The OVMA created this award to remove barriers that often prevent student veterans from accessing internships, one of the most effective pathways to post-graduation employment. The award, which is needs-based, covers the cost of one internship credit hour, travel and living expenses, or both, with a maximum award of $5,000 per student. It’s part of the ongoing efforts by Syracuse University to support student veterans and ensure their success in the job market.

“Student veterans often face the difficult choice between pursuing full-time summer studies or finding seasonal work to meet their financial needs,” says Jennifer Pluta, director of Veterans Career Services with the OVMA. “It’s challenging to focus on securing internships when financial concerns are pressing. Since its launch, the Internship Award has successfully helped 24 of our student veterans gain valuable job experience, giving them a significant advantage in the job market.”

According to the University’s , more than 650,000 veterans nationwide are currently pursuing higher education, often with one primary goal in mind: finding employment afterward. While veterans highlight finding employment after their military transition as a top priority, connecting with employers can sometimes be challenging. Initiatives like the OVMA’s Internship Award are crucial in bridging this gap, providing student veterans with opportunities to gain practical experience and build networks that will support their career goals.

At Syracuse, students across all schools, colleges and degree levels have access to resources that help them find and secure internships in their chosen fields. However, student veterans, who often juggle complex schedules, family commitments and financial responsibilities, can find it particularly challenging to participate in internships. The OVMA’s Internship Award helps alleviate these challenges by providing financial support, enabling student veterans to focus on gaining valuable professional experience without the added burden of financial strain.

“Since its start, the internship award program has grown tremendously, providing invaluable opportunities for our student veterans to gain real-world experience and advance their careers,” says Ron Novack, OVMA’s executive director. “We are committed to expanding this program even further, reaching more student veterans and building strong partnerships with organizations that recognize and value the exceptional skills and dedication that veterans bring to the workforce.”

This year, military-connected students secured internships across a diverse range of industries, with many gaining experience in government agencies and tech companies. From working on policy initiatives and supporting service members through government roles to contributing to innovative projects in the tech sector, these students gained invaluable experience that will serve them well in their future careers.

Read more about three of the recipients and their unique experiences below.

Laurie N. Coffey G’25, U.S. Navy Veteran

Laurie Coffey

Laurie N. Coffey, a U.S. Navy veteran with over 20 years of service, is now a second-year law student in the . This summer, she interned with the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, where she gained valuable experience in public service law. Unlike the previous summer, when financial demands led her to take a highly paid corporate internship, this year was different.

“Receiving the scholarship allowed me to take a position that was unpaid and in public service,” Coffey says. “Having a family, mortgage, and going to school has financial demands that pushed me into a highly paid corporate internship last summer. The scholarship allowed me to pursue something more aligned with my passions and hopes to work in the advocacy arena.”

Curtis Cline ’25, U.S. Army Veteran

Curtis Cline

Curtis Cline, a senior majoring in aerospace engineering at the , is a U.S. Army veteran who completed three combat tours. During his service, he held such roles as crew chief, overhaul maintenance technician and downed aircraft recovery program manager. This summer, he interned at the Griffiss Institute, where he immersed himself in collaborative aerospace research.

“A lesson I gained during my internship is the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Working alongside experts in various fields, I learned how to effectively communicate complex ideas, integrate diverse perspectives and contribute to a collaborative research environment,” Cline says. “This experience has equipped me with enhanced problem-solving skills and a deeper understanding of how different disciplines converge in aerospace research.”

Marriler Wilson G’25, U.S. Air Force Veteran

Marriler Wilson

Marriler Wilson is a graduate student in the , pursuing a master’s in public administration and international relations.  Willson served in the Air Force National Guard, focusing on security forces and base defense, while also serving as a traffic enforcer with the New York Police Department. This summer, Wilson interned at the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) in the Office of Congressional Public Affairs.

“One particularly memorable experience occurred on the second day of my internship when I had the unique opportunity to visit Capitol Hill. I observed a general counsel from my congressional and public affairs unit articulate the significance of MCC’s work,” says Wilson. “The counsel eloquently explained how MCC’s mission aligns with the interests of both political parties and how the corporation’s initiatives serve as a vital conduit for international cooperation and development.”

The OVMA Internship Award application period is open from September to May 31. For more details and to apply, visit . For more details about the award, reach out to Jennifer Pluta at jrpluta@syr.edu.

