• Veteran Career Services
• Office of Veteran Success
• Veteran Legal Clinic
• Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising
• Institute for Veterans and Military Families
• Student Veteran Organization
• Peer Advisors for Veteran Education
• Disability Services Liaison (DSL)

In addition to the scheduled presentations, attending students were able to ask individual questions.

To further make student veterans feel welcome as part of their transition into higher education, dozens of faculty and staff have opted to serve as student veteran liaisons, using orange door tags provided by the OVMA as a visual sign of open lines of communication and engagement for student veterans on campus. The Orange Door Liaison Initiative helps establish wider networks for student veterans on campus.

The tags create further access for communication with student veterans. By volunteering as a student veteran liaison, users are helping address concerns that may arise while talking to a student veteran. The transition into campus life can be difficult and challenging for veterans, and can often include academic, behavioral, legal, financial, personal and family issues.

OVMA provides the door tags to all participating faculty and staff. Participants are asked to hang the door tags in their offices, departments and buildings as visual signs to student veterans that they are welcome to come in and talk. The program’s expansion is part of Chancellor Kent Syverud’s plan to make Syracuse University “the best place for veterans,” a commitment he verbalized during his 2014 inauguration remarks.

“The Orange Door Initiative opens up pathways to inclusivity and to connect student veterans with various resources on and off campus,” says Novack. “We remain committed to making Syracuse University a better place for student veterans—one orange door at a time!”

Within the student community, veteran and military-support is readily available from the Student Veteran Organization (SVO). In continued dedication to its mission to provide Syracuse University student veterans, military-connected students, and military family members with resources, support and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education and following graduation, the SVO recently announced new leadership for the 2020-2021 Academic Year:

• President: Charlie Poag, senior, Newhouse School of Public Communications
• Vice President: Amanda Sullivan, senior, Whitman School of Management
• Secretary: Miguel Pica, senior, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
• Public Affairs Officer: Daniel Rubio, junior, College of Arts and Sciences and Maxwell School
• Treasurer: Eric Kessler, graduate student, College of Engineering and Computer Science

“The SVO provides a great way to get involved on campus and gives those who served a sense of camaraderie as they transition to academic life,” says Poag. “Our organization provides opportunity for immediate connection between those with service-related experiences and challenges. Together, our members share strategies for success and become part of the wider Syracuse University community.”

Laura Buys’ portrait from Basic Military Training (BMT) in 2012.

In its fourth year as one of just 15 Pat Tillman Foundation University Partners, Syracuse University proudly announces Laura Buys ’18, G’21 as its 2020 Tillman Scholar. Buys is one of only 60 students nationwide to be awarded the prestigious scholarship.

“As a Syracuse University Tillman Scholar, I feel honored to be part of a community of multidisciplinary professionals who are committed to creating a better future through service and humble leadership,” says Buys. “As a clinical social worker, this means advocating and working for innovative, inclusive, socially just, and culturally competent mental health policy and programs.”

Laura’s path to military service and Syracuse began in St. Paul, MN, where she spent a chaotic childhood moving between schools. Her family struggled with poverty and by the time she was 15, she was both attending school and working to support her family. In hopes of a better future, she studied hard to graduate early and in 2012, after scoring well on the Air Force test, Laura enlisted in the Air Force and became an operations intelligence analyst. At only 19 years old, she had earned a top security clearance and was briefing military and political officials who had been serving longer than she had been alive. During her time in uniform, she would go on to serve under and collaborate with the NSA, CIA and the Department of Defense Missile Defense Agency.

Buys during a visit to the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio.

In 2014, Laura deployed to Qatar and later to Alaska and Japan with the prestigious Cobra Ball, a rapidly deployable aircraft that flies missions of national priority in support of international treaty verification. On one deployment, of the 71 service members in her unit, Laura was one of just two women.

During her military career, Laura delivered over 600 intelligence briefings to Air Force leadership, aircrew and government officials around the world. She also supported 160 U.S. Central Command combat missions, leading to more than 11,000 signals intelligence reports and eight relief airdrops to displaced Yazidi civilians in northern Iraq. As a result of her exemplary service, Laura was awarded a medal for Meritorious Service Achievement and recognized as Senior Airman Below the Zone.

“Communication and public speaking skills got me far,” she says. “As did my desire to connect with and understand others.”

After honorably separating in 2017, Laura was able to fully immerse herself in a career in human services, choosing to pursue a bachelor’s degree in women’s and gender studies and a master of social work degree from Syracuse University. Laura is also currently serving as the school’s disability services liaison for student veterans, a confidential program where she helps connect student veterans like herself to the Center for Disability Resources and other community and campus wellness programs.

“Syracuse University truly is the best place for veterans—I know this from experience, having earned almost two degrees here,” says Buys. “There are so many resources for military-connected students and veterans. I can’t say enough good things about the opportunities I’ve been given here.”

Buys’ portrait (top right) is currently featured in the Veterans Portrait Project exhibition by fellow Syracuse University graduate and veteran Stacy Pearsall ’05.

In addition to her studies, Laura has worked and volunteered with a wide array of populations and causes, including veterans, homeless families, young adults with developmental disabilities, LGBTQIA rights and advocacy, at-risk youth, refugees and the elderly. Her goal is to continue making a positive impact by dismantling forms of social injustice and helping others overcome trauma. Laura’s story is currently being featured in the National Veteran’s Museum and Memorial in Columbus, Ohio as part of an exhibition by fellow Syracuse University graduate, veteran and founder of the Veterans Portrait Project, Stacy Pearsall ’05.

The Tillman Scholarship honors former starting safety Pat Tillman, of the National Football League’s Arizona Cardinals. In 2002, Tillman put his football career on hold to serve his country. Family and friends established the Pat Tillman Foundation following Tillman’s death in April 2004 while serving with the U.S. Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan. The namesake foundation invests in military veterans and their spouses through scholarship and programmatic support and is dedicated to building a diverse community of leaders committed to service to others.

Syracuse University was selected as a Pat Tillman Foundation University Partner in 2017 for its innovative veteran services, strong culture of support for military veterans and spouses and its rigorous academic programs. The partnership closely aligns with the University’s commitment to be “the best place for veterans,” enabling recipients to apply the lessons learned in life, at Syracuse University and in the military to impact America for years to come. The next Tillman application cycle will open in February 2021.

Tim Kimbrough as a ROTC cadet at Michigan State University.

Born in Macon, Georgia, Tim Kimbrough was destined for a life on the move. He grew up the son of a railroad man and moved every two to four years.

“I was a railroad brat. My dad worked his way from entry level to executive,” he says. “I was comfortable with our moving cadence and eventually mimicked it myself in the Air Force.”

Kimbrough spent his formidable years in the Southeast before starting his junior year of high school in Detroit, Michigan—in the state he finally identified as home.

After graduation, Kimbrough stayed up north for college at Michigan State University while his family returned south. There, two life-altering events occurred: he met his now-wife, Kristie, and he joined the school’s Air Force ROTC detachment.

“I didn’t have an immediate family tie to the military. But my maternal grandfather, who died even before my mother was born, served in the Air Force. He died in a crash off New Guinea during the second world war. While not exactly my inspiration for joining, I did feel the pull,” he says.

That pull, coupled with a drive towards service and purpose, kept Kimbrough motivated through four years of ROTC before graduating and commissioning in 1995.

The Kimbrough Family in the Dome.

“During my senior year, I was excited to learn I was assigned to become a pilot. I went through the flight screening program and started training but was medically disqualified,” Kimbrough says. “It was something minor; I actually don’t even remember what it was. That was initially a shock, but within two months I was reassigned as an intelligence officer.”

Kimbrough went to Texas for intelligence training at Goodfellow Air Force Base. After a year, he and Kristie married during a month-long break. Three days later, the couple moved to England on Kimbrough’s first assignment.

For three years, the Kimbroughs lived, worked and traveled through Europe. He collected  and analyzed military intelligence, reported it and recommended courses of action. As his career advanced, he moved into counterintelligence.

After England, Kimbrough shifted to support flying missions. The interest brought them to Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. The family lived on the base, learned to rock climb, skied in Sun Valley and traveled with friends to Montana, all while Kimbrough worked on F-15, F-16 and B-1 bomber-supported missions.

“Kristie wasn’t thrilled when we were assigned to Idaho. We got off the plane in Boise and she cried during the hour drive to Mountain Home,” Kimbrough says. “Three years later, we cried because as we left a place and people we came to love. The people you meet in the military make every move worth it.”

Kimbrough’s time in Idaho was initially slated to end in January 2002. Then came the events of Sept. 11, 2001. Kimbrough’s unit quickly deployed to Kuwait for three months that October.

“After Kuwait, I spent January through June 2002 at the United States Air Force Weapons School, studying the world’s most advanced training in weapons and tactics employment of combat and mobility air forces,” he says.

Lt. Col. Kimbrough and Syracuse University cadets at a run.

The training propelled Kimbrough’s career again, this time to Northern Japan for another three years. It was there that he and Kristie welcomed their son. The next 12 years saw the Kimbroughs move to Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, where their daughter was born; McChord Air Force Base in Washington state; back to England, to the same base where he started his career; and finally a four-year stint in Hawaii.

By then Kimbrough had served over 20 years. Not quite ready to retire but looking to be closer to family, he started to explore ROTC positions on the mainland.

“I didn’t have a particular connection to Syracuse, but it reminded me of Michigan,” he says. “And after living all over the world, living nine hours from Kristie’s parents and only one time zone away from my parents seemed close.”

Kimbrough has served four years as the head of the Air Force ROTC unit at Syracuse University. The detachment’s cadet participation has grown 35 percent under his leadership.

“There have been so many highlights at Syracuse. Commissioning is always a special event. I love to gather the families before at the Remembrance Wall and talk about the family we have built together,” he says. “The 2020 commissioning was less formal because of COVID-19; we had a smaller class, so I actually visited each cadet and commissioned them in person, with masks and socially distant, of course. Our whole unit, friends and family watched (the ceremony) on Zoom.”

“I started my experience at Syracuse with this year’s cadets as freshmen; to see them through their full college career and into their Air Force assignment was so meaningful, especially as I move on, too,” Kimbrough says.

Haynie testified to the various implications for veterans, as well as the on the military-connected community. How these challenges and associated needs have been researched and observed nationally can inform relief at the state level, Haynie emphasized.

“Today, our New York state community faces unprecedented challenges. The pandemic has caused massive disruption in our collective health, economy and social stability,” Haynie stated. “Specifically, the pandemic has brought with it two distinct types of impacts. The first is the primary health impact of the virus. However, there is another set of impacts, the collateral economic and social damage caused by a devastating virus and the associated shut down. The veteran and military-connected community has not been immune to any of these challenges. Indeed, in some ways, this community has been harder hit than others.”

In the name of meeting veterans’ needs, IVMF offers programming to support all veterans, service members and their families as they pursue entrepreneurship, secure in-demand career certifications, and navigate support in their communities following their military service.

Friday’s hearing also included testimony from Coco Culhane, founder and executive director of the Veterans Advocacy Project; retired Staff Sgt. James Fitzgerald, executive director of the NYC Veterans Alliance; Laura Stradley, executive director of the Veterans Outreach Center; and Eva Usadi, executive director of Trauma and Resiliency Resources Inc.

The full text of Haynie’s testimony .

Students in the University’s Warrior-Scholar Project gather for a virtual meet up.

Hosted at 18 select institutions nationwide, the WSP empowers enlisted military veterans by providing them with a skill bridge to enable a successful transition from the battlefield to the classroom, maximizes their education opportunities by making them informed consumers of education, and increases the confidence they will need to successfully complete a rigorous four-year undergraduate program.

This year’s cohort of nine included four active duty incoming students, four veterans and a reservist, all members of the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy or the U.S. Marine Corps. Participants attended virtually from Hawaii, New York, North Carolina, Texas, Washington, Washington D.C., Nevada, Ohio and Iowa.

“Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be overwhelming even without an additional transition into higher education,” says retired U.S. Army Col. Ron Novack, executive director of the University’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA). “The Warrior-Scholar Project plays a critical role in preparing and equipping these soon-to-be student veterans with the valuable skills and tools needed to move successfully from the ‘battlefield to the classroom.’ Considering the COVID-19 health pandemic and the consequences it has imposed on colleges and universities, this year’s Warrior Scholar Project is especially important in helping student veterans succeed in new, non-traditional, and virtual learning environments. Syracuse University is proud to be entering its sixth year of partnership with WSP and empowering service members as they transition to higher education.”

The project at Syracuse University is a collaborative effort of the OVMA and the College of Arts and Sciences. Syracuse faculty who taught during this year’s program include, among others:

• Corri Zoli, Associate Teaching Professor, College of Law and Maxwell School
• Tessa Murphy, Assistant Professor, Maxwell School
• David Bennett, Professor Emeritus, Maxwell School
• Eileen Schell, Professor, College of Arts and Sciences
• Genevieve García de Müeller, Assistant Professor, College of Arts and Sciences

To bolster this year’s online format, the program featured events that included a virtual closing ceremony with comments from Syracuse University Vice Chancellor and Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) Founder Mike Haynie; as well as a virtual panel with WSP alumni. Current Syracuse University student and U.S. Air Force Airman Shaei Rodriguez was among the selected alumni to contribute his perspective.

WSP launched its first program at Yale University in 2012 with nine participants. Since then, WSP has expanded to serve hundreds of veterans across the country. In addition to Syracuse University, WSP graduates have gone on to enroll at such institutions as Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Georgetown, Harvard, Princeton, Stanford and Yale.

While Syracuse University usually holds an annual commissioning ceremony, this year’s event which was to be held in the new National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC), transitioned to a virtual format due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Chancellor Kent Syverud and U.S. Army veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Gary Beikirch .

“This year’s commissioning cadets have shown tremendous leadership skills, dedication and perseverance during their college careers. They leave the University fully prepared to honorably lead and protect our nation’s defense,” says retired Col. Ron Novack, executive director of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs at Syracuse University. “Our ROTC programs are an important piece of the University’s promise to be the best place for veterans and military-connected students. We are proud of these newly commissioned second lieutenants and are confident that they will make Syracuse University and our country proud in their military careers.”

The cadets graduated from five area colleges and universities: Syracuse University, Le Moyne College, Utica College, the SUNY College at Oswego and the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

In keeping with its commitment to service, Syracuse University boasts the longest continuously running ROTC program in the country.

Graduates were recognized with recorded messages from , .

The University normally holds a student veteran commencement each May. This year’s in-person event in the new National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC) was transitioned to a virtual format because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Graduates are expected to be recognized on campus once in-person instruction is deemed safe to resume in the fall.

Rachel Pray (center)

With her graduation this month, Rachel Pray becomes the first in her family to forge a career in both military service and medical care.

Originally from central Massachusetts, Cadet Pray was inspired to join the U.S. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) after a friend chose the same path.

“The military kind of scared me in a good way. I knew it would help me grow, so I decided to sign up for related classes going into my freshman year,” Pray says. “My mindset was: if I don’t try it now, I may not go back to it later. The ideals of the Air Force also lined up well with my core values.”

Though ROTC wasn’t part of her initial decision-making process, the community feel of campus and the approachable distance from home sold her on selecting Syracuse University.

During her time as a cadet, Pray was a color guard captain for two years and on the drill team. She also got involved with the Arnold Air Society, a professional honorary service organization focused on community service. Last summer, she served as a cadet training assistant at Maxwell Air Force Base facilitating and instructing the training exercise for younger cadets.

“I met so many awesome cadets from around the country, amazing officers—it really reinforced my confidence that the Air Force was the right path for me.”

Pray has graduated with degrees in biology and neuroscience, and is on the pre-medicine track. She has been involved on campus in and worked as an ER scribe doing undergraduate research.

Post-graduation, unlike most cadets who select rated or nonrated positions in the military, Pray will attend medical school with the intent of serving as an Air Force physician.

“Rated positions are for flying; nonrated are things like cyber and intel,” she says. “For me, I received pre-health approval with the support of Lt. Col. Kimbrough (professor of aerospace studies at Syracuse University). Essentially, the Air Force is allowing me to attend school under the Air Force Health Professions Scholarship program. So, I will do my four years of medical school at Nova Southeastern University in Clearwater, Florida, then do rotations on active duty bases before completing an active duty residency.”

Pray’s ultimate goal is simple—be a great Air Force physician. She is considering emergency medicine or surgery as her specialty.

“It’s been very valuable to be at a school so dedicated and supportive of military students,” she says. “The connections I have gained from Syracuse—specifically with cadre members who always have been extremely supportive—have made my path, which isn’t one that many take, feel possible. And for that, I am so grateful.”

Dominique Visser and her husband, Andy

U.S. Army spouse Dominique Visser was born and grew up in Sydney, Australia. She was working as an international trade advisor/market development specialist for the Australian federal government when she was told of her now-husband, Andy, by mutual friends.

“Good friends of mine told me about a U.S. Army soldier who was deployed in Iraq. They were convinced we would hit it off. So, we actually started writing each other while he was deployed in 2004.”

By spring 2005, when she visited her friends in Fort Drum, New York, Andy had returned from Iraq and turned up for dinner.

“We met in person, went on a few dates, and it was clear this was serious,” Visser recalls. “I went back to Australia and maintained a long-distance relationship. I visited Andy in January 2006, and we became engaged. By the time we got married, we had probably spent a collective eight weeks face to face.”

The two married in New York in July 2006. One month to the day after their wedding, Andy deployed again to Iraq, leaving his new wife in a new country amidst a new lifestyle.

“Military culture is so different. But I was lucky I have friends who showed me the ropes of military life,” she says.

The snow arrived in Fort Drum that year in October. It was Visser’s first experience living in the cold.

“I had to establish myself in the U.S. without my husband’s help,” she says. “I had to get a U.S. driver’s license and learn to drive on the other side of the road—in the snow! That experience was somewhat of a microcosm of being a military spouse. You have to be able to be independent and just get on with it.”

Andy returned home in July 2007, and the couple soon moved to California so he could complete his master’s degree at Stanford University. From there, the Vissers moved to Paris, then Hawaii, West Point, Virginia, Burkina Faso and now Belgium.

Through all the moves, and the births of their three children (now aged 11, 10 and 7), Dominique maintained a desire to advance her skills, knowledge and career.

She decided to pursue her online MBA and chose Syracuse University, given her familiarity with the University. She felt it would give her a formal academic framework on which to hang her international experience.

“I always felt a tie to Syracuse, being the closest hub to Fort Drum. SU was actually the only school I applied to, and they were so helpful,” she says. “My undergraduate degree is a B.A. in languages from Western Sydney University, and Syracuse University was understanding and accommodating about international accreditations. I had friends whose kids went to Syracuse, and I always heard good things. So when I got in, I was delighted.”

Doing her coursework online while managing a military family, Visser has endured her share of obstacles. En route back to Burkina Faso during a layover in Paris, everything was stolen—her laptop with her coursework, passports, certificates—but her professors were flexible and only concerned with her safety.

In Africa, two terrorist attacks hit their area, and the country was declared a no-travel zone. “I told my professors of the dangers, the challenges of heat, dust and electricity/connectivity,” she says. “They never pitied me or made me feel like they were making special accommodations. Rather, everyone was understanding and supportive in a difficult situation.”

Visser also found support from other students and her academic advisors.

“So many people I studied with took the time to understand the challenges of military life. When I had especially spotty internet service during the hot season in Africa, or during our move from Burkina Faso to Belgium, other military-connected students in the classes knew what I was experiencing. Being able to talk to others who get it and have jumped through those hoops, coupled with the support from the University—it set me and others like me up for success.”

For Visser and her family, her Syracuse degree is a family endeavor and a family investment.

“I have been so impressed with the program. This program really stretches and pushes you,” she says. “You have to sign on ready to work—it is not a walk in the park. My husband afforded me use of his GI Bill for this, and as he tells the kids when he takes them out for the day when I need to study, or when we all sit down to do our homework together, this effort is for all of us.”

The Visser family planned to attend Syracuse University’s Commencement. “My kids have seen the effort this has taken,” Dominique says. “They have seen me heading into class on weekends. They know the time difference with New York means I am up late at night for class and sometimes don’t finish until 2.30 a.m. So, we think it’s important for our kids to see the end of the effort, for them to see me walk the stage in my cap and gown.”

The University’s commencement has been postponed to the fall due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Vissers still hope to attend the rescheduled ceremony.

After taking a break from embassy work to finish her degree, Visser is excited to explore new opportunities with her MBA. Ideally, she would like to find a remote or transferable job to help with career continuity or even go back to her passion, international trade advisory/export advisory.

