SU’s Orange Hall to be renamed Riley Hall after late alum, board member
Orange Hall will be renamed Riley Hall to honor SU alum H. John Riley Jr. following a “legacy gift” from the family. Leonardo Eriman | Daily Orange File Photo
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Syracuse University’s Orange Hall will be renamed Riley Hall after SU received a “legacy gift” in the name of alum H. John Riley Jr., according to a Thursday release. The donation was made by Riley Jr.’s wife, Diane Riley, in honor of her husband, who passed away in June 2024.
Diane donated her husband’s legacy gift to the Orange Hall Facilities Fund to ensure “residential housing in the center of campus for generations of students.” Riley Jr. was unable to live on campus during his time at Syracuse due to financial reasons, Diane said in the release.
Riley Jr. enrolled at SU at 16 years old and was the first in his family to attend college. His career achievements include becoming CEO of billion-dollar company, Cooper Industries, serving on SU’s Board of Trustees and serving as tri-chair of the National Campaign Council Executive Committee for SU’s Forever Orange Campaign, which raised more than $1.5 billion, according to the release.
“John was all about service to his alma mater, always looking for ways to provide opportunities that would position our students for personal and professional success,” Outgoing Chancellor Kent Syverud said in the release.
Diane echoed the sentiment, adding that her husband’s generosity to SU stems from his belief that his education “gave him the education and opportunities to be successful.”
The Riley family committed much of their philanthropic engagement to improving the SU student experience. The Rileys have financially supported many initiatives at SU, including degree programs and new classrooms, as well as Syracuse Athletics and the Winnick Hillel Center, according to the release.
Riley Jr.’s son, Patrick, reminisced on memories he made at the then-Sheraton hotel when he attended SU.
“I think I had my first drink there when I was a senior and my sister came to visit and stayed at the hotel,” Patrick said in the release.
The Riley family stayed at the Sheraton when visiting relatives attending SU or when visiting Riley Jr. during his time on the board of trustees, according to the release.
Those around Riley Jr. spoke to his attention to detail and his commitment to bettering the Syracuse community. The family said naming the building in their father’s name is a fitting way to honor him.
“The location of Riley Hall at the center of campus is such a fitting tribute to John,” Allen Groves, SU’s senior vice president and chief student experience officer, said in the release. “As a trustee, John was always focused on how best to meet the evolving needs of students.”
Syverud proposed the renaming to Diane after Riley Jr. passed before deciding on his next gift, according to the release. The Riley family felt the gift was a “no-brainer” and a fitting way to honor their father.
A dedication event for Riley Jr. will take place on May 9 during commencement weekend.