Story by Lissette Caceres

In the video, Syracuse University Vice Chancellor , who is also the executive director and founder of the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, speaks about the GI Bill’s origins and the University’s role in its inception. He also discusses the importance of other universities welcoming veterans, highlighting the positive impact they have on campuses.

If you’d like to schedule an interview with him, please reach out to Vanessa Marquette, media relations specialist, at .

Members of Syracuse University’s military-connected community pose for a group photo with Otto before the 2024 SVO Ball & Awards Banquet.

Syracuse University’s military-connected community came together for an evening of celebration during the annual Ball & Awards Banquet. The formal event, held each year during the Spring semester, acknowledges the accomplishments within the veteran community at Syracuse University and serves as an evening of camaraderie before the academic calendar is overtaken by final exams.

SVO President John Nipper ’23, G’24, speaking to guests at the 2024 SVO Ball & Awards Banquet.

SVO President and U.S. Navy Veteran John Nipper ’23, a graduate student in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, opened the formal portion of the evening by acknowledging those military-connected students who will graduate this year, even if they were unable to attend the festivities. “Congratulations on all your successes here at Syracuse University, you should be proud of all your accomplishments and to now be recognized as an alumni of these hallowed halls. We know that you will do great things in your future endeavors,” Nipper said.

This year’s event featured a Gatsby-themed evening that welcomed the largest crowd in attendance since the SVO Ball first found a home at the National Veterans Resource Center since its opening. The evening features a formal dinner, guest speaker, awards presentation, announcement of the next year’s SVO executive board, music and dancing, as well as a raffle drawing to help raise money for next year’s SVO functions.

Theodore “Ted” Walker

Theodore “Ted” Walker, a U.S. Army veteran and guest speaker of this year’s event, is an assistant professor with the Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Walker shared some of his own experience in the military as a U.S. Army ranger with multiple deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Walker also spoke about the importance of having an engaged community for veterans, highlighting the unique camaraderie that exists among those who have served and the underlying purpose of the SVO’s existence.

Each year, both the SVO and Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) use the event to present their annual awards of recognition. Both organizations present awards to acknowledge the contributions and impact of key individuals, some more light-hearted than others. Among the more impactful awards presented, the following members of the University’s military-connected community were acknowledged:

The SVO Community Service Award is presented to an SVO member who goes beyond expectations in supporting not just our veteran community but extends their generosity and kindness to all those in need around them. This year, the award was presented to Jose A. Baeza-Ruiz ’25, a business analytics student in the Whitman School of Management.

The SVO Best for Vets award is presented to the student veteran who has done the most to help student veterans succeed both on and off campus. This year, the Best for Vets award was presented to SVO Secretary Raul “Rudy” Rosique ’23.

The SVO acknowledged OVMA Executive Director Ron Novack, a retired U.S. Army Colonel, with the SVO’s Staff Appreciation Award, and the SVO Faculty Appreciation Award was presented to retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Elizabeth Kubala, executive director of the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic and a teaching professor at Syracuse University’s College of Law.

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Elizabeth Kubala (left), executive director of the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic and a teaching professor at Syracuse University’s College of Law, receives the SVO Faculty Appreciation Award from SVO President John Nipper.

“I’m truly humbled and honored to be recognized by the SVO for this award. Here at Syracuse University, we pride ourselves on cultivating a strong sense of community on campus and in the classroom for our veteran and military-connected students, and I’m really proud to be part of that collective effort,” said Kubala. “I’ve seen first-hand how our programs, like the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic, make a tremendous impact by exposing our campus community to veterans, showing others what it means to serve, and fostering a more supportive and welcoming environment for veterans here at Syracuse.”

The OVMA also presents awards at the event each year to several military-connected students who have gone above and beyond in their dedication to supporting the University’s military initiatives.

The Danny Facto Student Veteran Work Study Award, presented by the Office of Veteran Success (OVS), is presented in the name of Danny Facto, a decorated U.S. Army combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient. Facto attended the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics with the goal of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and was the first VA work-study student at Syracuse University. Facto died tragically in a motorcycle accident in 2009, his death was felt throughout the military-connected community at the University and each year the OVS presents an award in his name to a current VA work-study student they feel is deserving of the recognition.

Retired U.S. Army Colonel Ron Novack (left), executive director of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (left), presents the OVMA Student Veteran of the Year Award to Raul “Rudy” Rosique.

This year, the Danny Facto Student Veteran Work Study Award was presented to Andrew Patterson, a 3L law student in the College of Law.