“My Syracuse education really has given me a sense of confidence that I can take on a career amidst this crazy life,” Visser says. “I have enjoyed every minute of this program, even the most challenging. To other military spouses, all I can say is: give it a try, invest in yourself—it’s worth it in the end.”

Ariel Blanco

Ariel Blanco’s interest in the military was piqued while he was in high school in Miami, impressed by both the demeanor of the recruiters that visited the school and the opportunity military life could provide.

“I grew up in a working-class family,” he says. “When the military recruiters visited my school, I loved the crisp look of their uniforms and was taken with how articulately they spoke about the academic opportunities and career prospects that came along with serving in the military.”

Blanco enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve in 2008, at age 17, with the support of his parents, both of whom are Cuban immigrants. He completed recruit training in Chicago and then went to “A” School and military police training in San Antonio, Texas, before deciding to work on his undergraduate degree at the University of Mississippi.

“Military police training got me interested in criminal justice and political science. I went to Ole Miss from 2010-13 while still serving as a reservist. I would drill one weekend a month and complete two weeks of training each year. I completed duty assignments in San Diego and Florida, and even served as security detail for the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.”

Following graduation, Blanco served on several short-term active duty assignments, including one in South Korea, as well as a yearlong deployment to the Middle East in 2016. While deployed, he began thinking seriously about law school.

“When I was overseas, I began thinking about civilian life post-deployment. As an undergrad, I always thought about becoming a lawyer,” he says. “While it’s hard to find time when you’re overseas working 12-13-hour days in the blistering heat, I made time and began studying for the LSAT after work.”

Close to 10 years after he first joined, Ariel returned to U.S. soil and worked to transition back to a part-military, part-civilian life while preparing to take the LSAT.

“When a deployment is over, it’s bittersweet. Although I missed my wife and family, I got used to life over there. There’s purpose in accomplishing the mission. I knew that getting back into the regular groove would take some time.”

When searching for law schools that supported veterans and service members, Blanco started noticing Syracuse University.

“When I was looking at schools, Syracuse University’s commitment to veterans and service members stood out to me,” Blanco says. “Syracuse University went so far as to have a Syracuse Law graduate and Navy judge advocate contact me during the application process, just to make sure I had everything I needed. This demonstrated that Syracuse was truly committed to supporting the military. I was sold!”

He enrolled in the College of Law never having set foot in Upstate New York.

In 2018, after his first year of law school, Blanco switched branches and attended Marine Corps Officer Candidate School, where he commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps.

He graduates this month with his juris doctorate and will serve on active duty as a Marine Corps judge advocate. His experience in the same crisp uniform he first admired as a high schooler will mesh with his newly minted legal degree from Syracuse University.

“I have come to love the military lifestyle,” Blanco says. “My invaluable experience at Syracuse University set me up to serve in the role I spent over 10 years working towards.”

Peggy Trujillo

With her graduation this month, Peggy Trujillo will have both a 20-year journalism career and her Syracuse University diploma.

As the child of a U.S. Air Force master sergeant, Trujillo spent her childhood moving from place to place for her father’s service career.

“Originally, I’m from everywhere,” she says.

Trujillo intended to go to college. But when various financial aid issues got in her way, she visited a military recruiter.

Knowing she was comfortable with military life and interested in journalism, Trujillo enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1996 and after bootcamp attended its Defense Information School in Fort Meade, Maryland. There, she studied public affairs, photography and journalism as part of her military training.

From school, she went overseas to Bahrain.

“I loved it there. I was there just 10 days before I put in a request to stay for the year,” she says. “It was 1997, not all ships had television, so we recorded news and sports and sent the programming to ships in the area, essentially acting as a duplication facility for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps News supporting broadcast command.”

Trujillo quickly realized she had found her niche at the intersection of journalism and military service. She continued in Bahrain for two years, then went to Japan working aboard the USS Fort McHenry doing photography, video and writing.

“We were always underway, and I loved seeing so much of the Pacific,” she says. “I saw Hong Kong, Guam, Korea, Thailand—all in service to my country.”

She then served in Sicily at the U.S. broadcast station there before being called back to the United States to serve at the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) headquarters in D.C., where she spent four years working on the Navy Security Forces magazine.

In 2008, Trujillo was assigned as the leading petty officer aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt in Norfolk, Virginia. The ship deployed to South Africa and made history as the first carrier to visit the country in more than six decades.

All the while, Trujillo maintained a home and family in Maryland. In 2011, she returned home, as all Navy media services were brought under one umbrella. In 2014, she began teaching journalism classes at the Naval Media Center at Fort Meade—the same school where she began her military career. After three years of instructing there, Trujillo retired, 20 years to the day from when she had enlisted.

“After retirement, I knew I was going to go back to school. Of all the positions I held during my time in uniform, teaching was my favorite. I knew I wanted to be a college professor. And to do that, I needed my master’s.”

“The Navy Chief of Information Office sponsors a program that sends military members to Syracuse University for military photojournalism and military visual journalism through the Newhouse School,” she says. “Throughout my career, I had had sailors attend the program and come back and work for me. I was always so impressed with them, so I decided I, too, wanted to get a degree from Syracuse and Newhouse.”

Trujillo applied and was accepted to the Newhouse School’s online master’s in communications program. In January 2020, she was one of more than 20 students to attend Student Veterans of America’s National Conference in Los Angeles. “NatCon blew my mind. The Office of Veteran and Military Affairs sent more students than any other school and paid for everything. I would have never gotten that opportunity at another institution.”

This semester, Trujillo completed her degree in communications with a focus in public relations, having finished her entire course load online.

“There is no school that supports veterans more than Syracuse,” Trujillo says. “It’s not just one office, it’s the whole school mentality. I am beyond happy with my decision.”

Harrington

Will Harrington ’21 is recipient of the SVO’s Community Support Award, which is presented to a member of the Syracuse University community who has done extensive work in support of veterans, active duty military members and military-connected members of the community. A currently serving Army National Guardsman and student in the College of Arts and Sciences, Harrington was selected in recognition of his volunteer and community efforts to host the inaugural 22 A Day At Willow Bay, a charity event that raises money and awareness for veteran suicide prevention efforts.

Quartaro

Harrington has also received the SGT Danny Facto Student Veterans Work-Study Award. The honor is presented to a student veteran who reflects the value and character of Danny Facto, a decorated combat veteran, Purple Heart recipient and hardworking Syracuse alumnus who passed away in 2009.

White

Katy Quartaro ’18 G’20, a Marine Corps veteran and a public administration graduate candidate in the Maxwell School, has received the SVO’s Best for Vets Award. The honor recognizes one individual who has done the most to help student veterans succeed both on and off campus. A Tillman Scholar, Quartaro was selected for her tireless contribution to the Peer Advisors for Veteran Education (P.A.V.E.) organization.

Sullivan

This year, the SVO Executive Board created a new honor, the SVO Service award, to acknowledge the contributions of an active organization member. The inaugural award is presented to Kevaunte White ’22, a Marine Corps veteran and student in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Amanda Sullivan ’21 is recipient of the final award, Student Veteran of the Year, the highest honor bestowed by the OVMA. Sullivan is a P.A.V.E. peer advisor, a Veteran Career Services student liaison and a Veteran Career Services VA work-study.

“We recognize these students, and the entire student veteran body at Syracuse University, with great pride,” says OVMA Executive Director Ron Novack. “These awards prove just how much strength, honor and character student veterans bring to the University community.”

The SVO is one of several initiatives overseen by the OVMA. The office and its efforts support the University’s longstanding commitment to be the “best place for veterans.”

Pictured is the 2019 Chancellor’s Review. The 2020 event was canceled due to COVID-19.

On April 10, cadets from the University’s U.S. Army and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) were honored with various distinctions from the University and community organizations as part of the yearly Chancellor’s Review Awards. Normally celebrated as a public event on-campus, this year’s in-person review was canceled due to the CoVID-19 health crisis.

The honors, now in their 103rd year, celebrate the ROTC cadets and their commitment to service in a nod to the University’s long history of military commitment and support. Syracuse boasts the longest consecutively running ROTC program in the country—a legacy in keeping with the University tradition of support for the veterans and military families as the “best place for veterans.”

“Our Army and Air Force ROTC programs and cadets exhibit drive, ambition and hard work and make this University proud,” says Ron Novack, executive director of the OVMA. “Our ROTC programs remain a critical element of our campus, community and defense of our nation. It is a privilege to have them as students and work alongside them as they prepare to lead the next generation of our country’s armed forces.”

Awards presented include the General Edward C. Meyer Leadership Award, an honor bestowed on the most outstanding Army ROTC cadet who demonstrates extraordinary officer potential and leadership qualities. This year, the award was presented to Cadet Marshall Lipsey ’20 who received an additional two honors.

Air Force Cadet Rachel Pray ’20 and Army Cadet Matthew Weber G’20 also received top honors, being awarded the Harvey S. Smith Memorial Award, which recognizes outstanding leadership, discipline, character, citizenship and achievement in academics. The Smith award was one of two awards Pray earned.

Syracuse University’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs presented its Commitment to Service Award to Air Force Cadet Caleb Holmes ’20 and Army Cadet Kathleen Edwards ’20. Presented to cadets who are either veterans or military dependents, the honor recognizes high achievement in academics, commitment to service and a proven understanding of citizenship through patriotism and community service.

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The ROTC program is an integral piece of the University’s commitment to the veteran and military-connected population. Recently ranked the No. 1 private school for veterans by Military Times, for the third time in four years, Syracuse is furthering its commitment with the opening of the National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC), a first-of-its-kind multi-use facility dedicated to advancing academic research, programming and community-connected innovation serving the social, economic and wellness concerns of the nation’s veterans and families. A grand opening ceremony for the NVRC is being planned for fall 2020.

Chris Giglio

For many, joining the military is as much a matter of family tradition as it is a commitment to serve. For Syracuse graduate student and third-generation Naval officer Chris Giglio, it was also a matter of building on a personal history.

“I served six years in the U.S. Coast Guard. Within two years of leaving active duty, I knew I belonged back in the military,” Giglio says. “I was raised on sea stories from my father and grandfather, both naval officers, and I set my sights on following in their footsteps.”

As an enlisted Coast Guardsman, Giglio completed tours on a Marine Protector-class patrol cutter and as a jet aircrewman. Upon commissioning in the Navy, he had the opportunity to honor the service of both his Navy family predecessors.

“I completed two tours as a surface warfare officer, like my grandfather, and loved it—mastering the art of shiphandling was especially rewarding for me,” says Giglio. “I then transferred to the public affairs community as my father had. I saw it as an opportunity to advocate for the Navy as a whole, and to tell the incredible stories of the service and the sailors carrying out good work around the world every day.”

After an initial tour in public affairs, Giglio was offered the opportunity to attend one of several Navy-sponsored graduate programs in public relations. After being assigned to a different program, he jumped at the opportunity to attend Syracuse. Giglio credits the quality and reputation of the public relations program at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, as well as the prospect of simultaneously pursuing a certificate of advanced studies in public administration from the Maxwell School, in guiding his decision.

“The opportunity to participate in both programs was a huge draw for me,” says Giglio. “I find that the Maxwell courses complement what I learn at Newhouse. I think my time at Syracuse is not only enhancing my public relations skillset, but also making me a more well-rounded officer with a more nuanced worldview and better understanding of national security.”

Giglio also speaks highly of the opportunity to continue to lead sailors—the cadre of Navy mass communication specialists attending Newhouse’s highly selective Military Visual Journalism Program—even while studying as a full-time graduate student.

“Leading sailors is the most rewarding part of being a Naval officer,” says Giglio. “I can’t think of another Navy graduate education program that provides the opportunity to keep that leadership competency sharp.”

Giglio is the third consecutive Navy public affairs officer to attend Syracuse for the Newhouse and Maxwell courses of study. While he chose Syracuse for the academic reputation of its graduate education, Giglio notes that he was not expecting the quality of programs or level of support for military connected students that Syracuse provides.

“It’s not just the impressive portfolio of veteran support programs or the University’s long ROTC history—it’s down to a very personal level,” Giglio says. “Faculty and staff are genuinely interested in the individual and are motivated toward continually improving the military-connected experience at Syracuse.”

As Giglio’s time at Syracuse winds down he is preparing to graduate and move on to his next tour on the staff of Commander, Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet in Naples, Italy. He credits his time at Syracuse for laying out a roadmap for the rest of his Naval career.

“I’m not a public relations practitioner who happens to be in the Navy,” says Giglio. “I am a Naval officer first, and I do what I do because I truly believe in the Navy, its sailors and its missions. My time at Syracuse has been invaluable in adding to my toolbox and being able to better communicate on behalf of the Navy.”

Sharon Otasowie

Sharon Otasowie

Where did you grow up and what led you to attend Syracuse?
I am originally from Nigeria. I was born there and grew up in Southern California about an hour away from Los Angeles in the Antelope Valley. I came to Syracuse Law after I completed my undergrad at a very community-focused school. There, the students helped and encouraged one another. I wanted to attend a law school with a similar feel, where it felt like everybody was on your side and willing to help you do better rather than compete with you or tear you down.

What motivated you to join ROTC?
There were a lot of little moments that led to me joining. I interned with the International Services and Armed Forces branch of the American Red Cross. There, I learned I was interested in international law and working with military members. Someone mentioned doing the JAG (Judge Advocate General’s Corps) program because I was interested in law. I didn’t really think too much of it because I had never wanted to join the military.

It wasn’t until I graduated undergrad and was packing up to move for a law school when, at Home Goods with my mom, I met a woman who was retired after a career in the Air Force. She happened to ask me what I was going to do now that I was done with school. I was going to law school and I was interested in becoming a JAG officer but that I didn’t know what that looked like or who to talk with to make it happen.

She talk to me for an hour about her daughter who had just graduated as a JAG with the Air Force and all the things that she was getting to do as a result. It was amazing just hearing her story and right there I was convinced that I needed to join the Air Force and apply for the JAG program.

What was the application and selection process like for the program?
The Air Force allows you to apply your first year of law school. You fill out an application online, write a motivational statement and explain why you want to join. You then meet with the detachment commander and you go in for an interview with the staff judge advocate. It feels like a long interview.

Your package is submitted to the board, and you’re competing against students all across the country so it’s a pretty big deal because the exception rate is very low.

Not only was I accepted but so was Aly (Alyssa Kozma) which is amazing! To the best of my knowledge, we are the only two Syracuse law students to be admitted, and both female.

What have been some rewarding experiences at Syracuse and with ROTC?

My most rewarding experiences have been meeting the people here. I’m so impressed by the ROTC students who are in the program. Their dedication and motivation is so contagious and so inspiring! They all give 110 percent all the time, and it really pushes me to try my best as well.

Through the law school I have met alumni who are former JAG officers in different branches. All of them have been willing to help me, mentor me or answer any questions. I’ve also met alumni who are civilian lawyers and judges who have JAG officer friends that they have contacted on my behalf when I have had questions. Through ROTC and the law school, I’ve been encouraged, helped and supported in a way that I never expected.

What are your aspirations after graduation and in your military career?

I want to try cases and do trials for the military. I also like legal service work, so engaging with clients one-on-one regarding their personal legal issues such as getting them out of a housing contact because they have to move or deploy.

I hope to work my way up to international law. I’m really interested in diplomacy and working with different countries.

What does it mean to attend a school committed to military service members?  
It’s a big deal! It’s great to have that support and representation. For me, the idea of being a service member is still new. I’m still learning everything that does along with it but it’s nice to Syracuse has the support available should I ever need it.

Anything you’d like to share?

In addition to ROTC, I am a part of the law school’s student ambassadors’ program, the International Law and Commerce Journal and a member of the Advocacy Honor Society on the Trial Division and Team for which I was recently elected communications director.

Finally, I just want to acknowledge the support of my friends, family and those at Syracuse who have supported me. I am so proud to be a part of the United States Air Force and so glad to be on this journey with Aly. I know I can turn to her or look to her for help and encouragement.

Alyssa Kozma

Alyssa Kozma

Tell us about where you grew up and what led you to attend Syracuse.

I grew up in a military family—my mom was in the Army and my dad was in the Air Force. We spent time in Nevada, North Dakota and Nebraska. I spent most of high school and did my undergraduate in Nebraska. I graduated from the University of Nebraska, Omaha, with a bachelor of political science in 2018. While I was in Omaha, I worked as a civilian analyst for the Air Force at United States Strategic Command. I always knew I wanted to go to law school, but it was there I found my passion for military, foreign policy and national security matters. Being immersed in the military environment also confirmed for me that I did want to follow in my family’s footsteps and serve myself.

I thought really hard about my decision where to attend law school. I chose to pack up and move to Syracuse for the exceptional National Security and Counterterrorism program offered by the law school. I also love to be outdoors so the beauty of upstate New York and all it has to offer with parks, lakes and waterfalls was a big draw. My sister is also a cadet at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Coming to Syracuse meant I would only be a few hours away from her, and we would have each other to lean on as things got tough in our own academic/military journeys.

What motivated you to join ROTC?

I chose to join ROTC and pursue a commission in the U.S. Air Force because I want to honor my family’s long tradition of military service and because I hope to use my education and experience to further a cause greater than myself. ROTC allows me to develop as a person and a leader alongside my educational development through the law school.

Tell us a bit about the JAG program you are pursuing. What was the selection process and how did you get involved?

I applied to the JAG Corps in the second semester of my first year of law school. The Graduate Law Program (GLP) is an expedited two-year Air Force ROTC program for law students. GLP students are guaranteed a position as an Air Force judge advocate, a military lawyer, upon successful completion of the Air Force ROTC program, graduation from an approved law school, and completion of legal licensing requirements. This is a unique opportunity as the overwhelming majority of ROTC cadets are in their undergraduate programs and the majority of judge advocates are selected after law school graduation.

What have been some of your most rewarding experiences at Syracuse and with ROTC?

The most rewarding part of ROTC, for me, has been the opportunity to interact with such an inspiring group of cadets. We all come from such different backgrounds, we all have different interests and experiences, but we all share hopes of military service. As someone who’s “been there, done that” when it comes to college, I’m able to provide another perspective to the group.

What are your military and post-Syracuse career aspirations?

As a judge advocate, I aspire to focus my practice in the areas of international law and operations law. It is a long-term goal of mine to become a staff judge advocate in order to serve as legal advisor to a combatant commander.

What does it mean to you to attend a school that is so committed to military service members?

I think it’s an incredible opportunity to be at a school that has such strong support for the military community. I can especially see the impact at the Veteran’s Legal Clinic, hosted at the law school, where so many students are committed to assisting veterans and their families using the skills they’ve developed.

Nick Armstrong and Rosy Maury

Nick Armstrong G’08, G’14 (Ph.D.), senior director for research and analytics at the University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), and Rosy Maury, IVMF director of applied research and analytics, have each been appointed to leading advisory committees dedicated to advancing opportunities and services for veterans. The appointments highlight the success and importance of the IVMF’s research initiatives and commitment to the military community.

Armstrong was named to Pennsylvania’s State Advisory Committee on the Coordination of Veterans Services. As part of the committee, he will review and analyze laws, regulations and policies affecting the coordination of veteran services between federal, state and local entities.

Maury was selected to join an advisory committee with the National Science Foundation. The committee’s efforts will be focused on creating recommendations for policy makers to expand opportunities for women veterans pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. Among the group’s charge is hosting a national convening on engaging and retaining women veterans in the STEM Workforce. The conference, “NSF INCLUDES,” will be commence in spring 2021.

“We are proud to see Rosy and Nick appointed to significant leadership roles that align with our mission,” says Maureen Casey, IVMF COO. “Both posts are great opportunities for the University to contribute in a meaningful way to work that advances the post service lives of military families.”

A West Point undergraduate, Syracuse University master’s and doctoral graduate and U.S. Army veteran, Armstrong leads IVMF’s research and analytics team that supports global service delivery to 25,000-plus military-connected individuals annually. He also manages the institute’s broad portfolio of externally sponsored social and policy research, program evaluations and data-sharing efforts. He is recognized as a leading voice in academic and media publications.

Maury works on a diverse research portfolio that reflects the range of social, economic and wellness challenges that may affect transitioning service members, veterans, or their families. Her work has been featured in numerous publications and has been presented at various professional conferences. Maury holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in psychology from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Kelvin Nyamalor

It’s not every day a student arrives on campus with their whole life tucked away into a single military duffle bag, but for Kelvin Nyamalor, a student veteran at Syracuse University, that was exactly how he arrived.

“I came here during the spring semester last year,” Nyamalor says. “There was a snowstorm coming, and some of the offices were closed, so I couldn’t get everything I needed to get into the dorm. One of the other student veterans took me in that night and the next day brought me back to campus. While I was getting settled, another student veteran took me out shopping. I didn’t have anything—no pillows, no covers, nothing. I only had my stuff in my duffle bag.”

