Known for its academics and sports teams, Syracuse University has become a recognizable brand all its own — so recognizable, in fact, that television and film producers are taking note. Both spoken references and SU apparel have made appearances on screens across the country. Here are a few of the most notable mentions.
—  Compiled by the Pulp staff, pulp@dailyorange.com

“The Newsroom”

Not only was it created and written by Syracuse University alumnus Aaron Sorkin, but the show made a subtle nod to SU during the season two premiere this summer. A briefly introduced character, “Cyrus West,” is said to be an alumnus of the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. The character was asked to speak on the air about issues regarding military weapons — an easy task for someone with the expertise that Maxwell offers in such a subject.

“30 Rock”

“30 Rock” made an unexpected jab at the “bro” culture on SU’s campus during the 10th episode of season six. Jack Donaghy — played by Alec Baldwin, who grew up in New York — introduces Bradley, a fictional former student at SU who never graduated because he was “four credits shy of his degree in bro studies.”

“New Girl”

“We built this Schmidt-y on Tootsie Rolls.” The 14^th episode of the Fox show “New Girl” featured a flashback to an awkward, heavy-set Schmidt (Max Greenfield) back in his college days. Wearing a Syracuse sweatshirt, he is shown as a communications major, implying he was a student at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. While there, he meets his best friend Nick (Jake Johnson), who supposedly dropped out of law school. It just goes to show that even in your awkward phase you can still make great friends.

“Big Daddy”

Adam Sandler wears three different SU shirts in the “Big Daddy” trailer alone. Clearly, there’s a connection to campus. It’s said that he and his friends attended the College of Law, though things must not have worked out if he ended up working in a tollbooth. It might only be coincidental, but the school colors are featured heavily: many characters wear a combination of orange and blue in their scenes.

“The Express”

This 2008 drama portrays the story of legendary SU football player Ernie Davis, who played for the Orange from 1959-1961. The running back, after whom Ernie Davis Hall is named, was the first African American athlete to win the Heisman Trophy. The movie follows Davis from childhood through his career at SU, up until his tragic death in 1963 from leukemia. Davis is remembered to this day not only for his incredible athleticism, but also his charming personality and contribution to race equality in college athletics.

“Adult World”

This 2013 indie movie starring Emma Roberts and John Cusack was filmed in Syracuse this past February. A comedy, the film follows a recent college graduate (Roberts) as she begins working at an adult bookstore after graduation. John Cusack plays Roberts’ professor, who teaches at SU and for whom she later works as an assistant. The movie features scenes shot outside of the Hall of Languages, within the Carrier Dome and at several other locations on and around the SU campus. “Adult World” premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 18 and has since been picked up by the IFC Films for release in fall 2013.

“The Addams Family”

If you ever happen upon an original 1960s episode of “The Addams Family,” you may notice eerie similarities between the freaky family’s home and our own Hall of Languages. It’s rumored that the show’s creators might have used the campus landmark as inspiration for the morbid mansion.

Published on August 21, 2013 at 1:06 am