The OVMA Student Veteran of the Year Award was also presented at the banquet, awarded to a student veteran who makes the most standout commitment to the military-connected community at Syracuse University. This year, the award was presented to Raul Rosique ’24.

To close out the event each year, the SVO announces the results of the SVO’s Executive Board election. Those elected will go on to serve in the next academic year to help support veteran and military-connected students as well as welcome all students who wish to learn more about service members, veterans and the military community at large.

SVO Executive Board Results:

President: Raphael Grollmus, a graduate student in the College of Arts and Sciences

Vice President: Marriler Wilson, a graduate student in the Maxwell School of Public Affairs and Citizenship

Secretary: Jurgen Baeza ’26, a computer science major in the College of Engineering and Computer Science

Treasurer: Savion Pollard ’25, an electrical engineering major in the College of Engineering and Computer Science

Public Affairs Officer: Tojyea “TJ” Matally ’27, a communications design major in the College of Visual and Performing Arts

Community Outreach Officer: Leonel Aviles ’26, an information management and technology major in the School of Information Studies

“I first started attending in the Fall of 2021 and have seen a night and day difference within the SVO. The lounge seemed more like a doctor’s office than a place to eat and gather, and socials were nonexistent due to COVID. Every year since there have been new faces, a significant increase in events and overall, it’s been more welcoming. It’s like seeing something being built from the ground up,” said Grollmus, who served for nine years in the U.S. Marine Corps prior to enrolling at the University. “If there is something the veteran community as a whole could benefit from or an event that would be excited to do, let us know so we can put it into action.”

The SVO Executive Board for the 2024-25 Academic Year (from left to right):
Public Affairs Officer, Toyyea “TJ” Matally; Secretary, Jurgen Baeza; Vice President Marriler Wilson; President Raphael Grollmus; Treasurer, Savion Pollard; and Community Outreach Officer, Leonel Aviles.

Photos by Sophia Simmons, student in the Advanced Military Visual Journalism

CPS was integral to Syracuse University being named among the top private schools for online bachelor’s degree programs for veterans, and that same commitment to military-connected students extends to graduates of the

“Supporting military-connected students and their families is part of Syracuse University’s mission,” says Liz Green, executive director of online student success at CPS who also serves as 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. “We are committed to providing accessible pathways for military students to complete an online degree or certificate, and our team of instructors and advisors is trained and equipped to assist in any way we can.”

CPS offers an for graduates of IVMF programs, which grants military-connected students who are IVMF alumni a tuition incentive, bringing their cost down to $350 per credit hour for online undergraduate certificate programs.

The College of Professional Studies offers a market-sensitive portfolio of credit-bearing certificates, including:

• Creative Leadership
• Cybersecurity Administration
• eSports Gaming
• Full Stack Development
• Knowledge Management
• Project Management

The College of Professional Studies was integral to Syracuse University being named among the top private schools for online bachelor’s degree programs for veterans.

According to the , the project management career field is expected to grow up to six percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for other occupations, with more than 65,000 openings for project management specialists projected annually over the decade.

The D’Aniello Institute currently offers a no-cost career pathway for eligible participants to earn either their Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), or the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, saving the service member or veteran up to $3,000 in training and certification expenses on average.

CPS has now gone a step beyond, making IVMF’s CAPM and PMP certifications even more beneficial to establishing a flourishing career after military service. IVMF alumni and certificate holders who want to continue their education in project management can apply their IVMF coursework to pursuing a bachelor’s of professional studies degree in project management, or an undergraduate certificate in project management.

“Our support of veterans and military-connected students includes recognizing and acknowledging the value of their non-credit work, training and experiences. The rigor and objectives of the PMP and CAPM courses align tightly with the market-sensitive curriculum in our project management programs,” says College of Professional Studies Dean , an Air Force veteran and avid supporter of Syracuse University’s military-connected initiatives.

One of those initiatives includes adapting to the digital world of certifications and badges for professional networking platforms like LinkedIn. Digital badges not only highlight a prospective employee’s official certifications and skills, but also establish a level of authenticity and easy validation for the potential employer.

Established through blockchain technology, badges allow hiring managers and employers a quick and easy way to verify that job candidates possess the required skills for specific jobs. Digital badges vary in importance depending on the industry, specific certification and even the individual’s career goals.

IVMF alumni from the Onward to Opportunity (O2O) program were among the first program graduates to receive digital badges after completing their coursework and examinations, an effort that began in January. IVMF is currently retroactively issuing badges to all cohorts who graduated in 2023.