Nyamalor’s journey to Syracuse University started in his hometown of Accra, Ghana. Growing up, he enjoyed sports like soccer, basketball and track. At the time, he aspired to work in the medical field and become a pharmacist.

Nyamalor came to the United States during his junior year of high school. His father had moved here earlier and settled in northern Virginia. It was during this time that Kelvin was first exposed to the military through a performance by the U.S. Marine Corps’ Silent Drill Team. Their performances have amazed crowds for decades, and on that day in Arlington, Virginia, the team inspired Nymalor to join the military.

“It was so skillful and synchronized, it was really impressive. I saw that and knew it was what I wanted to do,” he says. “Not necessarily the color guard, but join the military.”

After high school, Nyamalor enrolled in Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), where his English professor, Jill Biden, former second lady of the United States, spoke highly of Syracuse University, where her husband, former Vice President Joe Biden, had attended law school. Nymalor applied to Syracuse University and was accepted, but paying for the tuition was going to be a problem. That’s when he had randomly ran into the same military recruiter that he remembered from high school.

“I originally met the recruiter while I was a senior in high school,” Nyamalor says. “I told him I wanted to finish college first and then join the military. It wasn’t until I was in community college and ran into him again that he explained how I could do both while also becoming a naturalized citizen.”

Nyamalor was in the position of realizing several of his dreams all at once. He could join the military, receive education benefits, get his U.S. citizenship and become a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army. He seized the opportunity and immediately after he finished his two years at NOVA attended basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri.

“Bootcamp was a bit of a shock, I hadn’t looked up anything about drill sergeants,” Nyamalor recalls. “But I really liked the discipline, I liked the attention to the small details. I still really like that aspect of the military, and I think it makes us stand out.”

While Nyamalor was undergoing his advanced individual training for his job in the military, he reached out to the admissions staff at Syracuse University to set up the next step in his journey.

“They were really great. I explained that I was in the military, sent them copies of my orders for my deferment, and they took care of everything else for me to come back and start classes in time for the Spring 2019 semester.”

It was towards the end of that first semester that Nyamalor would accomplish that next step; in April his naturalization paperwork was processed, and he became a citizen of the United States. As a citizen, he became eligible to serve as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army and has now joined Syracuse University’s storied Army ROTC program.

“Becoming a cadet here has been one of my greatest experiences so far. I received the Minute Man scholarship [which provides tuition and financial assistance for Army ROTC Cadets], and I’ll be able to become an officer in the Army. Syracuse University has helped make my goals possible and that’s everything I could ever really want.”

Nyamalor is expecting to graduate in 2021. He plans to use his degree in information technology and management as a Signal Corps officer in the U.S. Army.

Jennifer Gotie

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jennifer Gotie didn’t grow up envisioning a career in military service. Born and raised in Truxton, New York, she imagined a life for herself as a diplomat and as a result became involved with the Rotary International Exchange Program. The program took her to Belgium, then France and Sicily. Soon, she had fallen in love with language and travel.

When she began her college career at SUNY Brockport, she wasn’t thrilled that her parents had signed her up for the school’s Reserve Officer Training Corps program (ROTC.)

“Surprisingly, I was totally hooked, right from the start,” Gotie says. “I loved it, the team environment and incredible experiences that you could only find in ROTC. Looking back, I can’t imagine college without ROTC!”

Gotie adjusted her plan. To fulfill her service requirement of ROTC she decided she would put in four years of military service then take that experience, as well as her degrees in political science and international studies and go into the foreign service—a reasonable adjustment to her original diplomacy aspirations.

Prior to heading off to her initial officer training course she had the chance to remain at Brockport as an ROTC Gold Bar Recruiter. Four months later, however, was Sept. 11, 2001.

“9/11 changed everything. My post as a recruiter was over,” says Gotie. “I left a week later for the Military Intelligence Officer Basic Course in Arizona. With 9/11, the focus was military intelligence. When I arrived, the whole military intelligence community was there to strategize.”

Jennifer Gotie

After five months of training, Gotie was sent to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, a base known as the home of Airborne and Special Operations. By then it was February 2002 and military intelligence was focusing efforts not only in Afghanistan but also Iraq.

“Within a month of arriving at Fort Bragg, I was preparing the Counterintelligence and Interrogator companies to deploy. Shortly after, I was tasked to be a targeting officer and was deployed a year later to Saudi Arabia where I further moved around to Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Qatar. I also had to provide additional support to our efforts in the Horn of Africa. It was nonstop.”

After spending close to a year deployed, Gotie returned to Fort Bragg and completed several course and exercises throughout the United States. Soon, her contractual four-year term was up.

“Four years after my commissioning, true to my original plan, I tried to get out,” Gotie says. “Like many, though I was impacted by stop-loss, which is when the military essentially denies your exit. You can’t get out.”

Gotie continued serving, first stateside and then deploying again to Qatar, Kuwait and Afghanistan. In 2007, instead of getting out, she decided to dive further in.

“I decided to get into civil affairs. I was tired of continuously reacting to a crisis, just operationalizing combat,” Gotie says. “I wanted to understand the deeper problem we as a coalition were facing in the Middle East; I wanted to be proactive and do something that would make a lasting impact, instead of constantly addressing symptoms.”

At the time, women were still unable to attend the Infantry Captain’s Career Course, as part of the Civil Affairs pipeline so Gotie was sent to the next closest thing, the Military Police Captain’s Career Course (MPCCC). Over the next 18 months, she completed the MPCCC, Airborne School, Thai language training, the Civil Affairs Qualification Course, Advanced Negotiations, and Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape (SERE) High Risk training.

“The SERE training is intense. Essentially, you learn how to survive if separated from friendly forces to include being captured and imprisoned. It prepares you for the most high-risk missions,” Gotie says.

Upon completion of the 18-month pipeline, she was assigned under the U.S. Army Special Operations Command and shortly after deployed to the Philippines on just 10 days’ notice in April 2009.

Jennifer Gotie has been deployed to Qatar, Kuwait and Afghanistan, among other places.

There, she led a Civil Affairs Team focused on counterinsurgency/counterterrorism. One of her team’s projects was advocating for a fishing program that would allow locals to raise fish that they could eat and sell as a way of bettering their lives and the local economy.

“The Fishing for Peace program really embodied what it is that I love about the Civil Affairs mission,” says Gotie. “Here were these local groups that were previously at odds with each other pledging to help one another. It wasn’t about us and our direct involvement. Instead, we were working to empower them and give them the means to change their lives. I think that’s what people miss when it comes to counterinsurgency/counterterrorism. If you can bring opportunities to people to improve their lives, they themselves can help stabilize their community through economic growth and security. Development and security go hand-in-hand.”

Gotie then returned to Bragg to prepare for the next deployment in less than seven months. She was slated to take a team to Sri Lanka but was moved to the next position of responsibility and became the company operations chief and sent on temporary duty to the Special Operations Command Pacific. There, she managed several civil military support elements throughout Southeast Asia, who were supporting the U.S. embassies and national governments with counterinsurgency/counterterrorism missions.

In 2011, she earned a master’s degree in international studies at the University of Kansas and soon was sent to Washington state to head up the formation of a new civil affairs unit at Joint Base Lewis-McCord (JBLM). Over the next three years, she was sent on temporary assignments to Vietnam and Hawaii and commanded a civil affairs company. Once her assignment at JBLM was complete she was assigned to Korea, to conduct civil affairs planning for three years.

In Korea, Gotie worked to prepare for humanitarian crises, built relationships with multiple non-governmental organizations, such as Doctors Without Borders, facilitated planning initiatives with United Nations Humanitarian organizations and eventually served as the executive officer for the Special Operations Command Korea commanding general.

When she finally left Korea in summer 2018, Gotie was thrilled to be assigned to the highly decorated 4th Infantry Division in Colorado and have a chance to spend some time with friends and family in the states. However, the Army had other plans for her: within four months of returning home, Gotie deployed to Afghanistan.

“I hadn’t been to Afghanistan in over 10 years but having the opportunity to direct civil military operations for all U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan gave me the ability to focus on a very underutilized capability to revitalize Civilian Casualty mitigation and strengthen relationships with the UN Humanitarian Community as well as the US Agency for International Development,” Gotie says. “We have been there a long time and sacrificed a great deal so whatever small part I could play to make a positive impact I was going to do it.”

Jennifer Gotie

During her deployment, she began looking at options for her next assignment. When the Army ROTC program at Syracuse University came up, she was beyond excited.

“I had been far away from home for so long. The opportunity at Syracuse was a dream to see on the screen,” Gotie says. “To be close to my parents as they are getting older and work at an institution with a deep military commitment—I jumped at the chance.”

On Aug. 17, 2019, Gotie deplaned from Afghanistan; within 10 days, she was on the grounds of the University’s campus.

For the next three years, Gotie will oversee the University’s Army ROTC program, the longest consecutively running program of its kind in the country. She has plans to put together a course on emotional and cultural intelligence, increase leadership opportunities and set up new internships within U.S. Army Special Operations.

“Syracuse has such an amazing student body and military commitment. The cadets here inspire me and help me remember when I was young and wanted to move mountains,” she says. “It is so gratifying to be mentoring the future leaders of our country, business and government.”

She also hopes to work on a second master’s or pursue a Ph.D. citing her love for the University and desire to be a Syracuse alumna. Regardless, she will continue to serve at the end of her assignment.

“Eventually I will retire; but I know I will serve in some capacity forever,” Gotie says. “This spring will mark 19 years since I started my active duty service. It’s funny to think how this path that I didn’t even initially choose has really chosen me and given me such purpose. It’s an honor to serve my country and an honor to do so at Syracuse.”

PTF has opened the application process for the Tillman Scholar program, which supports eligible military service members, veterans and spouses with academic scholarships, leadership development opportunities and a national network so they are empowered to make an impact in the fields of health care, public service, business, STEM, law, the humanities and education. The application to join the 2020 class of Tillman Scholars will remain open until Feb. 29.

Pat Tillman

The fellowship program honors Pat Tillman, a starting safety for the National Football League’s Arizona Cardinals, who in 2002 put his football career on hold to serve his country. Family and friends established the Pat Tillman Foundation following Pat’s death in April 2004 while serving with the U.S. Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan.

Each year, up to 60 applicants nationwide are selected to be Tillman Scholars based on the core values of service, scholarship, humble leadership and impact. Active duty service members and student veterans attending a four-year institution full time, as well as the current or surviving spouses of veterans or active duty service members, are eligible to apply. Now in its fourth year as one of 15 PTF University Partners, Syracuse University was selected for its innovative veteran services, strong culture of support for military veterans and spouses and its rigorous academic programs.

“We’re honored and excited to continue our partnership as a Tillman Foundation University Partner,” says Col. (Ret.) Ron Novack, executive director of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA). “Syracuse University wholly supports their charge to empower active duty service members, veterans and their spouses. This partnership affirms the hard work of so many as we remain committed to being the best place for veterans and their families.”

, a Marine Corps veteran and candidate in the executive master of public administration program in the was named a Tillman Scholar in 2019; Katie Piston, a Navy spouse and doctoral candidate in the bioengineering program in the  was selected in 2018; and Ryan Gross ’18, now a senior intelligence analyst for the Defense Intelligence Agency, was the University’s inaugural Tillman scholar in 2017.

To date, PTF has invested more than $18 million in academic support and named 635 Tillman Scholars at over 150 academic institutions nationwide.

Eligible full-time students pursuing a degree at Syracuse University, or planning to enroll full-time at the school, may apply to be Syracuse University Tillman Scholars. Currently enrolled Syracuse University students who plan to pursue graduate studies at an institution that is not a University Partner may still apply to be a Tillman Scholar by applying “at large.”

Interested students should visit the Pat Tillman Foundation website, , to start an application. The application requires a resume, valid military service record, financial worksheet, a character recommendation and two essays detailing military and public service experiences as well as future academic and career goals.

Applications must be submitted by Feb. 29. Finalists will be interviewed by the Pat Tillman Foundation and asked to submit additional materials.

The Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising (CFSA) is eager to help students with their Tillman Scholar application materials. “Our office exists to help students navigate the process of applying for nationally competitive scholarships,” says Jolynn Parker, director of CFSA. “We’re here to help with essays and personal statements. I’m looking forward to working with our student veterans on this extraordinary opportunity.”

Oliver Posewitz

Every student at Syracuse University has their own unique story, whether they enroll straight out of high school or as a non-traditional student returning to begin a second career. Some students overcome serious challenges; some attend as part of a Syracuse family legacy.  For Oliver Posewitz ’20, a senior in the School of Information Studies, it was a bit of both.

Before attending Syracuse University, Posewitz served six years in the U.S. Navy, a decision influenced by his time on the water as a kid.

“My family used to vacation up on the St. Lawrence river every summer,” Posewitz says. “I remember seeing this big boat on the river, and it had a really big machine weapon on the back of it. And I just thought that was really cool. Over the years, my friends and I would talk about the military, and I finally decided it was what I wanted to do after high school.”

In the Navy, Posewitz served as an air traffic controller, a high-stress and demanding job that has a high attrition rate, at the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Pensacola, Florida. Despite enjoying his military career, he knew it wasn’t what he wanted to do forever. When it was time to transition out, Posewitz decided Syracuse was the obvious choice for his academic goals.

“I was getting out of the Navy and looking into where I wanted to go to college. I had read somewhere that Syracuse University was one of the best private schools for veterans and just happened that it was near home,” he says.

Having grown up in the City of Syracuse as well as neighboring Cazenovia, Posewitz was well aware that an education from Syracuse University would give him an edge. So, determined to be Orange, he applied only to Syracuse University.

“It was SU or bust, really,” he says.

When Posewitz first stepped foot on campus, he was following in the footsteps of his grandmother, also a Navy veteran from the World War II era as a member of the U.S. Naval Reserve Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, or WAVES. Upon the conclusion of WWII, she was a part of the “GI Bulge” that rapidly grew Syracuse University’s enrollment numbers and propelled it from a regional liberal arts college into a nationally renowned private university.

Carrying his grandmother’s legacy isn’t all Posewitz brings with him to his classes; his father also served as inspiration for him to pursue higher education.

“A few months into the Navy, I went home on leave and my father passed away,” Posewitz says. “I felt a college degree would be sort of a resolution. He never really pushed college on me even though he had gone to college when he was young. He was just always excited and supportive of me regardless. So that played a huge role in it, just reaching that sort of conclusion after he passed.”

Posewitz’s time at the University has also been enriched by internship opportunities. Using his knowledge from his coursework in applied data science, he landed an internship last summer with First Data, now Fiserv, and will intern with General Electric after the spring semester.

Like many students, though, Posewitz found the transition from military to student life to be a challenge. He found solace in the various organizations on campus specifically for veterans.

“There are so many groups to help veterans here,” Posewitz says. “The Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, the Institute for Veterans and Military Families, the Student Veterans Organization, the Office of Vet Success. It’s a little overwhelming at first, but soon you learn who does what. Since veterans can get a sponsor when they come here, I had someone who showed me around and taught me how to navigate everything. The support here is unmatched.”

Mike Haynie (third from left) and Nick Armstrong (fourth from left) meet with (from right) Chancellor Kent Syverud, the 25th U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter and Sean O’Keefe, among others on campus.

Mike Haynie, vice chancellor and founder of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), has been named to the prestigious for 2019. The HillVets100 is an annual listing of the nation’s 100 most influential veterans, service members and veteran-community advocates. Joining Haynie on the list this year is Nick Armstrong G’08, G’14,  senior director of research and analytics at the IVMF.

HillVets is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., that works to facilitate collaboration and leadership opportunities in support of veterans interested in engaging in policy, politics or government. The annual HillVets100 listing is designed to highlight and recognize the most impactful and influential change-makers and advocates within the veteran community across the United States.

Haynie and Armstrong join a distinguished group recognized on the 2019 HillVets100, including well-known artists, elected officials, business executives, athletes and community advocates. This year, others recognized on the HillVets100 list include U.S. Marine veteran and Oscar-nominated actor Adam Driver; Robert Wilke, the 10th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; U.S. Navy veteran and “Stranger Things” actress Jennifer Marshall; Sean Doolittle, military advocate and pitcher for the Washington Nationals; and Herschel Walker, former National Football League running back and Heisman Trophy winner.

“I am proud and humbled to be included among the diverse and inspiring group of honorees recognized on the HillVets100 list,” says Haynie. “It is with a special pride that I share this distinction with my friend and close colleague Dr. Armstrong. To have two members of the Syracuse University community included among this distinguished group of influencers and advocates is a testament to the work and commitment of our University to positively impact the social, economic and wellness concerns of the nation’s veterans and families. To be recognized in this way is humbling, and it’s an honor that Nick and I agree belongs to the entire Syracuse University community.”

Shortly after arriving at Syracuse University in 2006, Haynie created the , a program to provide business ownership training to traumatically injured veterans. Five years later, Haynie launched IVMF. Funded almost entirely by external grants and philanthropy, since its inception, the IVMF has provided no-cost educational, vocational and community-based social service programs impacting more than 132,000 veterans and family members. Haynie is frequently asked by Congress to testify on policy issues impacting veterans and was twice selected by the Obama administration to chair federal advisory commissions tasked with spearheading transformation and reform at the U.S Department of Veteran Affairs and the U.S. Department of Labor.

Armstrong is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. At the conclusion of his military service he came to Syracuse University, where he earned a Ph.D. from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Today Armstrong directs the IVMF’s broad portfolio of social science and policy research, program evaluation and data analytics initiatives. Due in part to Armstrong’s leadership, in 2019 the IVMF was responsible for more than 30 percent of the total externally sponsored research and programmatic funding generated by Syracuse University’s academic enterprise. Recently, in close partnership with the Maxwell School, Armstrong co-led the development and launch of a new initiative, the , designed to create pathways into public service and elected office for veterans.

Armstrong and Haynie, along with the other members of the 2019 HillVets100, will be honored at the annual HillVets Tribute Gala in Washington, D.C., on March 25. Proceeds from the event support the HillVets House Fellowship and HillVets LEAD programs, both of which provide fellowships, leadership training, mentorship and a variety of other resources positioned to empower veterans to continue their service through careers in government, international affairs, policy and politics.

Syracuse University’s legacy of service to veterans goes back to World War II, when Chancellor William Pearson Tolley opened the doors of the University to more than 10,000 veterans returning home from war. Chancellor Syverud reaffirmed that commitment when he arrived in 2014 and as a result, today Syracuse University is ranked by The Military Times as the #1 private university in America for veterans.

In April, Syracuse University will extend and enhance its legacy of service to America’s veterans, with the opening of the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building, home to the Syracuse University National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC). Funded entirely by external grants and philanthropy, including a historic $20 million gift from Dan and Gayle D’Aniello, the NVRC represents a first-of-its kind academic center of excellence, focused to engage the academic community to address the social, economic and wellness concerns of the nation’s veterans and military-connected family members.

“SVA’s National Conference is a powerful and informative convening for our students, both in attendance and back home on campus,” says Novack. “The conference also offers an opportunity for our University leaders to share proprietary research and strategies that seek to improve the student veteran experience in higher education across the country. The insight and knowledge we bring back to campus year-after-year enhances the student experience for all Syracuse University scholars as we continue our work to be the best place for veterans, their families and military-connected students. The addition of this year’s career meetings further benefitted our student attendees.”

Every year, SVA’s National Conference brings more than 2,000 student veterans, advocates, thought-leaders, stakeholders and supporters in higher education together for the field’s largest convening. The three-day conference consisted of breakout sessions geared toward student veteran success and post-graduation opportunities.

“SVA’s conference was an experience I’ll remember the rest of my life. Getting to know the unique stories of fellow student veterans from around the country showed me how diverse and incredible we truly are,” says Laura Buys ’18, G’21, a U.S. Air Force veteran and master’s degree candidate in social work in the  Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics. “Attending sessions for student veterans with disabilities, those who identify as LGBTQIA and the experiences of women in the military, I felt more empowered in my own identities. I also felt a sense of connectedness with others and an increased understanding of the full spectrum of humanity within SVA. These valuable personal and professional lessons will continue to inspire and drive me into the next chapter of my life. A heartfelt thanks to Syracuse University, as well as all the generous donors and staff.”

