What was founded in 1817 in Detroit as the "Catholepistemiad", or University of Michigania, 20 years before the Michigan Territory became a state, Syracuse University or University of Michigan? 
University of Michigan:  Founded in 1817 in Detroit as the "Catholepistemiad", or University of Michigania, 20 years before the Michigan Territory became a state, the University of Michigan is the state's oldest university. Syracuse University: Syracuse University (commonly referred to as Syracuse, 'Cuse, or SU) is a private research university in Syracuse, New York, United States.
University of Michigan