The badges are issued through the online company Accredible, which, after they are received through email can be displayed on the user’s LinkedIn profile or shared through their professional networks. So far, more than 8,000 badges have been issued to IVMF alumni through Accredible. As CPS and IVMF alumni services continue to explore where digital badges are a right fit, future participants will likely see an even broader use of this new availability in the labor market.

For more information on Syracuse University’s available programs and services for military-connected students through the College of Professional Studies, please visit . For those interested in learning more about available career training certifications available through the IVMF, please visit .

The daylong event was organized and guided by the Veteran Career Services staff and included an evening interactive learning opportunity about dinner etiquette for meals during a professional setting.

While military service is often seen as an advantage in the hiring process, hiring managers may struggle to fully comprehend the valuable experience that veteran applicants bring to the table. Similarly, veterans may be uncertain about leveraging their military experience as a bargaining chip during compensation negotiations.

Participants mingle at the inaugural Veteran Career-Ready Bootcamp.

Michelle Johnson, a retired U.S. Army sergeant major and current doctoral candidate in the , emphasizes the challenge for corporate hiring managers and recruiters.

“It is sometimes difficult for them to fathom the scale and scope of the responsibilities placed in the hands of service members because that paradigm doesn’t work in the corporate world, where experience and leadership come with time,” Johnson says. “In the military, experience comes swiftly, and leadership starts on day one. It’s not unusual for a 19-year-old to lead a nine-person team in a foreign nation, or for a 22-year-old recent college graduate to help a war-torn community build a local government from the ground up.”

This marked the first time such a daylong event was held for military-connected students at Syracuse. Although the OVMA provides various programs and services to better prepare student veterans for the job market, scheduling a full day of programming during the academic year poses challenges. The success of the event was partially attributed to the support of OVMA’s recent corporate sponsor, Visions Federal Credit Union.

“Visions was thrilled to support the Veteran Career-Ready Bootcamp. Programs like this are exactly why we saw a partnership with the OVMA as a perfect fit,” says Timothy Strong, director of branding and public relations for Visions Federal Credit Union. “The continued emphasis on providing the military-connected community with skills to benefit them in and out of the classroom fits perfectly with our mission.”

A presenter from Visions Federal Credit Union shares expertise with participants.

Participants began the day gaining valuable insights from veteran alumni who recently graduated. The panel shared their experiences in leveraging resources and strategies to secure jobs after graduation, along with insights into new changes in the labor market.

Afterward, Lauren Meyer, an administrative specialist with the , led the participants through the exercise to personalize the day’s lessons. Throughout the day, participants received instruction on resume writing, optimizing LinkedIn profiles, building a personal brand and even obtained free professional headshots.

“I particularly enjoyed the LinkedIn session because I learned about keywords to use, how to make my profile more engaging for employers, and how to use the built-in artificial intelligence features to my advantage,” says Priscilla Cruz ’24, a senior in the enrolled through the U.S. Army’s Early Commissioning Program. “During the lecture, I updated my experience section based on the advice I was given and added media to showcase my work.”

In the evening, participants were treated to a formal dinner in the Bisignano Grand Hall. However, instead of celebrating, the participants focused on learning the intricacies and history of formal dinner etiquette, taught by Robert Shutt, a professional etiquette educator and author. The students discovered that many present-day rules of dinner etiquette have origins in military customs and courtesies. Afterward, members of the military-connected community on campus joined the participants for an evening of networking and camaraderie.

Robert Shutt, professional etiquette educator and author, (standing) instructs participants at a formal dinner.

The seminar occurred just days before the OVMA hosted a career networking reception for military-connected students at the University. This biannual event attracts hiring managers and employers from various industries seeking to hire veterans and military family members, providing student veterans valuable one-on-one time to showcase their talents and inquire about potential job placements after graduation.

“We realize that most of our military-connected students are pursuing higher education for a specific career choice in their post-service lives,” says retired U.S. Army colonel Ron Novack, executive director of the OVMA. “We are always searching for new and engaging ways to support our military-connected students, including developing innovative programing like this and offering services aimed at helping them take advantage of any opportunity to better prepare themselves for the next chapter in their lives.”

Veteran Career Services plans to host the career boot camp every other year, ensuring undergraduate student veterans have ample opportunities to participate. Those interested in the programs and services offered to military-connected students are encouraged to .