University leaders conducted four sessions at the conference. Maury presented with Chris Cate, SVA vice president of research, on the challenges, barriers and opportunities for veterans in higher education research. She also led a presentation with Corri Zoli, director of research at Syracuse University’s Institute for Security Policy and Law and Daniel Fay of Florida State University on women’s contributions to national service and post-service civilian life. Jolynn Parker, director of Syracuse University’s Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising, presented on encouraging student veterans to apply for national competitive scholarships. Joining Parker were Novack and Marine Corps veteran, Syracuse student and . Toenniessen and Novack also presented with members of the SVA on fundraising in higher education for student veterans.  Pluta joined the conference’s Employment Summit panel discussion on Student Veterans: Global Talent Hiding in Plain Sight, moderated by the Hon. Patrick Murphy.  Additionally, Pluta moderated a panel in collaboration with Society General on Corporate Partnerships for Successful Internship Placement for Student Veterans and served as a panelist for the session on Diversity: The Value Veterans Bring to the Workplace led by Prudential.

Following the conference, 18 of the 23 student attendees embarked on a two-day career immersion and networking event with well-known employers including Viacom CBS Los Angeles, NBCUniversal and Paramount Pictures. Students had the opportunity to meet with employer’s veteran networks, explore multiple career paths and learn the value their military experience brings into the civilian sector.

“The immersion was a once in a lifetime opportunity to talk with employers,” says Ryan Marquette ’22, a first-year law student at Syracuse, veteran and current National Guardsman. “This experience made us to think ‘outside the box’ in regard to employment after graduation. Student veterans often compartmentalize their talent, education and background into specific career tracts, but the immersion opened our eyes to the diversity and value that our skills sets have in any organization.”

Syracuse students attended the conference thanks to generous support from donors to the (VLF). The fund offers scholarships and special event programming.

The inaugural class of the Veterans Program for Politics and Civic Engagement.

During Veterans Day week, 18 retired military service members convened at Syracuse University for the Veterans Program for Politics and Civic Engagement (VPPCE), created exclusively for veterans and military family members pursuing public office or political careers. A collaboration between the University’s (IVMF) and the , with support from JPMorgan Chase, the inaugural program included students from all five branches of the military.

Designed to address the declining number of veterans and military-connected individuals who run for public office, the program prepared participants to make an impact in the political landscape at national, regional and local levels. Since the 1960s, veteran representation in Congress has declined from more than 75 percent to just 19.1 percent today.

“This inaugural class’s interest, passion and energy reinforced why we created this program,” says Nick Armstrong, IVMF senior director of research and policy and a Maxwell School alumnus. “Veterans are a natural fit for public office comprising more than one-third of the federal work force and have been shown to be more likely to vote, contact public officials, volunteer, give to charity and work with neighbors to fix problems in their community. The veterans in the VPPCE class are no exception. They are now well-equipped to run successful campaigns and take on the responsibilities of public office.”

The program featured both online coursework and a one-week intensive residency. The curriculum focused on the essential elements of running a political campaign, including political communication, fundraising, working with all forms of media, election law, leading campaign teams, mobilizing volunteers, effective use of polling, presentational speaking, ethics and citizen engagement.

Speakers and facilitators included Syracuse University faculty, former and current elected officials, and campaign experts. Maxwell Dean David Van Slyke and Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation J. Michael Haynie hosted the opening reception. Lead faculty were Professor Grant Reeher, director of Maxwell’s Alan K. Campbell Public Affairs Institute, Professor Jennifer Stromer-Galley from the School of Information Studies and Professor Kristi Anderson from the Maxwell School. Multiple elected officials such as Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, Assembly member Pamela Hunter and Onondaga County Legislature Chairman David Knapp also spoke to the class.

The VPPCE program aligns with Syracuse University’s commitment to be the “best place for veterans” and the military-connected community. Consistently ranked among the top 10 best universities for veterans, Syracuse was most recently ranked the No. 1 private school for veterans by Military Times for the second consecutive year, and the University is one of only 15 . Now in its third year as a partner institution, Syracuse University was selected for its innovative veteran services, strong culture of support for military veterans and spouses, and its rigorous academic programs.

VPPCE marked the second collaboration between the University and JPMorgan Chase in support of the military community. JPMorgan Chase co-founded the IVMF at Syracuse University and is a major funder of Onward to Opportunity, a career preparation and employment training program, available online and operating in 18 military installation communities across the country. To date, the IVMF has impacted more than 125,000 veterans and members of the military community.

JPMorgan Chase’s dedication to the military community is widely recognized and practiced in the firm’s operations. Since 2011, more than 14,000 veterans have joined the employee ranks of JPMorgan Chase, and the firm has developed several supportive programs including the Veteran Jobs Mission—previously the 100,000 Jobs Mission—a coalition founded in 2011 with the goal of hiring 100,000 veterans. Now over 200 members strong, the coalition has collectively hired more than 500,000 veterans with a commitment to hiring one million.

The Maxwell School is home to the nation’s No. 1-ranked school for graduate education in public affairs (U.S. News & World Report), offering graduate professional degrees in public administration and international affairs. It is also Syracuse University’s home for innovative teaching and research across nine social science disciplines (anthropology, citizenship and civic engagement, economics, geography, history, international relations, policy studies, political science and sociology).

The $100,000 endowed scholarship is open to graduate student veterans across Syracuse University’s schools and colleges, both on campus and online, and will be awarded annually. Dan Cordial ’18, MPA ’20, a U.S. Army veteran in the Maxwell School, is first recipient of the new award.

“With this new scholarship, the Faigles exemplify what it is to be ‘Forever Orange,’” says Ron Novack, executive director of the . “We are grateful for the family’s commitment, dedication and generosity to both the University and our student veteran-focused work on campus.”

Gerald (Gerry) Brunner Faigle was born in 1936 in New York City and raised in Westfield, New Jersey. He attended Syracuse University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering in 1958 and a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics in 1959. He was also a member of the Delta Epsilon fraternity.

Faigle’s service to his country began as a cadet in Syracuse University’s Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). He was commissioned upon graduation and moved to Tucson, Arizona, where he served in the U.S. Air Force for three years. He went on to receive an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh and had a successful career at DuPont Co. in various management roles for 31 years.

In summer 1960, Faigle married fellow Syracuse alum Roberta (Bobbie) Messic. Bobbie was a member of Delta Delta Delta and active in student affairs. Two of their three children went on to attend the University. Their extended family includes 26 Syracuse University alumni, an Orange legacy of which they are very proud. The entire Faigle family has included Syracuse University in its giving efforts for many years.

Today, read the stories of U.S. Marine Corps veteran and College of Visual and Performing Arts student Adrian Weekly ’20 and U.S. Navy veteran Joe Alfieri, director of campus planning, design, and construction.

Marine Corps Veteran Combat Photographer Adrian Weekly ’20 Finds New Opportunity at Syracuse University

It’s said a picture is worth a thousand words. For military service members who go forward into combat with a rifle and a camera, it’s more than just an adage. Syracuse University student veteran Adrian Weekly ’20 knows this all too well.

“I had enlisted in the Marine Corps to be an aviation mechanic,” says Weekly, a communications and rhetorical studies major in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. “Then some people found out I could draw pretty well, and I was made into a combat photographer instead.”

Weekly grew up in Atlanta. His childhood was full of traveling and martial arts, and he was involved with the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps in high school. It was there that a retired U.S. Marine Corps gunnery sergeant told him he had the attitude to become a Marine. When he enlisted at the age of 17, he was following in the footsteps of his parents, both of whom are U.S. Navy veterans.

“My father is Caribbean, so every summer I went to St. Thomas, part of the U.S. Virgin Islands,” Weekly says. “That sparked the desire to travel and see the world.  Both of my parents were in the Navy, so they probably understood why I wanted to enlist.”

Ten days after graduating from high school, he found himself at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, to attend boot camp. It was there that he was exposed to the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP.)

“While I was in the service, I was able to continue martial arts like I had when I was younger. I even became a Marine Corps martial arts instructor, and that was probably the most difficult thing I’ve ever done.”  Weekly says. MCMAP, like other martial arts, has a progression system that allows Marines to wear different color belts to show their progress in the system, with instructors visually identified by a tab that they wear on their belt.

Weekly still had the desire to travel and see the world, and while being a combat photographer in the U.S. Marine Corps can offer very unique experiences, he decided to volunteer for the Marine Security Guard program to really immerse himself in other cultures throughout the world.

“I went on to become an M.S.G. guard and was assigned to the embassies in Botswana, Germany and Iraq,” Weekly says. His assignment to the Marine Security Guard is a highly coveted position within the Marine Corps—the only branch of service entrusted to guard the U.S. embassies and consulates throughout the world.  The selection process is intense, and the training at Quantico, Virginia, is even tougher.

“It was definitely a rewarding experience. I’ve been able to travel to at least 27 countries and do things that most people would never dream of,” he says. “But ultimately, I knew there were other things I wanted to accomplish in life. I never joined thinking that I’d make it a career.”

Weekly came to Syracuse University to build on his past experience in the communications field and ultimately landed in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. He wants to capitalize on his military experience and education to pursue a career in public relations and marketing.

“I like it here. I feel as though I’m treated like any other student,” Weekly says. “I’m aware that being the only veteran in many of my classes is not something many students can relate to, but that’s okay. Being in the military definitely helped me with my academic pursuits. Without my experience in the Marine Corps, I don’t believe I would be the student that I am today. I’m better at time management, networking, and I have a drive to succeed even when I might be feeling overwhelmed.”

That perseverance is a trait many of his fellow student veterans share. As a student veteran, Weekly was recently given the opportunity to attend an immersion trip in New York City, where he spoke with a wide variety of potential employers.

“It was a great trip and a great experience,” Weekly says. “I really enjoyed being able to get out there and shake hands with people from a wide variety of industries. It really opened up a lot of ideas for how I can apply my background with my degree, and I look forward to that next step.”

Syracuse University Facilities Front Man Joe Alfieri Finds Path to Syracuse through Navy Service

Joe Alfieri, Central New York native and director of campus planning, design, and construction at Syracuse University, chose to attend the U.S. Naval Academy after high school, not exactly knowing what to expect.

“As a kid I was always interested in the Navy,” Alfieri says. “I had this incredible opportunity to attend the Academy in Annapolis. Looking back, I didn’t really know what I was getting into, but I am so glad I went. It was a good call.”

Alfieri graduated in 2003 as a designated service warfare officer. He did his first tour aboard the USS Milius, working as the main propulsion officer on the destroyer. A year later, he deployed to the Horn of Africa for six months on a counter-piracy assignment.

When he returned, Alfieri transferred to a new unit on the newest aircraft carrier at the time, the USS Ronald Reagan, and deployed for another six months to the Persian Gulf, where he and his unit directed maritime security operations.

“They were such interesting deployments on very different ships,” Alfieri says. “An aircraft carrier is like a small city. To see how the Navy works at the highest level is eye opening. At that time, Iraq was very active. While we were doing maritime security, the air wing was providing support to the Marines in Iraq, so it was like being on two missions.”

Alfieri returned to San Diego after his second deployment and transferred into facilities at Naval Base Coronado. He spent five years total in uniform before transitioning out in 2008.

“It proved to be a challenging time to transition out with the economic crisis,” he says. “I started networking and talked to Tiffany Monaco, who was also from Syracuse and had actually served in the Navy, too. My wife had attended Syracuse for law school, and I was able to land a job as a project manager for University Facilities, so we moved back and started a family.”

Alfieri has been with Facilities Services ever since. He spent eight years in project management before being promoted to his current role as director of campus planning, design, and construction in 2016. This year, he has been busy with the new Barnes Center at The Arch and the soon-to-be-completed National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building (NVRC),

As a veteran, he believes the University’s commitment to the military resonates.

“I think it’s great that the Chancellor has made veterans central to his legacy. I have been a part of the NVRC project since the design competition, and I am honored to help make that idea a reality,” Alfierie says. “I have been able to connect some veteran-owned construction businesses to the University for this project. As a veteran myself, seeing other veterans work on this center for all veterans—it’s a very cool thing to do every day.”

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlton Kent delivered the ceremony’s keynote address. Kent served 36 years in the military before retiring as the 16th sergeant major of the Marine Corps. In this role, he held responsibilities that included principal advisor to the commandant of the Marine Corps and advisor to the secretary of the navy and the secretary of defense on all Marine Corps matters.

“This University does not give veterans a handout. Veterans do not want a handout. They want a hand up. Here you give them a hand up to be the best,” Kent said. “We have troops deployed around the world, 365 days a year, and that is why Veterans Day should be celebrated every day. This university makes sure veterans are celebrated 365 days a year.”

Keynote speaker retired U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlton Kent

M.P.A. candidate Katy Quartaro ’18, a Marine Corps Veteran, 2019 Tillman Scholar and Peer Advisors for Veteran Education team leader, emceed the event with the Rev. Brian Konkol, dean of Hendricks Chapel, delivering the ceremony’s invocation and benediction. Jason Kimmel ’20, a music industry major in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, sang the National Anthem. The Syracuse University Singers and the 198th Army Band from Rochester performed.  Jim Hopkins, U.S. Army veteran and Falk College director of information technology, spoke on the history of Veterans Day before Charlie Poag ’22, Marine Corps veteran and a public communications major in the Newhouse School, provided a history of Syracuse University veterans.

The University continued its tradition during the ceremony of a veteran or military-connected student presenting Chancellor Kent Syverud with an American flag, which is subsequently raised and flown over Hendricks Chapel. William Harrington ’21, a psychology major in the College of Arts and Sciences and presently serving staff sergeant in the New York State Army National Guard, presented this year’s flag to the Chancellor with Alyssa Rote ’22, a U.S. Air Force ROTC cadet and aerospace engineering major in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. The flag was procured by U.S. Army Master Sgt. Sean Graham ’00, while serving in the Horn of Africa with the 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion in Mattydale, New York.

Following the outdoor flag-raising ceremony, Army ROTC cadet Michael Griffin ’22, an Army veteran and military photojournalism student in the Newhouse School, and U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Felicia Jagdett presented a wreath of flowers to U.S. Navy veteran Moise Laub ’20 and Phillip Benedict, U.S. Air Force veteran and Syracuse University employee. The exchange of the wreath between service members and veterans honors past Syracuse University veterans and signifies the transition and distinction between those who are currently serving and those who aspire to be called a veteran.

Cadets raise the American flag outside of Hendricks Chapel.

“Our student veteran and military-connected enrollment is at a record high, and a growing number of our faculty and staff have also served in the armed forces,” says Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation and Founder and Executive Director J. Michael Haynie. “Our campus community takes great pride in such diversity, and we continue to be committed to those who have served the nation in uniform. We are honored to pay tribute to veterans who have chosen Syracuse University as part of their journey and to all veterans around the world.”

Events including the Veterans Day ceremony align with the University’s commitment to be the “best place for veterans,” a legacy that dates back to World War II when Chancellor William P. Tolley opened the University’s doors to military personnel returning from war. Today, the University provides an ever-growing number of veteran and military-connected programs and resources, including the , the and the Institute for Veterans and Military Families.

The University was recently ranked the No. 1 private institution in the country for veterans for the second year in a row by Military Times in its annual Best for Vets rankings. The Orange commitment is further evident in the construction of the (NVRC). Set to open next semester, the NVRC is the first-of-its-kind, multi-use facility dedicated to advancing academic research, programming and community-connected innovation serving the social, economic and wellness concerns of the nation’s veterans and families.

Veterans Day dates back to 1918, when, on Nov. 11, the Allied Nations and Germany agreed to an armistice after four years of fighting. Nov. 11 would thereafter be known as “Armistice Day,” which became a legal U.S. holiday in 1938. In 1945, Armistice Day was expanded to honor and remember all veterans that have served. By 1954, U.S. Rep. Ed Reese of Kansas presented a bill to make the national celebration of veterans into a holiday and therefore replaced the word “Armistice” with “Veterans.”

Today, read the stories of Whitman School student Amanda Sullivan ’21 and Ken Marfilius ’11, visiting teaching professor in the Falk College’s School of Social Work.

Amanda Sullivan on Finding Direction through Family Legacy and Army Service

Amanda Sullivan

Ask any student veteran at Syracuse University about why they joined the military, and you’ll get a different answer each time. Military service is a personal choice, and most of the time it extends beyond a simple “I didn’t know what else I wanted to do.” For U.S. Army veteran Amanda Sullivan, it was a way to get out of a rut and achieve her goals in life.

“I grew up in the Chicago suburb of Aurora, Illinois, and was homeschooled,” says Sullivan, a junior accounting major in the . “My mother was a refugee from the Vietnam War, and my dad worked at Fermilab as an engineering physicist. So, education was pretty important to me growing up.”

Sullivan played soccer and softball in her youth, but it was time spent with her grandfather who served for two years in the U.S. Army during the Korean War that steered her course.

“I had gotten to a point where I was uncertain about which direction I should go,” Sullivan says. “I remembered some of the stories my grandfather had told me about his time in the Army and things just clicked. I spoke to an Army recruiter and knew exactly what I wanted to do. I wanted to finish my education and travel to have my own stories in the future.”

Amanda enlisted in October 2014. After basic training, she became a supply specialist stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky, with the 541st Sapper Company. Throughout her four years in the Army, she would see rotations to the Fort Irwin National Training Center in California, the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, Louisiana, and her second duty assignment to Fort Lee, Virginia, where she was assigned to Mortuary Affairs.

“I learned a lot throughout my service. It taught me how to be reserved and remain calm,” Sullivan says. “But primarily, I was able to improve my education, which was my main goal all along and why I chose to get out after four years.”

Sullivan was discharged from the Army in March 2018 and instantly began looking for the next step—obtaining her degree using her Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.

“I had been accepted to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, but the Service 2 School program played a big part in landing me here at Syracuse,” she says. “Syracuse University also had rolling early admission and had a great entrepreneurship program. I knew Syracuse participated in the Yellow Ribbon program, so I decided it would be better to come here.”

Sullivan chose to study accounting because she ultimately wants to become a certified public accountant, where she feels her analytical talents will be best put to use.

“This has been a rewarding experience so far. I’ve enjoyed my involvement with the veteran community here at Syracuse,” she says. “I enjoy the work I do with the , especially being able to help coordinate the immersion trips. It means a lot to me that the University puts so much time and energy into ensuring that the student veterans walk away successful and ready to head back out into the world.”

Professor Ken Marfilius and Enduring Service

Ken Marfilius

U.S. Air Force veteran Ken Marfilius ’11, visiting teaching professor in the Falk College’s , has always been clear on his mission to serve military and veteran populations.

“I grew up outside of Philadelphia with many friends, family and local community members who had served in the military. As a result of my childhood experiences, I had great respect for those who have served our nation honorably and was always interested in serving the veteran population in some capacity,” Marfilius says.

He graduated from Syracuse University with his undergraduate degree in psychology. He went on to earn a master of social work degree and a doctorate in clinical social work at the University of Pennsylvania. While at Penn, he learned of a unique opportunity in which he could serve military service members and their families while in uniform.

“I researched all branches of the military and eventually applied to the United States Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP). After an intense and competitive process, I was selected to receive the graduate scholarship available to qualified health care applicants—receiving a direct commission in the Air Force while completing my graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania,” says Marfilius.

His first year, Marfilius worked at a men’s shelter in Philadelphia. His advanced year internship was spent at an in-patient psychiatric unit at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center. In both settings, Marfilius concentrated on providing care for veteran populations.

Upon graduation, he attended commissioned officer training and started his active duty service.

“I completed commissioned officer training at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama, and went on to my follow-on assignment at Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, Louisiana. There I worked on the installation at a mental health clinic as a therapist for active duty service members,” he says. “The majority of my clients experienced adjustment-related issues, anxiety, depression, transitions.”

While active duty, Marfilius served in the U.S. Air Force Biomedical Science Corps in multiple roles: mental health therapist, family advocacy officer in charge and as manager of the alcohol and drug prevention and treatment program. He served in various roles related to sexual assault prevention and response, suicide prevention and post-traumatic stress, and provided daily consultation to medical staff and military commanders about the psychosocial needs of active duty service members and their families.

A year prior to transitioning out of the Air Force, Marfilius applied to Penn again, this time for his doctoral degree. He was accepted and completed a remote program where he worked 10-hour days on the installation before completing his online courses and dissertation at night.

He transitioned out of the Air Force in 2016. Two months later, he was in Syracuse working for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at the Syracuse VA Medical Center in the Healthcare for Homeless Veterans Program. He served as the Housing and Urban Development and Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program coordinator.

He also developed and subsequently instructed a first-time social work course, Introduction to Military Culture and Mental Health Practice, in the School of Social Work. In 2018, he was asked by the chair of the School of Social Work to become a visiting teaching professor, teach full time and further develop the school’s military content.

“To come back and work at Syracuse University at the School of Social Work and provide leadership and teaching around the mental health needs of our nation’s veterans is an honor and continues to fulfill my personal commitment to serving our nation’s heroes,” Marfilius says. “I honestly believe there is no place more committed to veterans. Everyone here wants to make sure veterans and their family members get what they need.”

