illinois from 1999 to 2005. |
| Donald W. Riegle Jr. | U.S. Senator | 1960 | Former U.S. Senator from Michigan serving from 1977 to 1995. | |
| Carmine DeSapio | New York County Democratic Party Leader | unknown | Influential Tammany Hall leader known as the last 'boss' of the New York County Democratic Party. | |
| Thomas Eagleton | U.S. Senator | Law | 1953 | Former U.S. Senator from Missouri and the Democratic Party's vice presidential nominee in 1972. |
| Bill Owens | U.S. Representative | Law | 1991 | Former U.S. Representative for New York's 23rd congressional district. |
| Ann Marie Buerkle | U.S. Representative | Law | 1980 | Former U.S. Representative for New York's 25th congressional district and Acting Chair of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. |
| Chris Lee | U.S. Representative | 1986 | Former U.S. Representative for New York's 26th congressional district from 2009 to 2011. | |
| Michael Arcuri | U.S. Representative | 1984 | Former U.S. Representative for New York's 24th congressional district and Oneida County District Attorney. | |
| James T. Walsh | U.S. Representative | 1969 | Former U.S. Representative for New York's 25th congressional district from 1993 to 2009. | |
| Sherwood Boehlert | U.S. Representative | unknown | Former U.S. Representative for New York's 23rd and 24th congressional districts, serving from 1983 to 2007. | |
| Maurice Hinchey | U.S. Representative | unknown | Former U.S. Representative for New York's 22nd congressional district and New York State Assembly member. | |
| Richard Hanna | U.S. Representative | Mechanical Engineering | 1976 | Former U.S. Representative for New York's 22nd congressional district from 2011 to 2017. |
| Dan Maffei | U.S. Representative | Political Science | 1990 | Former U.S. Representative for New York's 24th congressional district and member of the Federal Communications Commission. |
| Jim Risch | U.S. Senator | Public Administration | 1970 | Current U.S. Senator from Idaho, former Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Idaho, with an MPA from the Maxwell School. |
| Al D'Amato | U.S. Senator | Law | 1966 | Former U.S. Senator from New York who served three terms from 1981 to 1999. |
| Joe Biden | President of the United States | Law | 1968 | The 46th President of the United States and former Vice President under Barack Obama, earning his LL.B. from Syracuse University College of Law. |