Military-Connected Students

Marine Corps Sergeant Levi “L.J.” Guerra ’27 and student-veteran Danny “Rem” Bellitt ’27 first met while stationed in Japan. Guerra is currently a student in the military visual journalism program in the  and Bellitt is a U.S. Air Force veteran enrolled in the as an undergraduate student.

“Being in different branches that have no business working together definitely had its challenges,” says Bellitt, who served as a crew chief on C-17s and C-5s. “Being an aircraft maintainer meant working twelve-plus-hour shifts at night, and L.J. being a Communications Strategy and Operations (COMMSTRAT) Marine meant she would go on exercises for months at a time.”

The pair were married in March of last year, and two days later Guerra was in the Philippines. They say that during the first six months of marriage they only spent a total of 45 days together due to back-to-back exercises.

“Syracuse has been amazing because it has given us both a chance to not only be together everyday, but also go to school together as students,” says Guerra, who was named a in September of last year.

“Coming to Syracuse has been a blessing. We have been able to make up for lost time, and we can actually go out and enjoy each other’s company. Not only is it a nice break from the high op tempo that you experience in the military, it has just been nice to see each other and share a cup of coffee every morning,” says Bellitt.

L.J. Guerra (left) and Danny Bellitt

Marine Veterans Turned University Staff

While Marine veterans Michael and Colleen Drum didn’t meet in the military, their shared experience of being Marines meant they had a lot in common already when they met while working for the (IVMF).

Colleen works as the Onward to Opportunity installation manager for Fort Drum in upstate New York. Michael is currently the national program coordinator for the Onward to Opportunity program but will soon take on a new position as the operations officer for the (OVMA).

“We met in person for the first time at the IVMF all hands meeting in 2019, we had first met on a virtual meeting before since I was remote at the time,” says Colleen, who previously worked for the IVMF in southern California prior to relocating to Central New York. “We were both veterans and we had a lot in common so it helped, especially as a female veteran it can be tough to date men who haven’t been through those same experiences, and some find the role reversal challenging.”

“As veterans we were both pretty used to tough scenarios and I think that made it a lot easier for us both to move in together finally,” says Michael.

The pair also expressed their appreciation for the IVMF’s leadership–particularly Maureen Casey, IVMF chief operating officer–for supporting their relationship. They married in Skaneateles, New York, in fall 2022 and are now expecting their first child later this year.

Colleen (left) and Michael Drum

Veteran Alumni Who Bleed Orange

One look at retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonels Dwayne ’97 and Allison Murray ’01 and it’s obvious the married couple exudes school spirit. Dwayne graduated from Syracuse with undergraduate degrees in sociology and information studies, Allison graduated from the University’s School of Nursing. The Murrays were married in 2009 and continued to serve on active duty in the Army together, with careers spanning more than 20 years each.

They were both student athletes while earning their undergraduate degrees at Syracuse. Dwayne was a member of the track and field team while Allison was a member of the cheerleading squad. Amazingly, however, they didn’t connect while on campus.

“We met while we were both in South Korea,” says Dwayne, deputy director of the OVMA. “She told me she went to a school in upstate New York, and I was like, ‘Really? Which one?’ and then she told me she went to Syracuse.”

Allison, who currently serves as assistant dean for student assistance at , was a little skeptical at first when Dwayne told her he had also graduated from her alma mater. Upon producing his student ID card as proof, the two realized just how much they had in common.

Their time together in the military was no easy feat, however. They have had to overcome deployments, being stationed apart from one another for years at a time, and dealing with the military’s archaic record-keeping systems that aren’t exactly accommodating for dual-military couples.

“There are certain systems and processes that aren’t necessarily set up for dual-military couples,” says Allison, who was a cadet with the U.S. Army ROTC detachment at Syracuse while she was a student. “There were so many times that someone would say, ‘Oh you’re Mrs. Murray!’ and I would have to say, “No, I’m Major Murray, or Lieutenant Colonel Murray, I’m in the service too!’ It wasn’t just the person who couldn’t grasp the concept, sometimes it was the data-entry system for things like keeping track of our children in the system and making sure they were under both of our names.”

The pair said they deliberately made the decision to not be geographically separated if at all possible, that means sacrificing potential assignments that could be better for their career progression. For two highly-ambitious people determined for success, that was a challenge in of itself.

“Thankfully we both had great mentors, people who were rock stars in the military and who were highly supportive of us,” Allison says.

“At the end of the day our goal was less about our own individual ambition, and more about the goal of keeping the family together,” says Dwayne.