In addition to his curriculum, Marfilius has taken an active role in organizing the military-connected events on campus including the recent military culture competency training and “Theater of War” performance.

“In everything that we do at Syracuse, I am reminded of the core values of the Air Force—service before self, integrity first and excellence in all we do,” he says. “It’s an honor to be here.”

Syracuse University has a number of notable veteran alumni, including Mary Spio ’98, the founder and CEO of CEEK VR, an award-winning developer of premium social virtual and augmented reality experiences. See more notable veteran alumni at .

Today, read the stories of alumnus and current graduate student Dan Cordial and LaVonda Reed, professor of law and associate provost for faculty affairs.

Dan Cordial ’18, M.P.A. ’20 Gets a Second Chance at Syracuse

Sometimes a person just needs a second chance. It can be something as small as a chance to redo an assignment for a class or something as big as a second chance at going to college. For U.S Army veteran Daniel Cordial, as he stepped foot onto the Syracuse University campus, he was taking advantage of a second chance at working towards the life he wanted.

After serving five years as a welder and completing multiple deployments to Iraq, Cordial decided to leave the Army. At the time, he was married to another soldier, and they were expecting a son. He used his trade from the military to find work and he came face-to-face with a reality that many civilians in the manual labor workforce experience.

“I was laid off a month after my son was born,” Cordial says. “It was, oddly, a unique opportunity because I was able to be a stay-at-home dad. I really enjoyed having that time with my son, but after a while I knew I needed to do something. I needed to be bringing money in. I was looking at jobs and couldn’t find anything that really interested me.”

Cordial eventually decided to use his Post-9/11 G.I. Bill to go back to college, starting off at the local community college for a year and a half and working towards studying engineering.

“I attended the University of South Carolina at Columbia for two semesters,” Cordial says. “That just didn’t really work out well for me. I kept going to people for issues I was having, and I was just getting a cold shoulder. That led to failure.”

Cordial experienced what many veterans do as they use their G.I. Bill. While colleges and universities have certain language targeted to attract veterans to their campus, veterans often don’t necessarily feel that their unique needs are being met.

“When my former wife was stationed at Fort Drum, I decided I wanted to come this way to be closer to my son,” Cordial says. “So, I applied to Syracuse University and Le Moyne College, two schools I had never heard of before.”

He was accepted to Syracuse University and decided to change his degree to better suit his interests and desire to remain in public service. At the University, Dan experienced an entirely different way of life for student veterans. With support from veteran-focused groups like the Peer Advisors for Veteran Education, the Student Veterans Organization, the Office of Veteran Success and the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, Cordial found the support he was lacking before.

“Being a veteran here at Syracuse is actually pretty awesome,” he says.

Cordial graduated with a degree in political science in 2018 and was accepted to the Executive Master’s in Public Administration program at the Maxwell School. During his time at the University, he also has found a unique chance to use his veteran status to impact the local community.

“During my senior year, I was accepted to an internship in the office of Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter (D-Syracuse),” Cordial says. “After that internship was over, they called me up and offered me a job that had a flexible schedule so that I could continue school.”

After Cordial obtains his M.P.A. degree next year, coupled with his service in the U.S. Army and his experience working in the New York State Assembly, Cordial plans to pursue a career in government, preferably in an intelligence capacity.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time here at Syracuse,” he says. “It’s been great, and I truly feel that this is the best place for veterans.”

Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs and Professor of Law LaVonda Reed on Growing Up in a Military Family

For Syracuse University Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs and Professor of Law LaVonda Reed, service runs deep. The lawyer and academic was born in Quantico, Virginia, after her father, the late U.S. Marine Corps Col. Henry Leon Reed, returned from his first deployment to Vietnam.

“My father was the oldest of eight children—five boys and three girls,” says Reed. “All five boys served in the military, and all three girls married military service members. My paternal grandfather and a paternal great-grandfather and also two maternal great uncles were military veterans as well. One of those uncles, who will celebrate his 102nd birthday this month, was a World War II veteran and retired from the U.S. Navy.”

Reed’s father, Henry, met her mother, Brenda, at Hampton Institute (now Hampton University) while in line registering for freshman classes and paying fees. He was from Beaufort, South Carolina; she was from Mathews, Virginia. They began dating and were married just after graduation. Reed deployed as an infantry officer shortly thereafter. At the time of his commissioning, he was among the first black commissioned officers in the Marine Corps.

Henry Reed had two Vietnam combat tours and one in Desert Storm. Throughout his more than 30 years of service, the family lived in in North Carolina, Virginia, Texas, Maryland, Kansas, Japan, Hawaii, Pennsylvania and California before eventually settling in Fort Washington, Maryland, where Col. Reed retired in 1996, having earned many commendations and medals, including the Bronze Star with Combat “V.” While in Texas, he oversaw the first U.S. Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps program at a historically black institution, Prairie View A&M University. The unit recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, and Brenda Reed was honored.

“My father was Marine Corps to the core,” says LaVonda Reed. “He grew up just outside the gates of Parris Island and fulfilled his ambition of becoming a Marine Corps officer. When he died in 2015, he had the prestige to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. But before his death, he said he wanted to be buried at the Quantico National Cemetery instead. The Marine Corps shaped who he was as a man and provided a path to lifelong success and fulfillment. The Marine Corps’ birthday on Nov. 10 held a special place in his heart.”

Throughout her husband’s long career, Brenda Reed maintained and excelled as a woman in STEM. At Hampton, she majored in math and minored in biology. She became a math teacher and taught in local and Department of Defense schools as the family moved around.

“My parents both grew up in the Jim Crow, segregated South,” says Reed. “I watched them excel despite that indignity and grew up knowing the value of hard work, family and dignity. They inspired me and continue to do so. And I would like to think I inherited their solid values and work ethic.”

LaVonda graduated high school in Hawaii while her father served as the commanding officer of the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines. Col. Reed later served as the commanding officer of the Security Forces Battalion Pacific. She chose the University of Virginia for her undergraduate studies before attending law school at the University of Southern California. She started her law career at an international law firm, then entered academia at the University of Louisville. She has been on the Syracuse University faculty since 2006.

“When I was at Louisville, I was approached by my now-colleagues at Syracuse,” she says. “I have now been here 13 years. I am tenured here, and it’s the only home my daughter, Madelynn, has known. We love it. For us, it fits.”

Reed’s faculty appointment remains at the law school; in 2015, she began her administration position in the Provost’s Office and soon thereafter began serving as a member of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs advisory board.

“I have an American flag on my front door. The legacy of service; love for God, family and country; and the importance of protecting democracy—I learned that from my father and mother and grandparents, and am passing on to my daughter,” she says. “Even though I didn’t personally wear a uniform, my service roots run deep. The University’s military commitment is inspiring, and I am honored to work at a place that sees veterans and military families through and through—from research and programs to hiring and admissions and support services. My appointment on the OVMA board is my small way of giving back.”

Syracuse University has a number of notable veteran alumni, including Dan D’Aniello ’68, founding partner and managing director of The Carlyle Group and U.S. Navy veteran. D’Aniello is the co-chairman of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families advisory board. He and his wife, Gayle, provided a $20 million gift for the National Veterans Resource Center opening next semester. See more notable veteran alumni at .

New York State Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul ’80 and J. Michael Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and founder/executive director of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families, at the recent V-WISE program in Buffalo.

More than 100 women veterans and military spouses from around the country gathered recently in Buffalo for training as part of Syracuse University’s  (V-WISE) 22nd program.

Developed by the  (IVMF), the V-WISE program provides education, supportive services and resources to women veterans and female military spouses/life partners who aspire to launch and grow their own small business. V-WISE Buffalo marked the program’s first instance in Western New York. To date, more than 3,000 women have received cost-free business ownership training through the V-WISE program, and 70 percent go on to launch a new business after completing the training.

The Buffalo program kicked off with a speech from Syracuse University alumna and New York State Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul ’80. “Women veterans have a strong sense of duty and are risk takers—essential skills needed for aspiring small business owners,” Hochul said. “As a Syracuse grad, I’m so proud the University has helped over 3,500 women become entrepreneurs.”

The program continued with a V-WISE tradition of recognizing the accomplishments of women who are exemplars for all those in attendance. During the kick-off dinner launching three days of intense training and networking, the women of V-WISE Buffalo honored Lynda Davis, chief veterans experience officer for the Department of Veterans Affairs and retired Maj. Gen. Dee McWilliams as V-WISE “Trailbreakers” before the evening concluded with a lively performance by former contestants on the hit show “The Voice,” pop two-some OneUp.

The V-WISE participants benefited from more than 25 training sessions and four keynote speakers, taking lessons from the experiences of the more than a dozen educators, instructors and successful entrepreneurs. In addition to the training, participants found connection, common ground and support from their fellow entrepreneurs—a benefit that has become synonymous with the V-WISE event.

“It’s ironic my 34th enlistment anniversary coincided with the V-WISE Buffalo weekend,” said Robin Le-Roy Kyle, Navy veteran and V-Wise participant. “For the first time, I found a sisterhood among my fellow woman veterans and military spouses.”

Attendees also had the opportunity to showcase their businesses; practice and receive feedback on pitching their venture to potential partners, lenders and investors; and engage successful entrepreneurs in discussions related to the obstacles and challenges associated with business ownership.

“Military spouses/partners and women veterans routinely demonstrate the resilience, passion and perseverance needed to be a successful entrepreneur,” said J. Michael Haynie, Syracuse University vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and founder/executive director of the IVMF. “Those in attendance in Buffalo were no exception. It is an honor to be part of their journey and support them as they work to achieve their own American dream.”

V-WISE is part of the IVMF’s ARSENAL initiative, a portfolio of nine national entrepreneurship programs, offered to veterans, service members and their families through the institute. Syracuse University’s IVMF also manages programs in career preparation and community support, as well as critical qualitative and quantitative research for the University and industry-leading organizations.

A reading of Sophocles’ play “Ajax” was part of the “Theater of War” performance at the recent veteran cultural competency training.

On Oct. 17, members of the Syracuse-area professional community gathered on Syracuse University’s South Campus for a full day of veteran cultural competency training followed by “Theater of War,” an innovative public health project designed to encourage thought and discussion around the impact of war and its challenges faced by military service members, veterans, their caregivers and their families.

Over 50 medical and mental health professionals, business leaders, human resources executives and administrators from around Central New York joined members of the Syracuse University faculty and staff for the event sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Center for Integrated Health, Starbucks Coffee, Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) and the School of Social Work in the University’s Falk College. Through various interactive events, simulations and lectures, attendees learned best practices for delivering quality, culturally competent care and education for veterans and military families as well as how to acquire and implement the strategies for optimizing their performance and growth. Upon program completion, each participant earned 7.25 credits in evidence-based veteran cultural competence training.

“Trainings like this go a long way in creating more military-friendly communities and workplaces,” says Ken Marfilius, a United States Air Force veteran and professor in the Falk College’s School of Social Work. “The University’s readiness to provide this type of impact program speaks to the institution’s long-standing commitment to the military community and helps those who serve and employ veterans to bridge the military-civilian divide.”

“I know firsthand the power of experiential education,” said Tracy Walker, director of field instruction in the School of Social Work. “This program did a tremendous job engaging learners intellectually, emotionally, socially and physically. It caused me to put myself in a soldier’s shoes in a way that I have never done before and it resulted in my deepening respect and compassion for our soldiers.”

Following the instructional training, attendees enjoyed the latest rendition of the “Theater of War” performance series which included readings of Sophocles’ play “Ajax” to illustrate the sacrifice and struggle of service members, veterans, their caregivers and their families.

Well-known actors Juliana Francis Kelly of “The Girl From Monday,” “Sex and the City,” and “Maria Del Bosco;” Alex Grubbs of “Red Dead Redemption” and “Murder in Black and White;” and Chris Coffey of “Trust,” “The Good Wife” and “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” performed during the evening.

Co-founded by Bryan Doerries and Phyllis Kaufman, Theater of War has facilitated events for more than 100,000 people, presenting over 20 tailored programs targeted to diverse communities across the globe. Theater of War alumni include Paul Giamatti, Jake Gyllenhaal, Frances McDormand, Jesse Eisenberg, Adam Driver, Terrence Howard, Martin Sheen and Amy Ryan.

Syracuse student veterans with some of the CBS staff

Syracuse University student veterans recently participated in a two-day career exploration trip to New York City, arranged by the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) Veteran Career Services team. Designed to introduce student veterans to potential employers, the trip included a networking reception to connect with employers and alumni, a visit to the National September 11 Memorial and office tours of top employers, including CBS, Ernst & Young and First Data is now Fiserv.

“This was definitely one of my best experiences yet as a member of the Syracuse family, and I am excited for the exciting career opportunities that were presented,” says Dathan Salgado, a graduate student at the Whitman School of Management. “I truly believe this trip will have real impact on my life and those of my fellow student veterans that attended. I learned a lot about how much Syracuse does to focus and care for its’ veteran students and alumni. As I finish my degree over the next 10 weeks, I’m even more proud to join the Syracuse pantheon as a result.”

“Our enduring commitment to being ‘the best place for veterans’ includes setting conditions for our military-connected and veteran students to succeed after they graduate, “says Ron Novack, executive director of the OVMA. “These networking opportunities, coupled with our strong on-campus programming, enhance the student experience by introducing them to the well-connected Syracuse alumni network before they even join the workforce.”

Students selected to attend were required to complete a professional development and informational workshop prior to the trip. All trip expenses were fully covered by alumni donations to the Veteran Legacy Fund.

STRIVE leverages networks and education resources in local communities to support and advance veteran-owned businesses. The three-phase program for veterans with a budding business helps to identify, overcome and mitigate challenges for the new venture to pave the way for success. STRIVE seeks to empower veterans, military members and their families to live the American dream by opening the door to economic opportunity for veterans, Guard members and reservists by developing their competencies in creating and sustaining an entrepreneurial venture. Other community colleges across the country will offer future cohorts.

“Veterans demonstrate so many of the qualities of successful entrepreneurs—ambition, dedication, innovation and team-first perspective,” says , director of ARSENAL, IVMF’s entrepreneurship and small business portfolio. “STRIVE is a great first step for veterans as they prepare to live the American dream they fought to protect,” says Stutsman. “We are honored to partner with HCC in launching this important program.”

The STRIVE program was created using the framework of IVMF’s flagship Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV) program. While EBV is designed as a concentrated MBA-style entrepreneurship training program with online and intensive in-residence phases at one of its nine consortium schools, STRIVE offers veterans-focused business training close to home with the flexibility to manage their existing lives and businesses in their local community. The program tests business viability through an eight-week residency that includes online instruction and once-a-week in-person meetings. Following the eight-week curriculum, participants have access to phase two support and mentoring, co-working space at HCC and ongoing workshops. The final phase includes resources for participants as their businesses grow.

“Hillsborough Community College has more than 3,000 veterans currently enrolled,” says Andy Gold, Ph.D., assistant professor of entrepreneurship and management at Hillsborough Community College. “We are excited and proud to offer this program and encourage our current student veterans as well as other local veterans to follow their dreams of business ownership.”

“HCC has a long history of serving our community and its veterans,” says HCC President Ken Atwater, Ph.D. “We are delighted to be the first community college partner of IVMF and for the opportunity to further enhance our programming for this important student population.”

IVMF’s ARSENAL entrepreneurship programs leverage the skills, resources and infrastructure of higher education to offer cutting-edge, experiential training in entrepreneurship and small business management for veterans and transitioning service members. To date, IVMF has trained over 70,000 entrepreneurs.

SoldierStrong donated its StrongMind virtual reality system to Syracuse Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

A unique partnership involving Syracuse University, the Syracuse Veterans Affairs Medical Center and two national nonprofits—Operation Hat Trick, which generates awareness and support for the recovery of wounded service members and veterans through branded merchandise sales, and SoldierStrong—has resulted in the donation of a groundbreaking virtual reality system to treat veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress. The Syracuse donation is the first of its kind in the country.

SoldierStrong, a national nonprofit founded by Syracuse University alumnus and Maxwell School board member , provided the virtual reality tool. Dedicated to providing advanced medical technologies to help injured veterans lead full lives, SoldierStrong gave the virtual reality system to the Syracuse Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center’s Behavioral Health Outpatient Clinic as part of its StrongMind initiative. StrongMind will bring virtual reality hardware and software to 10 VA medical centers across the country as part of its focus on reducing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), often considered one of the leading causes of veteran suicides.

Operation Hat Trick, an organization with which Syracuse University has worked since 2013, funded the donation to the Syracuse VA. Co-branded Operation Hat Trick and Syracuse University clothing and gear is available at the University bookstore and online.

“The VA always strives to incorporate technology in meaningful ways that improve patient care and help to reduce symptoms of PTSD,” says Lauren Love, Syracuse VA Medical Center Behavioral Health Careline Manager. “This equipment presents an exciting opportunity to engage veterans with PTSD who may prefer to incorporate more technology into their treatment which will complement the offering of evidence-based treatments currently offered in the PTSD clinic.

“September is Suicide Prevention Month and this venture also provides a timely opportunity to incorporate creative new treatments aimed at reducing veteran suicide,” continues Love. “We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with SoldierStrong and thank Syracuse University and Operation Hat Trick for their extraordinary generosity.”

“We’ve been honored to help Operation Hat Trick serve so many veterans through our co-branding agreement, but it’s an exceptional thing to see it result in a donation to the local Syracuse community,” says Rachel Duffy, Syracuse University’s director of trademark licensing. “It’s a moment that should make the University’s many supporters proud.”

J. Michael Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) founder and executive director, notes the University’s involvement reflects its long-standing support for the nation’s military veterans.

“Syracuse University works closely with the Syracuse VA and many other veteran-serving organizations to ensure that our veterans get the assistance they need and the care they deserve,” says Haynie. “This donation is another prime example of the power of partnership and connection among all veteran service organizations to achieve a greater good. For that reason, we are proud to support SoldierStrong and Operation Hat Trick’s efforts to make this creative technology an integral part in the treatment and recovery of veterans here in Central New York, and across the country.”

“One of Operation Hat Trick’s goals is to work with organizations that creatively work toward solving the issue of veteran suicides. SoldierStrong/StrongMind is one of those organizations and we are proud to be involved,” says Operation Hat Trick founder and president Dot Sheehan. “We are especially excited to be associated with the Syracuse VA and Syracuse University where their commitment to Operation Hat Trick merchandise and product helps a purchase with a purpose become reality.”

Since SoldierStrong’s inception following the tragic events of 9/11, the Stamford, Conn.-based group has donated more than $3 million of medical devices to help injured veterans, including 22 state-of-the-art exoskeleton that aid in the rehabilitation of spinal injuries.

“Virtual reality treatment shows promise in two key areas,” says SoldierStrong co-founder Chris Meek. “It is both clinically effective and it reduces the stigma that many service members feel about seeking treatment for their post-traumatic stress. With the rise in popularity of virtual reality in non-medical settings, such as video games, entertainment and even the workplace, there’s convincing evidence that younger veterans will be more inclined to seek treatment using virtual reality techniques than other methods.”

Millard “Mickay” Hall Jr.

The Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) has announced the addition of Millard “Mickay” Hall Jr., a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, to its advisory board. Hall also attended the U.S. Army Comptrollership program at the Whitman School, receiving an MBA in 1988.

Hall retired from the U.S. Army at the rank of lieutenant colonel in 1997 after 20 years of service in the Quartermaster Corps and as a comptroller. After the military, he worked for Coca-Cola as a project manager before being promoted to senior project manager overseeing supply management, order management and field operations. Initiatives he managed at Coca-Cola revolutionized the logistics process and reduced service costs by more than $1.5 million.

After Coca-Cola, Hall served as director of operations with media and marketing services company Valassis Communications Inc. He was named senior vice president of operations in 2011 and managed the bulk of Valassis’ direct-mail operations.

“Mickay has exceptional leadership and business experience that will help to strategically guide the OVMA to better serve our military-connected students and continue to make Syracuse University “the best place for veterans,” says Col. (retired) Ron Novack, OVMA executive director.

An Atlanta native and resident, Hall volunteers with the Atlanta Community Food Bank and works with the Syracuse University Regional Council in Atlanta.

Hall’s major assignments during his service include those with the 3rd Infantry Division and 24th Infantry Division as well as serving as deputy chief of staff for logistics, U.S. Army, NATO Allied Land Forces South-Eastern Europe and the deputy chief of staff for operations, U. S. Army.

Composed of leaders with diverse and deep levels of experience from the military, government, business, higher education and public service sectors, the OVMA Advisory Board provides advice and counsel to University leadership related to programs, initiatives and opportunities positioned to advance the educational aspirations of the University’s veteran and military-connected students.

