In honor of Syracuse University’s upcoming 144th birthday, the Orange Traditions series highlights the lasting influence and importance of SU in the lives of students and alumni. This story is part 1 of 3.

It’s the classic story of boy meets girl.

Throughout the years, Syracuse University has found itself at the heart of relationships. Some even blossom into marriage, and although these couples are no longer on campus, their Orange pride keeps them connected to each other and their alma mater.

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Not many people can say Otto the Orange showed up to their wedding reception, but Dana Lucas and Stephen Hass can.

The mascot’s appearance was just one element of the couple’s orange-themed wedding at Hendricks Chapel on June 1, 2013. The couple lives in Charlotte, N.C., but Dana (Class of 2006) said it just made sense for them to have the wedding at SU.

“We were able to show (family and friends) where we met and the environment that allowed us to grow as people,” Stephen (Class of 2006) said. “We relived our memories and created a new one.”

The two met through greek life in the spring of their sophomore year when Dana’s sorority, Phi Sigma Sigma, participated in a philanthropy event for Kappa Delta Rho — Stephen’s fraternity. When they had a philosophy class together, Hass referred to Lucas as “the most interesting thing” about it.

After graduation, they helped start the SU alumni club in Charlotte. Dana, the club president, said she wanted to continue her Syracuse spirit and pride. That pride shows itself in an unofficial Syracuse bar where as many as 200 fans gather frequently during basketball season.

“It’s become a sort of tradition, in a way,” Dana said, “and this year has definitely been the best year for watching games so far.”

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Jacki Garfinkel Sousa was sitting on a wooden chair with a Syracuse logo in their New York City apartment when Andrew Sousa proposed to her.

As an early Christmas gift, Andrew (Class of 2006) presented Jacki (Class of 2006), who is a huge fan of the Muppets, with two boxes. The first contained a customized toy Muppet that resembled her. The second contained a Muppet that looked like Andrew, holding an engagement ring.

“She began crying immediately,” Andrew said.

During their junior year at SU, Jacki was good friends with Andrew’s roommate. She had heard of his “mysterious roommate,” but was never introduced to him until the next fall at Faegan’s Cafe & Pub.

As a chemical engineering major, Andrew spent a lot of time working on his senior project in a basement computer lab he called “the dungeon.”

“The only times I could really only see Jacki were when we went out to eat,” he said.

Jacki added that the couple practically lived in Dinosaur Bar-B-Que during college. So when a Dinosaur Bar-B-Que location opened in New York City, the couple decided that it was the perfect place to have their wedding rehearsal.

A few years ago, the couple visited campus for the first time since graduating and did what they called “a culinary tour,” visiting every single place they used to eat at.

“We even went to Chuck’s and Faegan’s and we felt really old.” Jacki said. “But it brought back a lot of memories.”

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They call Sadler the “Love Hall.”

It’s a running joke between Jenny (Class of 2008) and Jon Sacks (Class of 2008) who met during their freshman year on the second floor of Sadler Hall.

“We actually know several couples who met there, including one couple in their 50s,” she said. “It’s just interesting that Sadler brought couples together.”

Within a month into their first semester, Jenny accidentally kneed Jon’s face. The incident had Jon in the hospital for the night — Jenny acted as his caretaker for the next two weeks when his jaw was wired shut.

“I felt so guilty after that happened,” Jenny said, chuckling. “I brought Jon liquid foods and TV shows, and ultimately, it brought us together.”

They dated throughout college and married about a year after graduation. They now live in Philadelphia, where Jenny is the president and Jon is the vice president of the SU alumni club.

The two are also very superstitious when it comes to sports, preferring to watch the SU games alone in their apartment filled with stuffed Otto’s.

“It’s very rare that we have anyone else with us,” said Jenny. “To me, that’s a very special tradition that we have together.”

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SU is more than just a school to these couples. It fostered their relationships, and will foster many more like them.

“Being together has shaped us more than we’ll ever know,” Stephen Hass said. “It’s a tremendous start to our lives together.”

Jacki Garfinkel Sousa said SU will always have a special place in her heart. “I would’ve loved Syracuse anyway, but because it’s where I met Andrew, I love it even more.”

Even when they leave, SU continues to recognize these strong bonds by sending couples Valentine’s Day cards with an SU theme.

“And who knows?” Jenny Sacks said. “Maybe they’ll send orange roses next time.”

Published on March 18, 2014 at 12:05 am

Contact Clare: clramire@syr.edu