Other board members include:

• Paul Dottle, board chair and former American Express executive vice president of global business services and parent of two Syracuse graduates, one of whom is currently serving in the U.S. Air Force
• Peggy Combs ’85, U.S. Army major general (retired), highest-ranking female military officer to graduate from Syracuse University
• Gary Ginsberg ’72, U.S. Army veteran, Veterans Outreach Center in Rochester volunteer and West Point Retired Soldier Council member
• Cydney Johnson ’77, G’96, executive director of state and local government relations at Syracuse University
• Jim Lee ’75, Syracuse graduate, author and son of U.S. Coast Guard veteran Harold Lee
• Ken Quaglio G’91, U.S. Army veteran and CEO of digital consulting firm Celerity
• LaVonda Reed, associate provost for faculty Affairs at Syracuse University, professor of law and the daughter of a military veteran
• Glenn Richardson G’89, U.S. Army veteran and noted industry leader, advisor, coach and executive consultant
• Mark Westervelt, vice president for software engineering/development management at Fidelity Investments and father of Syracuse University Army ROTC cadet Adam Westervelt ’18

The Office of Veteran and Military Affairs serves as Syracuse University’s single point of entry for all veteran and military-related programs and initiatives. Committed to being the “best place for veterans,” the office assists University stakeholders to support and empower veteran, military-connected and military family member students and employees who are veterans at the University.

Zach Watson

Inspired by his father’s service, Watson served just over four years in the Marines as an avionics technician working on helicopters across the country. While travel was also a key motivator in his oath to serve, he didn’t get the chance to deploy while in the Marine Corps. At the end of his active service he opted to get out and focus on his education.

Carson, on the other hand, did get to see the world during service. After graduating from high school in 1998, he joined the Marine Corps and became a motor vehicle operator stationed in Okinawa, Japan, for two years. Like many service members, Carson left the service to put all his experience to use and found the resiliency he honed in the military to be one of his most reliable traits. He attempted several different jobs and attended two different schools, but neither provided the passion or purpose he sought.

Carson and Watson both found their way to Syracuse University through different avenues.  Watson had grown up nearby and was aware of the prestigious nature of Syracuse, while Carson found out about the school after meeting Ron Novack, executive director of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) at Syracuse University, while attending a conference hosted by the Student Veterans of America.

“Being at Syracuse just clicked with me after hearing about their resources for veterans and their commitment to be the best place for veterans,” Carson says. “I got this nice, thick acceptance letter and arrived on campus in 2017.”

Tristan Carson

Watson is currently pursuing his degree in political science through the College of Arts and Sciences and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, as well as studying for his graduate records examination in preparation for a graduate degree. Carson is studying English with a minor in education from the College of Arts and Sciences. It was during their individual courses of study that the itch to travel returned, compelling them both to apply for the Gilman Scholarship.

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a grant program funded through the U.S. Department of State.  It enables students of limited financial means to study or intern aboard, thereby gaining skills critical to national security and economic prosperity.  As a nationwide scholarship, the program is competitive. In 2017-18 the program received over 11,000 applications and only awarded 3,276 scholarships.  Successful applicants can be awarded amounts from $100 to $5,000. Applicants are evaluated on their academic preparedness and impact as well as their diversity of background and experience.

Carson and Watson both put a lot of time into their applications. Watson specifically wrote and rewrote his essay five times over the course of a month.

“I worked with Jolynn Parker, the director of the Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising and applied but didn’t get my hopes too high,” Watson says. “I grinded away at the application because I really wanted to go abroad.”

The hard work and determination paid off. Watson earned a fully-funded semester through the Gilman program and studied in London in spring 2019. There, he stretched to find his way into the new community of students, especially as he was the only student veteran abroad. He was able to fulfill his desire to travel, spending time in Amsterdam, Barcelona, Belgium, Hungary, North Africa and Madrid.

Carson had studied abroad once before coming to Syracuse University, spending time in London. With the Gilman Scholarship he spent the summer in Madrid, diving into the culture by attending group activities, tours, book fairs, taking an art class and participating in cheese and olive oil tasting events.

“I was abroad for six weeks over the summer.  It was a fantastic and awesome experience.  I really challenged myself there,” Carson says.

Upon returning to Syracuse, Carson became more engaged in the Student Veterans Organization, and currently serves as the public affairs officer for the group. He hopes to eventually work in a study abroad program to help offer the same experience he enjoyed to other students.

Watson plans to pursue a government career with the Central Intelligence Agency or Department of Defense or put his degree to use with a think tank or other organization. For now, he is back on campus with a whole new network of fellow students that he never would have met without the Gilman scholarship program.

Students interested in the Gilman scholarship can get more information and apply at gilmanscholarship.org or contact Jolynn Parker at jmpark02@syr.edu.

R.O.T.C. cadets at the 102nd Chancellor’s Review this past March.

This fall, Syracuse University’s total military-connected enrollment increased 14% from 1,206 to 1,375, including 96 new veteran and military-connected students. This class marks the highest student veteran enrollment in the post-9/11 era and raises the total veteran and military-connected enrollment to its highest mark in five years.

New veteran and military-connected students were welcomed onto campus at the annual New Student Veteran Welcome Orientation and Resource Fair in August. The event provided student veterans, military-connected students and their families the opportunity to connect with other students, learn about campus resources and meet the dedicated veteran and military-connected support staff. Veteran and military-connected enrollment has grown more than 500% since Chancellor Kent Syverud took his position in Jan. 2014.

The University’s historic Reserve Officer Training Corps (R.O.T.C.) program is also achieving high participation numbers this semester with 101 U.S. Army cadets and 45 U.S. Air Force cadets presently active and enrolled. Syracuse’s R.O.T.C. program is the longest consecutively-running program in the country. This semester’s class numbers are among the highest for both programs post 9/11.

“The steady uptick of veteran and military-connected enrollment and participation on campus and via Syracuse University’s online offerings is a result of the focused effort and commitment of those across campus working to make Syracuse ‘the best place for veterans,’ their families and other service-connected students,” says retired Col. Ron Novack, executive director of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs. “This record enrollment is particularly special and noteworthy as the University looks to celebrate its sesquicentennial anniversary and open the doors of the National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC) this academic year.”

“It’s almost overwhelming how much everyone wants you to succeed. Instead of going into a university blind with fear of the unknown, you have people reaching out to you, even the vice chancellor. It’s comforting to know veterans have succeeded here” says Harris Krahn ’23, an anthropology major in the College of Arts and Sciences and Marine Corps veteran.

As part of the University’s enduring commitment to veterans, the NVRC—a first-of-its-kind multi-use facility dedicated to advancing academic research, programming and community-connected innovation serving the social, economic and wellness concerns of the nation’s veterans and families—is scheduled to open in Spring 2020. The new building is one of many initiatives supported by the University aimed at improving the military-connected student experience on campus. Other initiatives include:

• Unlimited participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program, allowing Post 9/11 GI Bill students to receive additional funding to cover required tuition and fees
• Veteran-dedicated staff across campus
• Expanded capability of the Office of Veteran Success
• Increased number of Veterans Affairs school certifying officials
• Dedicated veteran admission advisors
• Dedicated veteran career services advising
• Student veteran career immersion trips to New York City and Boston
• Vet Success on Campus program
• Early registration benefits
• Orange Door Liaison program
• Peer Advisors for Veteran Education program
• Student Veteran Organization
• The Wohl Family Veterans Legal Clinic

Recently ranked the No. 1 private institution for veterans by Military Times, Syracuse University is also one of only 15 Pat Tillman Foundation University Partners. In its third year as a partner institution, Syracuse was selected for its innovative veteran services, strong culture of support for military veterans and spouses, and its rigorous academic programs.

“I am honored and humbled to be selected as a Tillman Scholar, and I am thrilled for the opportunity to represent Syracuse University and the Pat Tillman Foundation in the coming year and beyond,” says Quartaro. “To be a Tillman Scholar means I get to be a part of an outstanding network of some of the best and brightest future leaders in the country. I am blown away by the caliber of the men and women I will be able to connect with, and look forward to learning from them as I work toward my goal of supporting and improving American national security. I hope I can make my Orange family proud and honor Pat’s legacy of selfless service and leadership to make an impact during my remaining time at Syracuse University and after graduation.”

Quartaro joined the Marine Corps after graduating from high school in 2008. She witnessed the effectiveness of counterterrorism measures while deployed in the Southern Philippines and took advantage of numerous opportunities to experience different facets of the military police field training as a military working dog handler and conducting installation security, counterterrorism and Presidential support missions. In 2013, Quartaro became a criminal investigator for the Marine Corps. Before her honorable discharge in 2016, she conducted and assisted in over 100 criminal investigations.

Working with federal agencies like the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, United States Secret Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation inspired her to be a part of something bigger. Quartaro enrolled at Syracuse University and completed bachelor’s degrees in forensic science and psychology in 2018. She is currently a graduate student at the University, pursuing an executive master of public administration degree with a focus on international and national security policy and a certificate of advanced study in security studies. After completing her master’s degree, she plans to work in an intelligence agency to inform national security policies.

The Tillman Scholarship honors Pat Tillman, a starting safety for the National Football League’s Arizona Cardinals, who put his football career on hold in 2002 to serve his country. Family and friends established the Pat Tillman Foundation following Tillman’s death in April 2004 while serving with the U.S. Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan. The foundation invests in military veterans and their spouses through scholarship and programmatic support, and is dedicated to building a diverse community of leaders committed to service to others.

Syracuse University was selected as a Pat Tillman Foundation University Partner in 2017 for its innovative veteran services, strong culture of support for military veterans and spouses and its rigorous academic programs. The partnership closely aligns with the University’s commitment to be “the best place for veterans,” enabling recipients to apply the lessons learned in life, at Syracuse University and in the military to impact America for years to come. The next Tillman application cycle will open in February 2020.

Volunteers assist during the Syracuse Orange football game on Military Appreciation Day.

Over the weekend, close to 1,000 military service members, veterans and their families from the Syracuse area and Fort Drum were welcomed to campus and honored during the 6^th annual Military Appreciation Day which included the family-friendly Stars and Stripes as well as recognition during Syracuse Orange football game against Western Michigan.

“We are grateful to all those in the Syracuse community who continue to embrace and support our military, veterans and family members,” says Executive Director of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) Ron Novack. “The sacrifices these service members, veterans and families make for our country deserve recognition and there is no better place to honor and thank them than on the grounds of Syracuse University where we strive to be the ‘best place for veterans.”

Syracuse University Athletics and the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs partnered to coordinate military-related activities before and during the game, including:

• A pre-game on-field enlistment ceremony where CNY high school seniors took their initial oath of enlistment to support and defend the Constitution of the United States;
• The national anthem sung by SSG Benjamin Garnett of the 10^th Mountain Division while soldiers from the 10^th Mountain Division’s 2^nd Brigade Combat Team held the United States flag over the field;
• Coin toss by honorary Game Captains Major General Brian Mennes, Commanding General, 10th Mountain Division and Command Sergeant Major Samuel Roark, Senior Enlisted Advisor;
• The honoring of United States Army Captain Timothy Monczynski as the game’s hometown hero and
• Joint performances by the Fort Drum 10th Mountain Division band and the Syracuse University Marching Band.

Service members from Fort Drum and local veterans at the tailgate attended the game free of charge following the annual ‘Cuse for Troops ticket promotion which allows the public to thank veterans and active duty service members for their service by sponsoring their attendance to the game.

The annual Stars and Stripes tailgate and military appreciation game is part of a series of programs and initiatives in support of Syracuse University’s commitment to veterans, military service members and their families in order to strive to remain the “best place for veterans.”

The objective is supported by a series of strategic initiatives, including the creation of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, IVMF, expanded capabilities of the Office of Veteran Success and construction of the National Veterans Resource Center, a first-of-its-kind multi-use facility dedicated to advancing academic research, programming and community-connected innovation serving the social, economic and wellness concerns of the nation’s veterans and families.

The Syracuse football team defeated Western Michigan 52 to 33.

Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans Class of 2019

Last week, 25 veterans from 17 states advanced their goal of business ownership by attending classes, networking events and presentations to learn the fundamentals of running a business from accomplished entrepreneurs and professors as part of Syracuse University’s (IVMF) , an eight-day, no-cost-to-veterans intensive on starting and building a business.

The courses covered a comprehensive range of topics, from financing and accounting to legal issues, marketing, personal branding, human resources and more. Program speakers included:

• Ted Lachowicz ’72 , entrepreneur and EBV Foundation founder
• Alex McKelvie, professor of entrepreneurship, associate dean for undergraduate and full-time master’s education and chair of the Department of Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises in the
• Elizabeth Wimer, adjunct instructor in the Whitman School
• Ginger Wagner, professor of accounting practice in the Whitman School
• Chris Dambach, owner of Industry Standard USA and and EBV graduate
• Logan Bonney, co-founder and CEO of Anything But Beer and an EBV graduate

This year’s program earned ’96 in attendance to interview IVMF Chief Operating Officer Maureen Casey and EBV participants as part of the network’s “Closing the Gap” series on women’s advancement in the workplace.

“Now in its 12th year, EBV has grown to include nine colleges and universities, almost 2,000 graduates and successful business ventures in nearly every industry,” says Syracuse University Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation and IVMF Executive Director J. Michael Haynie. “The program has endured as a result of the milestones and accomplishments of our graduates as well as the power entrepreneurship offers to change lives, families and communities.”

While on campus, program participants also took part in local sights and experiences such as:

• a night at Empire Farm Brewery in Cazenovia, including dinner, remarks from Tim Butler, U.S. Army veteran and Empire director of brewing operations, a sampling of local craft beers and live music;
• dinner with local entrepreneur John Stage at Stage’s nationally known Dinosaur Bar-B-Que; and
• tours of the Syracuse University campus and the Dome

“The military prepares you to be an entrepreneur, but what’s missing is the translation of those skills,” says Thad Hunkins, EBV Syracuse 2019 participant, U.S. Air Force veteran and CEO of both NCC Systems and TC Loox Consultants LLC. “EBV has been the answer to that critical missing piece.”

The EBV was founded by Haynie in 2006, with the Whitman School. The flagship program of the IVMF’s ARSENAL of entrepreneurship programs, EBV is designed to prepare and empower veterans and their families for success in business ownership. Of the nearly 2,000 aspiring entrepreneurs who have completed EBV, 79 percent have gone on to start their own business, and 92 percent of those are still in business.

Chancellor Kent Syverud speaks to Warrior-Scholar Project participants.

Last week, for the fifth year in a row, Syracuse University hosted the esteemed Warrior-Scholar Project (WSP), a no-cost academic boot camp for first-year student veterans.

Hosted at just 18 institutions nationwide, the WSP empowers enlisted military veterans by providing them with a skill bridge that enables a successful transition from the battlefield to the classroom, maximizes their education opportunities by making them informed consumers of education, and increases the confidence they will need to successfully complete a rigorous four-year undergraduate program at a top-tier school.

“Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be a daunting endeavor, and the transition to higher education post-service can be even more intimidating,” says retired U.S. Army Col. Ron Novack, executive director of the University’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA). “The Warrior-Scholar Project plays a critical role in engaging and preparing these service members to transition successfully into higher education and succeed at universities around the U.S.”

WSP at Syracuse University is a collaborative effort of the OVMA and the College of Arts and Sciences. Syracuse faculty who taught during this year’s program include:

• Tessa Murphy, assistant professor, Maxwell School
• Mark Schmeller, associate professor, Maxwell School
• Genevieve García de Müeller, assistant professor, College of Arts and Sciences
• Andrew Cohen, professor, Maxwell School
• Corri Zoli, research assistant professor, Maxwell School

“The course is excellent! I wish this could be offered to all veterans as they are transitioning from the military, whether they intend to attend college or not,” says Pieter Botes, Syracuse University WSP alumnus. “The course is incredible at building both confidence in our skills and excitement to attend higher education. The staff was incredible, always approachable and keen to help.”

WSP launched its first program at Yale University in 2012 with nine participants. Since then, WSP has expanded to serve 275 veterans at boot camps across the country in 2019. In addition to Syracuse University, WSP graduates have gone on to enroll at such prestigious institutions as Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Georgetown, Harvard, Princeton, Stanford and Yale.

Student veterans attended the weeklong academic boot camp July 12-21 with participants residing in campus housing and attending lectures in various classrooms and facilities, providing a comprehensive campus experience. In-kind support from Syracuse University and investments made by foundations, corporations and private donors cover the entire cost of the program for participants.

Maureen Casey

On July 10, Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) Chief Operating Officer Maureen Casey testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Veteran Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity in Washington, D.C. The testimony marks the second time in less than a month that IVMF was tapped to speak on veterans affairs in the nation’s capital.

Casey spoke to the specific needs and challenges of female veterans as they transition out of military service during a hearing on “Economic Well-being of Women Veterans.” Her remarks included perspective on the financial stability of female veterans, their opportunities and challenges around employment and entrepreneurship, the rapid growth of the veteran subpopulation and the various social and economic services that influence female veterans’ transition and well-being to include economic stability.

Casey also emphasized, based on IVMF experience and research, the importance of public and private sector collaboration in key areas of innovative employment programming and care coordination as it relates to the economic well-being of women veterans.

“‘Getting their transition right’ is core to ensuring long-term employability and financial independence,” said Casey. “A negative transition experience is likely to position a woman veteran—and by extension, her family—on a trajectory of compromised financial stability, from which our experience suggests, it is often exceedingly difficult to recover. While, as a community, we have made significant progress to better understand and address the needs of women veterans, more remains to be done.”

Today, IVMF offers programming to support all veterans, service members and their families whether they pursue entrepreneurship, secure in-demand career certifications or navigate support in their communities following service. Despite women accounting for just 17 percent of the post-9/11 veteran population, they seek assistance from IVMF’s AmericaServes network of care coordination at rates higher than their representation indicates. To date nearly 10,000 women veterans and female military spouses have enrolled in IVMF’s Onward to Opportunity career preparation and employment training and IVMF also offers two no-cost entrepreneurship programs exclusively for women: Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE) and Ignite. To date, V-WISE has graduated over 3,000 women, over 65 percent of whom have started their own business with more than 90 percent of said business owners still in operation today.

Wednesday’s hearing also included testimony from Lauren Augustine, vice president of government affairs for Student Veterans of America; Jas Boothe, founder of Final Salute Inc.; Christine Schwartz, chief executive officer of Service to School and Jodie Grenier, chief executive officer of Foundation for Women Warriors.

Mike Haynie

On Wednesday, June 19, Vice Chancellor and Executive Director of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) Mike Haynie testified before the United States Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C.

During a hearing on “Harnessing the Power of Community: Leveraging Veteran Networks to Tackle Suicide,” Haynie testified on the significant role communities can play in the successful reintegration of veterans to include health and well-being for veterans and their families.

Haynie explained, based on IVMF’s research, that the most common challenge facing the veterans’ community is the effective and efficient navigation of available services, resources and benefits. He emphasized that such access to basic and positive connections are key determinants to social and economic well-being and while many communities have the infrastructure to support veterans, the providers are often unknown or inaccessible. IVMF’s AmericaServes program seeks to address such issues.

“We recognized that creating an accessible and accountable means to navigate the help and support veterans need, when they need it, within their own community, could serve to blunt those social and economic factors linked to compromised mental health,” Haynie testified. “This single insight was the seminal motivation for the IVMF team to launch an innovative community care coordination program called AmericaServes. The AmericaServes initiative is based on the simple idea that if existing community-connected social service providers were organized into an inter-connected system of social service provision, a veteran accessing any individual resource would instead access a comprehensive continuum of resources and care.”

Today, AmericaServes is active in 16 communities across the U.S.—including, among others, New York City, Pittsburgh, San Antonio, Dallas and across the entire state of North Carolina. The AmericaServes provider network aligns almost 900 individual providers and has addressed more than 52,000 requests for support from veterans across the program.

Wednesday’s hearing also included testimony from Robert L. Wilkie, secretary of Veterans Affairs for the Department of Veterans Affairs; Colonel Miguel Howe, an April and Jay Graham Fellow of the Military Service Initiative at the George W. Bush Institute; Jessice Kavanagh, founder and president of VetLinks; Major General Matthew T. Quinn, adjutant general for the Montana National Guard; and Lieutenant Colonel James Lorraine, president and chief executive officer of the America’s Warrior Partnership.

A copy of Haynie’s  is available to review.

Nick Armstrong

Grant dollars from TLLF will support five AmericaServes networks in North Carolina and South Carolina for their programs and trainings. The selected markets in North Carolina collectively coordinate care for the entire state—NCserves Metrolina, NCServes Coastal, NCServes Western and NCServes Central Carolina. The fifth selected market is SCServes, which coordinates care for South Carolina’s Lowcountry.

The IVMF’s AmericaServes is the country’s first coordinated network of organizations serving the military community by providing veterans, transitioning service members and their families with a way to simply and effectively navigate and access supportive services in their communities. Each AmericaServes network consists of vetted service providers, connected through a coordination center that understands each provider’s services, capacity and eligibility requirements, and facilitates accurate referrals for users to receive the services they seek.

The Prudential grant will be used to explore educational trends and pathways for veterans pursuing higher education that align with in-demand careers. The study will also review opportunities for employers to recruit, hire and maintain veteran employees within these coveted occupations, and ultimately result in a navigation tool for both aspiring student veterans and employers.

“This research will help to inform policy and programming around higher education for veterans,” says Nick Armstrong, Ph.D., senior director of research and evaluation at IVMF and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs adjunct professor. “Partners like Prudential understand the challenges faced by the military community. Their dedication to making significant changes to the landscape of financial education, workforce development, entrepreneurship and research for veterans and their families is critical as we work to advance the post-service experience of our country’s veterans.”

Over the last five years, Prudential has awarded IVMF over $2 million in funding.

Previous awards from the company have been dedicated to funding programs and research related to entrepreneurship training for veterans and military spouses, career preparation for transitioning service members and their families, and the employment challenges experienced by military spouses. Research specific to military spouse employment has been well-referenced as an authoritative perspective for employers, hiring managers, and human resource professionals looking to hire and retain military spouses.

“Valuable partners like Prudential and The Leon Levine Foundation are critical to our work in supporting and advancing the military community,” says Ray Toenniessen, assistant vice president for veterans development at IVMF. “Our team is grateful for the generosity and support of these partners and proud to work with them in an effort to better serve veterans, service members and their families.”

Started by Leon Levine (founder of Family Dollar Store) in 1980, seeks to improve the human condition by creating permanent, measurable and life-changing impact throughout the Carolinas. Based in Charlotte, NC, the organization invests in nonprofits with strong leadership, a track record of success, and a focus on sustainability in the areas of healthcare, education, Jewish values and human services.

With operations in the United States, Asia, Europe and Latin America, provides customers with a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds and investment management. Their dedication to creating long-term value for stakeholders through strong business fundamentals consistent with their mission has helped to establish the 140-year old firm as one of the world’s most trusted brands.

A total of 230 women veterans and military spouses attended the Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship Atlanta program.

This past weekend, a record 230 women veterans and military spouses descended on Atlanta to take part in Syracuse University’s (V-WISE) program.

Developed by the (IVMF), the V-WISE program provides education, supportive services and resources to women veterans and female military spouses who aspire to launch and grow their own small business. V-WISE Atlanta was the 21st program, delivered twice a year in cities across the United States. To date, more than 3,000 women have received cost-free business ownership training through the V-WISE program, and 90 percent go on to launch a new business after completing the training.

A tradition at each V-WISE program is to honor and recognize the accomplishments of two women who represent exemplars for all those in attendance, and Atlanta was no exception. During the kick-off dinner launching three days of intense training and networking, the women of V-WISE Atlanta honored Kathy Walters ’73 and Lynne Pace as V-WISE “Trailbreakers.”

Syracuse University Board of Trustees Chair Kathleen Walters ’73 speaking at the V-WISE conference in Atlanta.

Walters, the recently retired head of consumer products at Georgia-Pacific and the first woman to serve as chair of Syracuse University’s Board of Trustees, spoke to the participants about courage. “You are looking for a new beginning in your professional lives,” Walters said. “You may feel as though this is a drastic change but in fact you already have the most important ability it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur—courage. I learned in my professional life about the power of just taking the first step.”

Pace, the wife of retired U.S. Marine Corps General and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Peter Pace, remarked: “It has been an honor and a privilege to support military families over all these years. I often refer to my military families as ducks on my pond. And I’ve truly enjoyed doing my small part to care for them while their loved ones protect our nation. Your determination and desire to provide for your families is inspiring.” Pace’s husband attended to celebrate her recognition as a V-WISE Trailbreaker.

The V-WISE participants benefited from more than 30 training sessions and four keynote speakers. They were able to take away lessons from the experiences of the more than 30 educators, instructors and successful entrepreneurs who traveled to Atlanta to teach, train and empower these future entrepreneurs.

“I feel like I haven’t had a voice for 36 years. V-Wise gave me that voice,” said Melody LeGrant, military spouse and V-Wise participant. “When my husband, Andre, was serving, my family had to come first. Now it is my time. I’m ready to soak in all this opportunity.”

Attendees also had the opportunity to showcase their businesses; practice and receive feedback on pitching their venture to potential partners, lenders and investors; and engage successful entrepreneurs in discussions related to the obstacles and challenges associated with business ownership.

“Military spouses and women veterans are uniquely positioned to succeed as entrepreneurs,” said Mike Haynie, Syracuse University vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and founder/director of the IVMF. “Their resilience, passion and perseverance is unmatched, and those in attendance in Atlanta were certainly no exception. It is an honor to be part of their journey and support them as they work to create, through business ownership, their own version of the American dream.”

V-WISE is part of the IVMF’s ARSENAL initiative, a suite of eight national entrepreneurship programs, offered to veterans, service members and their families through the institute. The IVMF also manages programs in career preparation and community support, as well as critical qualitative and quantitative research for the University and industry-leading organizations.

Logan Bonney G’17 and Brittany Berry ’18

Originally from Long Island, Logan Bonney G’17 enrolled in classes at Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) in 2008, intent on studying aircraft mechanics. Military service wasn’t necessarily on his radar but he saw the hands-on training his roommate was getting by serving in the Air National Guard in Syracuse. So, at age 19, Logan signed up, too, and graduated with a two-year degree from MVCC while waiting for a basic training date.

For eight years, he served at Hancock Field, working as a sensor operator and mobilizing during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Freedom Sentinel.

“Serving in the Guard was such a unique opportunity,” says Bonney. “I was on active duty, but in Syracuse. So while I never left the base, I was controlling planes in the Middle East—actively a part of the nation’s fight supporting troops on the ground.”

It was during his military service that Logan’s interest in entrepreneurship first piqued. On advice from his mother, Bonney used his military bonuses to invest in real estate and become a landlord.

“I actually bought my first house from a colonel on the base. He signed his tenants over to me, and I just went from there,” says Bonney. “The biggest thing I took away from the military was the mentorship. My commanders taught me not just how to be an airman, but also gave me some of the best personal and business advice I have ever received.”

With his military supervisor also a landlord, Bonney grew his tenant roster. As his business grew, so did his rank in the Guard.

“I was training to become a sergeant and acquiring more real estate all at once,” he says. “The strong support, relationships and leadership training I was getting inspired me to pursue a more entrepreneurial path. That is where Syracuse University came in—I needed the education to support this new dream.”

As he served, he worked on his degrees—first a bachelor’s in business administration at Columbia College and then he applied to the . As a military service member, his application to Syracuse was streamlined, and he began working on his master’s in entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises just weeks after applying.

In his courses at Whitman, Bonney conducted guided market research and soon found an opportunity in the growing craft beer space.

“We learned that 40 percent of people drink beer most often. But interestingly, almost half of that percentage would prefer to drink something else,” he says “As I dug deeper, I found that drinking is often a social experience, and a good portion of people have a drink in their hands just to fit in—many weren’t really enjoying it.”

Bonney and his business partner, Brittany Berry ’18, an industrial design graduate from the , discovered that by preference, or dietary need, many of the beer alternatives in the craft beer space were not satisfying the customer. With the craft beer scene on the rise, Berry and Bonney knew their research was revealing a pain point—people enjoy going to craft breweries for the social experience, but many people aren’t enjoying what they are drinking or are being excluded from the craft beer industry entirely.

With guidance from the Whitman School, they worked to create a business plan that solved the gap their research revealed.

“The structured process at Syracuse helped me find an opportunity and conceptualize a way to solve this problem,” Bonney says.

Bonney graduated in 2017 with his business idea brewing. He separated from the Guard at the same time, ready to dedicate his time exclusively to his new venture. But his Syracuse education was far from over.

Bonney and Berry incorporated their business——in June 2017, just weeks after graduation. The brewery creates grain-free beer alternatives from local fruits and vegetables that have the same alcohol percentage of craft beer. Each drink has a unique flavor with different combinations of fruits, vegetables and spices.

In November 2017, Bonney went through the (EBV), offered by Syracuse University’s (IVMF.) He elected the program offered at Cornell University, where they specialize in food, beverage and hospitality.

“EBV was so helpful in keeping us focused and disciplined,” he says. “We really honed our story and process through EBV to the point where we were ready to take the next big step just a few weeks after completing the program.”

Anything But Beer secured the necessary licensing and opened in January 2018. For the past year, Bonney and Berry have been creating their brews and building relationships with Syracuse-area bars and breweries.

“What’s great is that our product has really helped to better the craft beer category in Syracuse,” Bonney says. “By putting our products on tap, breweries and restaurants are able to better serve those one out of five non-beer drinkers and make their experience more fulfilling.”

Anything But Beer is set to open its own taproom this summer in downtown Syracuse. As they get ready, Bonney again tapped Syracuse University to prepare.

“In February 2019, I attended IVMF’s Veteran EDGE conference, which is for growing veteran-owned businesses,” he says. “As you get into the grind, it’s easy to lose sight of certain things. The IVMF programs have been a great asset to staying on track and focused. Meeting the people there and staying connected with the guardsmen and the network at Syracuse University has been so helpful. Everyone has potential. I am lucky that my military leaders and those I met at Syracuse have helped me unlock mine.”

Graduating students represent majors from all of the University’s schools and colleges, with the MBA program boasting the largest enrollment.

U.S. Air Force veteran Adam Legrand ’18, G’19, president of the Student Veterans Organization and Maxwell School master’s degree candidate will give the student remarks. The keynote speaker for the event, to be introduced by Vice Chancellor Mike Haynie, is U.S. Army Lt. Col. Pia Rogers ’98, M ’01, L ’01. Rogers is a captains career manager for the Personnel, Plans, and Training Office in the Office of The Judge Advocate General at the Pentagon.

“It is an honor to graduate this year’s class and welcome Lt. Col. Rogers back to campus,” says Ron Novack, executive director of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA.) “These students exemplify the excellence, dedication and citizenship that Syracuse University student veterans continue to demonstrate. It is a privilege to have these students as part of the Syracuse family.”

During her time at Syracuse, Rogers was an “Otto” and an ROTC cadet. She earned her undergraduate degree in journalism at the Newhouse School and completed a joint-degree program earning a juris doctor degree through the College of Law and a master of public administration degree through the Maxwell School in 2001.

During her military service, she has completed numerous military legal assignments at various installations. She has received several military awards, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster and the Korea Defense Service Medal.

Syeisha Byrd, Amanda Rylee and Katherine Quartaro

Syracuse University’s Peer Advisors for Veteran Education (PAVE) program recently brought student veterans, PAVE advisors, family members and campus staff together to support and celebrate first-year student veterans and the start of their Syracuse career.

The “Celebration of First-Year Success,” sponsored by Hendricks Chapel, was held at the Nancy Cantor Warehouse. The evening’s program included welcoming remarks by PAVE president and student veteran , dinner, awards and speeches from first-year student veterans as well as veteran-dedicated Syracuse staff.

“The event really recognizes the community of support at Syracuse,” says Quartaro. “Transitioning to higher education after a military career is no easy feat. Our first-year students triumphed, and that is something to celebrate.”

During the event, PAVE advisors were honored for their efforts with the award for “superior engagement and participation as a peer advisor” being presented to Amanda Rylee ’19. Rylee, a senior entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises major in the Whitman School, completed the most interactions and outreach logs with first-year students during the past academic year of any PAVE advisor. In addition to her studies and participation in PAVE, Rylee is active in the National Guard, serving with the 2-108th infantry battalion out of Utica, New York.

PAVE is a national peer support program that connects incoming student veterans on college campuses with seasoned student veterans who can help them navigate college life, address challenges, refer appropriate resources on and off campus, and provide ongoing support. Syracuse’s PAVE program has seen more than 200 student veterans through their first year on campus since its inception.

“The PAVE program continues to be a valuable resource to our growing student veteran community,” says Ron Novack, executive director of the . “We are proud of the great work these students are doing and thank them for their dedication to creating a supportive first-year experience for new students following their transition from military service.”

A resource provided by the OVMA, the Syracuse chapter of PAVE aligns with the University’s commitment to be “the best place for veterans.”

43rd First Lady of the United States Laura Bush

The event includes a discussion with Mrs. Bush, the 43rd First Lady of the United States, followed by a reception. All members of the campus community are welcome to attend. Seating is limited.

Having served as First Lady from 2001-09, Mrs. Bush is known for her advocacy of literacy, education and women’s rights. After leaving the White House, President and Mrs. Bush founded the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas. The center is home to the Bush Presidential Museum and Library and the George W. Bush Institute, a public policy center established to advance human freedom, economic growth, education reform and global health.

“We are honored to have Mrs. Bush visit campus and share her experiences with our students, faculty and staff,” says Vice Chancellor Mike Haynie. “We are continually grateful to the D’Aniello Family for their generosity in supporting these and other initiatives.”

Bush’s visit follows the completion of the first George W. Bush Institute’s Stand-To Veteran Leadership Initiative, a program designed for individuals serving the nation’s veterans who are motivated to broaden their skill sets, knowledge and influence across the country. Over the course of the fall semester, distinguished Syracuse University faculty and staff members traveled to Dallas to present and learn from Mr. and Mrs. Bush. as well as from other influential authorities in the veteran and national security sectors. Amy Taft, curriculum and learning manager at the (IVMF) at Syracuse University, was among the 33 selected in the inaugural class while various University leaders, including Haynie and IVMF COO Maureen Casey, presented during the initiative.

Bush is speaking as part of the D’Aniello Family Speaker Series created by University Trustee Dan D’Aniello ’68 and his wife, Gayle. The Universitywide lecture series promotes dialogue on subjects with national impact with some of the nation’s most prominent leaders and thinkers speaking on topics such as entrepreneurship, free enterprise, patriotism, veterans’ issues and leadership.

Dan D’Aniello co-founded The Carlyle Group, an international investment firm based in Washington, D.C. Prior to forming Carlyle, D’Aniello was vice president for finance and development at Marriott Corp., where he was responsible for valuation of all major mergers, acquisition, divestitures, debt and equity offerings, and project financings. Before joining Marriott, D’Aniello was a financial officer at PepsiCo Inc. and Trans World Airlines.

In addition to his Syracuse education, D’Aniello was a Teagle Foundation Fellow and graduate of the Harvard Business School. Along with his role as a Syracuse University trustee, he is the co-chair of the IVMF’s advisory board and a member of the Chancellor’s Council and the Whitman School’s Corporate Advisory Council.

The D’Aniellos donated $20 million to fund construction of the (NVRC) on campus. This first-of-its-kind, multi-use facility is dedicated to advancing academic research, programming and community-connected innovation serving the social, economic and wellness concerns of the nation’s veterans and families. The NVRC is scheduled open in 2020.

George Canino

Like many, George Canino’s path to service began with his family. His father, a retired member of the U.S. Air Force, sparked his interest in the military at a young age.

Canino’s father was stationed in Madrid, Spain, while in the Air Force. After he retired, when George was 3 years old, the family remained there. As George grew up, he heard his father’s stories of service and was excited by the opportunity to travel and further his education in the U.S. He hoped to enlist directly after high school, but his father encouraged him to pursue an education in Spain.

Even after completing an associate’s degree in international business from Schiller International University in Spain, Canino held on to his desire to serve.

“’I wanted a radical change,” he says.

Canino enlisted in the U.S. Army and moved on his own to the U.S. in an English-speaking environment after living 21 years in Spain.

“Not knowing the culture was a disadvantage, and being thrown into an English environment was probably the biggest challenge,” says Canino. “But it was also a strength because I had other experiences no one else had, including living overseas.”

Canino originally wanted to enroll at West Point, but the age limit on applications prevented him from applying. He resolved to focus on his military career as an enlisted soldier.

He adapted to life in the U.S. fairly easily after completing basic training in Ft. Benning, Georgia, thanks to friends he made in the states. Some customs, like eating meals much earlier in the day, took some adjusting.

George Canino, standing third from right, with members of his unit

Later, while stationed in Ft. Drum, New York, Canino’s platoon leader suggested he was a good fit for the Army’s Green to Gold program, where enlisted soldiers can graduate with both a degree and an officer’s commission from the school of their choice.

With a previous recommendation from the admissions office at West Point and given the convenience and familiarity of the area, Canino saw an obvious choice in Syracuse University to continue his education.

However, by the time Canino received his acceptance letter from Syracuse University and the Green to Gold program, he was at the Joint Readiness Training Center in Ft. Polk, Louisiana. He had almost no time to file the paperwork necessary to attend school. He returned to Ft. Drum on Aug. 24 of this year and had three days to finalize his paperwork and register for classes—all while finding a place to stay.

“That’s where the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) came in,” says Canino.

The OVMA worked with the Maxwell School to get Canino into the classes he needed to fulfill his requirements as a political science major, in the Maxwell School and the College of Arts and Sciences, and organized housing for the semester on South Campus.

He was impressed with OVMA’s persistence in getting him enrolled.

“They were like ‘no matter what we need to get this guy to school, here,’” Canino says.

Now enrolled, Canino is focused on his academic course load and commitment to ROTC. He hopes to become more involved in programs offered by OVMA and around campus specifically for military-connected students and veterans. Following an expected 2020 graduation from Syracuse, Canino hopes to pursue a law degree and work for a national law enforcement or intelligence agency such as the FBI.

U.S. Army veteran Mark Erwin G’12, special assistant to the secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, gave the banquet’s keynote address. (Photo by John Benson)

The (SVO) recently held its Annual Ball and Awards Banquet at Clear Path for Veterans in Chittenango, New York. The event, which drew more than 70 student veterans and guests from the campus community, recognizes the contributions of the SVO to the University, celebrates Syracuse’s tradition of service to veterans, and honors notable student veterans for their achievements at the University.

“The SVO and Student Veterans of America (SVA) are critical to the advancement of veterans in higher education,” says SVO President Adam Legrand ’18, G’19. “The Awards Banquet is just one opportunity to recognize and empower student veterans. With the University’s dedication and support, student veterans are able to engage with alumni, other SVO chapters and the local community to advance their experiences in higher education and beyond.”

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Charlie Poag, a current public relations and political science major, served as the banquet’s emcee. U.S. Army veteran Mark Erwin G’12, who is now employed as the special assistant to the secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, delivered the evening’s keynote speech.

During the event, the SVO presented two awards. Will Harrington ’21 received the Organization’s “Best for Vets” award, which is presented to the individual who has done the most to help student veterans succeed both on and off campus. SVO community relations coordinator Syeisha Byrd was honored with the Community Support Award, which recognizes the individual who has done the most to support veterans, active duty military members and civilians on campus, throughout the Syracuse community and across the globe.

The (OVMA) also presented two awards. The SGT Danny Facto Student Veterans Work-Study Award was presented to Marine Corps veteran . The honor is presented to a student veteran who reflects the value and character of Danny Facto, a decorated combat veteran, Purple Heart recipient and hardworking Syracuse alumnus who passed away in 2009. To conclude the evening, the OVMA presented the Student Veteran of the Year award to Chloe Milliken ’19. The Student Veteran of the Year award is the highest honor bestowed by the OVMA.

The SVO is one of several initiatives overseen by the OVMA. The office and its efforts support the University’s long-standing commitment to be the “best place for veterans.”

Air Force ROTC cadets stand at attention during the annual Chancellor’s Review in the Dome.

Last week, members of the campus community and Chancellor Kent Syverud gathered in the Dome for the 102nd Annual Chancellor’s Review of the Syracuse University Army and Air Force ROTC cadets. University leaders, alumni, community members, educational partners and special guests attended the event sponsored by the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA).

The yearly review celebrates the ROTC cadets and their commitment to service. Syracuse boasts the longest consecutively running ROTC program in the country—a legacy in keeping with the University tradition of support for veterans and military families as the “best place for veterans.” During the event, Chancellor Syverud announced an impressive milestone related to the University’s commitment: “I’m proud to say that veteran and military-connected enrollment has passed five percent of our total enrollment here at Syracuse University,” he said.

Under the review of the Chancellor, more than 150 cadets performed drills and ceremonies in formation. Cadets were celebrated during an award ceremony honoring achievements throughout the year.

“Our Army and Air Force ROTC programs and cadets are terrific exemplars of the University’s commitment to service,” says Ron Novack, executive director of the OVMA. “As we further our initiatives and resources for veterans and military-connected students and staff, the ROTC program remains a strategic pillar of Syracuse University’s campus community and to the defense of our nation. These cadets are driven, ambitious and hardworking. It is a privilege to have them as members of our university and prepare them to lead the next generation of our country’s armed forces.”

Immediately following the review, nearly 25 Army ROTC cadets departed Syracuse for their senior staff ride to Lexington Concord Battlefield outside Boston. There, they completed a weekend-long battlefield analysis as part of their commissioning requirement. Air Force cadets completed their senior staff ride to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey during the week of the review.

The ROTC program is an integral piece of the University’s commitment to the veteran and military-connected population. Recently ranked the No. 1 private school for veterans by Military Times, Syracuse is furthering its commitment with the construction of the National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC), a first-of-its-kind multi-use facility dedicated to advancing academic research, programming and community-connected innovation serving the social, economic and wellness concerns of the nation’s veterans and families. The NVRC is scheduled to open in 2020.

Chancellor Kent Syverud (third from right), Vice Chancellor Mike Haynie (far right) and Syracuse University’s Veterans Affinity Group president Jennifer Pluta (second from right) are pictured with student and employee veterans at Thursday’s social.

Over 50 members of the campus community gathered Thursday at the Genesee Grande Hotel in support of the University’s Veterans Affinity Group (SUVA.) Hosted in partnership with the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA), Chancellor Kent Syverud attended the SUVA event with Syracuse University veterans, military-connected individuals, dependents and supporters in an effort to bring military-connected and traditional populations together to create a more diverse and inclusive campus experience.

Established in 2014, SUVA is an inclusive group open to all members of campus with military service experience or a passion for supporting those who have served. The group has grown to over 200 members since its founding with the intention of creating a distinct community supportive of the University’s military-connected employees and students.

“Our growing and engaged veteran and military-connected community on campus is a big part of why we are the ‘best place for veterans,’” says Ron Novack, OVMA executive director. “This event, and others like it, are a fantastic way to build a sense of community on campus. We are proud to spearhead efforts to bring this population together and support them.”

The SUVA also hosts various events and opportunities to connect throughout the year, including meetings every second Thursday of the month and bi-annual clean ups of the veteran section of Oakwood Cemetery.

“The members of SUVA are engaged, dedicated and focused on the veteran and military-connected population here at Syracuse,” says Paula MacDonald, associate director of organizational development and training at the University. “With the support from many around campus and the passion of the group’s leaders, SUVA has become an impressive example of what affinity groups can accomplish for those they serve while supporting the mission of the University.”

SUVA accepts new members throughout the year. Regardless of membership, faculty and staff veterans, military-connected employees and dependents are able to enter or update their military status on My Slice under “Personal Services,” “View/Update Military Status.” In doing so, the University and OVMA are able to gain a broader understanding of Syracuse’s veteran/military community.

To join the SUVA, email SUVA president Jennifer Pluta at jrpluta@syr.edu.

Stephanie Malm, left, with her good friend and military legal cohort Jena

Her mother had put herself through school in similar circumstances while raising Malm and her brothers, and she wanted to find that same fulfillment, Malm says.

With a natural inclination to help her community, Malm considered several options before deciding to join the Minnesota National Guard.

Her mother was naturally worried, while her father—a U.S. Navy veteran—was apprehensive but supportive of his only daughter’s decision to enter military service.

Malm joined in 2005. By 2008, she was working to prepare new recruits for basic training. That year she deployed to Iraq and Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a satellite communications specialist—an experience Malm found challenging and life changing.

“We were working with new commercial tech and I cried, because it kicked my butt. I found a big part of myself over there because of that,” Malm says.

After a year and half of service in Iraq and Kuwait, she returned and married her husband in Minnesota.

She spent nine years as an active duty member of the National Guard during which time she completed a bachelor’s in business administration from Capella University. Though eager to pursue a graduate degree, she put her educational aspirations aside for her family, deciding not to begin a master’s until her eldest child went to kindergarten.

In her search for the right master’s program, Malm found Syracuse University’s online MBA program, an option that appealed to her given the school’s reputation. As a former women’s lacrosse coach, Syracuse’s strong athletics program also piqued her interest.

Stephanie Malm, right, with her niece, Addison, at a Minnesota Twins baseball game after singing the National Anthem. Malm, who has been singing since middle school and received vocal training in high school, was asked to sing at the game through the Minnesota Army National Guard PAO office.

As an online student, Malm was resistant to get involved with the Syracuse student veteran community. When the Student Veterans Organization (SVO) reached out however, she quickly found herself to be interested in many of the opportunities. She has since developed a family-like relationship with many other student veterans.

“I can reach out to them for anything,” says Malm. “The people at Syracuse want to help, and if you surround yourself with a network of positive people who want you to succeed, you will reach your goals.”

In January 2019, Malm attended the Student Veterans of America National Conference in Orlando with other Syracuse veteran students.

“At Natcon, I used my voice not just as a mom, a wife, a student or a coach, but as a female veteran and it was empowering to do so,” says Malm.

Malm expects to graduate in 2020 and plans to pursue a career in business consulting.

The University’s Army and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program hosted nearly 100 area high school Junior ROTC members at the Dome on March 7 for the second annual Junior ROTC Fitness Challenge.

The Junior ROTC cadets, along with cadre and local recruiters, represented programs from across upstate New York, including Mexico Academy & Central District Marine Corps JROTC, Proctor Naval JROTC in Utica, Western Maritime Buffalo Naval JROTC and Carthage Army JROTC near Fort Drum outside Watertown, New York.

“The JROTC fitness challenge is a great opportunity for current and future cadets,” says Lieutenant Colonel Jason Warner, Army ROTC at Syracuse University, speaking of his cadets. “These students are cadets today but soon they will be the leaders in our military force. We are proud to be part of a school that values and prioritizes military service.”

The event kicked off with a presentation from Syracuse admissions representatives to educate JROTC cadets on different education paths beyond high school through the ROTC program, including scholarship opportunities and support the University provides.

The challenge involved a number of physical fitness tests, including running, push-ups, sit-ups, running the Dome stairs and a dead-man carry across the turf using a 105-pound dummy.

Throughout the challenge, SU ROTC cadets demonstrated the leadership skills attained through the ROTC program as they guided and encouraged teams of junior cadets to finish the competition strong.

Warner ended the ceremony by awarding the first-, second- and third-place teams and their respective Army ROTC leaders. Cadets who showed qualities that matched the values of the Syracuse ROTC program, such as leadership, strength, teamwork and a commitment to serve, were identified as their team’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) and awarded a Syracuse University ROTC coin.

The SU ROTC college leadership program educates and trains cadets on officership, values, standards and operations, while providing mentorship and scholarship to enhance college education.

The JROTC fitness challenge is another example of Syracuse University’s commitment to veterans and the military-connected community. Established in 1919, Syracuse University boasts the longest consecutively running ROTC program in the country.

Syracuse University Vice Chancellor and IVMF Founder/Executive Director Mike Haynie speaking at the announcement of the second annual Vet50 list in Dallas.

Syracuse University’s brought together in Dallas recently more than 440 influential stakeholders, veteran business owners, regional and national veteran services organizations, and corporate partners of the (CVOB) for the national Veteran EDGE conference. EDGE (Engage, Develop, Grow, Elevate) is the country’s largest convening of veteran-owned businesses and supporters.

During the event, Inc. magazine and IVMF announced the second annual —a compilation of the nation’s fastest growing veteran-owned businesses. Born out of the iconic of the fastest-growing private companies based in the United States, the distinction is considered a hallmark of entrepreneurial success. Included on this year’s Vet50 list is , a professional services company founded and led by Syracuse University alumnus Bryan Dyer.

“Being named a Vet50 company is an exciting milestone that we celebrate with the other hard-working veteran entrepreneurs on this list,” Dyer says. “We are proud to be involved in the momentum IVMF is creating. And as a Syracuse alumnus, I am especially proud to see my alma mater making great strides to support and encourage veterans and the military community.”

The conference agenda featured more than 40 workshops and sessions on entrepreneurial education, training, resources and networking opportunities. Notable speakers included Andy Williams, star of HGTV’s “Flip or Flop  Fort Worth” and U.S. Marine veteran; Korto Momolu, entrepreneur, fashion designer, “Project Runway” participant and military spouse; Syracuse alumna Laura Foti ’13, director of marketing at Specright, previously head of paid media and analytics for GE Digital and fiancée to a military service member; Col. Jack Jacobs (Ret.), Medal of Honor recipient; and Larry Broughton, founder and CEO of broughtonHOTELS and yoogozi.com and a former U.S. Army green beret.

“The EDGE program is a great example of research informing practice,” says Mike Haynie, Syracuse University vice chancellor and founder/executive director of the IVMF. “Through our research, we’ve been able to develop a deep understanding of the needs and challenges facing those veterans who are working to grow and scale a small business. In turn, with the support of our academic and private sector partners, we can develop specialized programs like EDGE that are uniquely positioned to address the challenges veteran business owners face today and throughout the entrepreneurial journey.”

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, veterans are some of the most successful business owners in America, but the number of veterans choosing to go into business for themselves has declined since 2005, and sustainability as an entrepreneur is a critical part of the formula anyone considering entrepreneurship must face. Currently, there are more than 2.5 million veteran-owned businesses, which employ more than five million U.S. citizens. EDGE and IVMF’s arsenal of entrepreneurship programs seek to address such challenges and empower veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses to live the American dream of business ownership.

Danielle Sheppard

Danielle Sheppard didn’t always envision a military career for herself.

While finishing high school in Ithaca, New York, she wasn’t sold on her mother’s aspirations for her to serve in the armed forces.

When she was a junior, however, Sheppard, originally from Brooklyn, was shaken by the 9/11 attacks. Three years later, she was further inspired by the story of Pat Tillman, a pro football star who left the NFL to enlist in the U.S. Army and who later died while serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan in April 2004. Syracuse University is a Tillman Scholar university.

“His willingness to put that (his career) aside to serve; it drove me to do more,” Sheppard says.

Sheppard was stationed in Fort Jackson, South Carolina, for basic training. Later she moved on to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for advanced individual training and military occupation specialty training. She stayed briefly at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, as part of the 101st Airborne Division before being deployed to Baghdad for her first 13-month tour as a chemical, biological, nuclear and radiation weapons specialist.

For Sheppard, her military experience was one full of community and camaraderie, with her fellow soldiers supporting her every stop along the way.

“I was always welcomed with open arms wherever I went,” she says. “Even with all the moving in the Army, I never felt like I wanted to go home.”

Danielle Sheppard (right) with her younger sister, Donashia.

Sheppard was stationed at Fort Drum, New York, for eight months before serving another year in Iraq. “I’m grateful for the experience,” she says. “It was humbling. I’m saddened by the ones we lost, but those images are ones I wouldn’t want to erase from my memory. They push me to keep going and fight in their memory.”

Upon returning to the United States after her second tour, Sheppard served as an Army recruiter in Essex County, New Jersey, until 2014. Afterward, she received her bachelor’s degree in business management from Regent University. Always enterprising and ambitious, Sheppard looked to expand her education to achieve her dream of being a business owner.

Currently living in Los Angeles, she was drawn to Syracuse after seeing an ad for the online master’s in business administration (MBA) program. When she dug for more information, she uncovered the wealth of resources for veterans at the University.

“Syracuse didn’t throw all the information at me and say ‘here you go’; instead they assisted me and let me know exactly what I needed to do and provided the help I needed,” Sheppard says.

Sheppard said she chose Syracuse for the “bell that rings in employers’ ears” when applying for jobs, but she also found the rigor of the online MBA program to upend the traditional conceptions of online coursework she had expected.

“You’re not just responding to two posts on Blackboard in this online program. You’re in class in real-time, taking pop quizzes, doing all the same grunt-work of in-person classes,” she says.

Sheppard attended SVA’s National Conference this past January, networking and connecting with other veterans. She plans to take advantage of the once she finishes her degree in an effort to get her business, Above Average—a clothing line of jeans for tall women—off the ground. Sheppard also hopes to start a service that connects veterans with opportunities and programs like the ones she has found at and Syracuse University to give back to her community.

Every year, NASPA brings student veterans, advocates, thought leaders, stakeholders and supporters in higher education together to discuss best practices and address common challenges. This year’s conference was held at the Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel. The three-day conference consisted of breakout sessions and workshops aimed at bettering the military-connected student experience and understanding the unique perspective and skills each student brings to campus.

Ron Novack, OVMA executive director; Jennifer Pluta G’15, assistant director of veteran career services for OVMA; and Rosalinda Maury, IVMF director of applied research, presented several panels examining the student veteran landscape.

“Events like NASPA empower and inform our student veterans and staff as we remain dedicated to serving the veteran and military-connected community at Syracuse,” Novack says. “We are honored to attend and influence the sessions. The insight and knowledge brought back to campus from the conference enriches the student experience at Syracuse University as we continue our work to be the best place for veterans, their families and military-connected students.”

Pluta presented takeaways from her veteran career crash course, a one-day, one-credit course for student veterans to explore career development opportunities and workshops at various stages of career readiness. Pluta piloted the course during the Fall 2018 semester.

Maury also conducted two presentations with Corri Zoli, director of research at Syracuse University’s , and Daniel Fay of Florida State University. The first panel outlined social science research and data-driven analyses to debunk myths about today’s all-volunteer force; the other focused on using quantitative and qualitative research methods to understand women’s contribution to national service and post-service life.

The OVMA staff facilitated a discussion with Emily Steinway, veterans transition manager of the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center at Middle Tennessee State University that highlighted the importance of collaboration in serving military-connected student populations. The panel offered insight on creating connections with advisors and faculty; bridging the student-academic affairs divide; programs with community colleges and technical schools; and working within local and state government and businesses.

The OVMA and IVMF have been active on the conference circuit in early 2019, having presented similar work at the Council of College and Military Educators Symposium last month in Austin, Texas, as well as the Student Veterans of America National Conference in Orlando, Florida, in early January, where they were joined by a group of 22 Syracuse University students.

Chloe Milliken

After graduating high school in Richland, Washington, Chloe Milliken knew she wanted to enlist in the U.S. Army—and she wanted to be on the front lines. It was 2013 and she was given the same options women who wanted to serve in combat had at the time: become an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician (EOD) or join the military police (MP). To her, the choice to be an EOD technician was clear.

“It was important to me, whatever position, to be on the front lines,” Milliken says. “And everyone gives MPs a hard time.”

Milliken, whose father served as a sergeant in the Army, was stationed at Ft. Drum near Watertown, N.Y. and was assigned to the 754th Ordnance Company. While stateside, Milliken and her company worked with the Secret Service providing security at events attended by former President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. They also supported local police departments that didn’t have a bomb squad.

She deployed as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) to Kandahar Provence of Afghanistan from September 2015 through July 2016. While on a mission in February 2016, Milliken and her team hit an improvised explosive device (IED) and had to be medically evacuated to a U.S. military hospital in Kandahar. Within a week however, Milliken and her team went back into the field.

Milliken received the Combat Action Badge and the Army Commendation medal.

“I was really lucky to have great team who was knowledgeable and who could handle anything,” says Milliken.

For her service, Milliken received the Combat Action Badge and the Army Commendation medal. She also received a Purple Heart, making her one of only a few women to ever receive the award.

“This recognition was a long time coming. Women have been serving as EOD techs since WWII. It’s incredible to see in my lifetime the change in acknowledging women in combat and the change against the common misconception that women weren’t in combat roles,” Milliken says, referring to the 2016 decision to open all combat jobs in the military to women.

Returning to civilian life in 2017, Milliken was considering college options that would have taken her further away from her partner who is still stationed in Fort Drum. After touring Syracuse University, Milliken found a college that would support her as well as place her closer to her family.

“The support and commitment to veterans is unlike any other college that I’ve seen,” Milliken says.

Working in Syracuse University’s Veteran Career Services office, Milliken witnesses this support first-hand. She got involved with the office after a trip to New York City during her freshman year, where student veterans met and networked with top employers. Milliken says opportunities like these helps break down the gap between veterans and employers—allowing veterans transitioning into civilian life to show the intangible skills they honed in the service.

Chloe Milliken

Now a political science major in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Milliken will graduate in May 2019 and has already secured a position with the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., pushing toward her goal of becoming an FBI special agent.

She urges incoming student veterans to embrace the veteran community and support on campus despite the common, initial tendency to put some distance between their military and civilian experiences post-service.

“You put yourself at a disadvantage when you don’t interact with a network of other individuals that want to support those goals and those interests of establishing a civilian life,” Milliken says.

The scholarship honors Pat Tillman, a starting safety for the National Football League’s Arizona Cardinals, who put his football career on hold in 2002 to serve his country. Family and friends established the Pat Tillman Foundation (PTF) following Tillman’s death in April 2004 while serving with the U.S. Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan. The foundation invests in military veterans and their spouses through scholarship and programmatic support, and is dedicated to building a diverse community of leaders committed to service to others.

Up to 60 applicants nationwide are selected to be every year. Student veterans attending a four-year institution full time, as well as the current or surviving spouses of veterans or active-duty service members, are eligible to apply.

Syracuse University was selected as a Pat Tillman Foundation University Partner in 2017 for its innovative veteran services, strong culture of support for military veterans and spouses and its rigorous academic programs.

“We’re thrilled to continue with the Tillman Foundation as a University Partner,” says Ron Novack, executive director of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs. “Being a partner school and supporting their charge to empower active-duty service members, veterans and their spouses affirms the hard work of so many as we remain steadfast in being the best place for veterans and their families.”

Katie Piston, a doctoral candidate in the bioengineering program in the , and Robin Evans, a first-year student in the  were named . Ryan Gross was the in 2017. He graduated in 2018 with a master’s in public administration and is now a senior intelligence analyst for the Defense Intelligence Agency.

To date, the Tillman Foundation has invested more than $16 million in academic support, and named over 580 Tillman Scholars at over 100 academic institutions nationwide.

Students who plan to pursue a degree at Syracuse University may apply to be SU Tillman Scholars. Currently enrolled Syracuse University students who plan to pursue graduate studies at an institution that is not a University Partner may still apply to be a Tillman Scholar by applying “at large.”

Interested students should visit the Pat Tillman Foundation website, , to start an application. The application requires a resume, valid military service record, a character recommendation and two essays detailing the applicant’s military and public service experiences as well as future academic and career goals.

Applications must be submitted by Feb. 28. Finalists will be asked to submit additional materials and will be interviewed by the Pat Tillman Foundation.

The Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising (CFSA) is eager to help students with their Tillman Scholar application materials. “We’re always happy to help students writing personal statements or essays for nationally competitive scholarships,” says Jolynn Parker, director of CFSA. “I’m especially looking forward to working with our student veterans on this extraordinary opportunity.”

This spring, 24 new undergraduate student veterans are enrolled on campus full-time. They join over 50 student veterans who enrolled in the fall and more than 1,000 other veteran and military-connected students at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Syracuse University’s veteran and military-connected enrollment on campus has grown over 500 percent since Chancellor Kent Syverud took his post in January 2014 and identified veteran service among his strategic initiatives.

“We have been able to enjoy continued student veteran growth on campus thanks to a tremendous ‘One University’ team effort and commitment by so many but most importantly to our veteran admissions advisors, who work so hard with our transitioning service members and their families. Syracuse University as a community is truly committed to being the ‘best place for veterans’ and for our military-connected population,” says Ron Novack, executive director of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs at Syracuse University (OVMA).

A number of benefits and resources are available to Syracuse University student veterans and military-connected students, including:

• Unlimited participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program allowing Post-9/11 GI Bill recipients to receive additional funding to cover required tuition and fees.
• Veteran-dedicated staff across campus
• Dedicated Office of Veteran Success (OVS)
• Dedicated veteran admission advisors
• Dedicated veteran career services advising
• Student veteran career immersion trips to New York City and Washington, D.C.
• VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) Program
• Early registration benefits
• Orange Door Liaison program
• Peer Advisors for Veteran Education (PAVE) Program
• Student Veteran Organization (SVO)
• The Wohl Family Veterans Legal Clinic

Recently ranked the #1 private school for veterans by Military Times, Syracuse is also one of only 15 Pat Tillman Foundation University Partners. In its third year as a partner institution, Syracuse was selected for its innovative veteran services, strong culture of support for military veterans and spouses, and its rigorous academic programs. , which funds education for student veterans and spouses of veterans, will be accepting applications Feb. 1-28, 2019.

The University is furthering its commitment to the veteran and military-connected population with construction of the National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC), a first-of-its-kind multi-use facility dedicated to advancing academic research, programming and community-connected innovation serving the social, economic and wellness concerns of the nation’s veterans and families. The NVRC is scheduled to open in 2020.