The couple now have three children together: Dwayne, who is a junior in the , as well as Caleb and Malachi.

Allison (left) and Dwayne Murray

Read more love stories from students, staff and alumni by checking out the 2024 #OrangeLove photo gallery!

Chi

Large, multinational organizations often deal with complex issues when it comes to the intersection of fiscal requirements and government regulations. U.S. Army Captain Bong Chi is among the group of financial professionals tasked with managing the Army’s budget and fiscal policies. When he graduates from the Whitman School of Management’s  this summer, he will join the growing list of financial experts who have moved on to juggle the fiscal requirements for the Department of Defense (DoD), the largest federal agency in the country.

After growing up in Seoul, South Korea, Chi came to the United States for high school and soon found an opportunity to pursue a career in finance and accounting. After graduating high school in 2009, he enlisted in the military through the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) Program, a recruitment program for immigrants and non-immigrants interested in joining the U.S. military.

Upon becoming a basic finance soldier, he learned about Whitman’s DoD program and its prestigious status within the Army’s Finance Corps. Bong says he was interested in the program and made it a goal to attend later in his career when he would become eligible.

The DCP is Whitman’s flagship program for the Department of Defense. Syracuse University first developed the Army Comptrollership Program in 1952 with the DoD, and later developed DCP to be the graduate-level training needed to meet the needs of the service. The program gives future comptrollers and government resource managers the tools and management skills needed to effectively navigate the increasingly complex fiscal environment of the U.S. government.

“The program is designed for senior captains or junior majors on the officer side, or staff sergeants and above on the enlisted side. Primarily it’s for those who don’t have a master’s or graduate degree, it’s not disqualifying to have one, but it won’t move you to the top of the line,” Chi says. The 14-month education program is relatively fast-paced and is known to be a challenging program for those who are accepted. With applicants coming from all over the DoD, the screening and selection process is considered highly competitive.

Today, the DCP has evolved to offer other opportunities for mid-career servicemembers accepted into the program. The military-connected students also take classes with the to earn a master’s degree in public administration. It’s an important aspect of the increasingly bureaucratic nature of the government and speaks to the growing challenges with public-private partnerships and agreements.

“One of the biggest challenges with being a finance officer is figuring out how to make sure your senior leaders understand that managing resources is not just about the dollar signs in front of them,” says Chi. “If your supervisor, or the organization’s leadership, does not understand how to effectively manage resources at all, that can be the biggest challenge.”

Part of the reason DCP has higher standards and requirements is to ensure students are coming to the classroom with the right foundation of experience to build upon. Chi could have remained on the enlisted side of the military and still had the opportunity to attend DCP, but he decided to pursue becoming a commissioned officer. After a deployment to Kuwait, where he supported both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, Chi was encouraged to apply for one of the U.S. Army’s most popular enlisted to commissioning programs. Each branch of service has its own unique process for qualified enlisted service members to earn a commission. For Chi, that program was the Green to Gold program, which gave him the opportunity to attend college at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.

“When I joined, I wanted to just finish my initial obligation and get out, but as I spent more time in the military, I started to love the military culture and professionalism,” says Chi. “All the leaders that I was fortunate to work with made me eager to learn more about military leadership, so went through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at the University of Colorado, where I majored in business administration and minored in military history.”

While Chi was able to stay in the Finance Corps after becoming a commissioned officer, the transition also came with challenges that would pull him out of his comfort zone. Prior to coming to Syracuse University, Chi was serving as the Aide de Camp to British Major General Michael Keating, deputy commanding general for support of the III Armored Corps, at Fort Hood, Texas. Chi says that while the job was challenging, it was rewarding in how it has allowed him to gain a unique perspective in managing resources.

“All the things I have learned as a finance soldier, and as a finance comptroller officer—the information, knowledge and experience—came together in the Aide de Camp responsibility. It’s a very unique and special experience where you’re serving a general officer who continuously mentors and counsels you to become a better leader and teaches you how to think strategically in a large-scale combat operation, giving more thoughtful decision(s) at every doorstep in my professional career,” says Chi. “There is a lot of administrative stuff that people typically think about with the job, but the general I worked for was managing the resources of the Corps. A part of his responsibility is to manage sustainment operations for the Corps that has over 20,000 soldiers and families across four divisions at four different bases; not just the money, but the people, equipment and other material needs.”

Chi says the experience of working at that level was invaluable. It let him work firsthand with the complexity of a large organization with ongoing global operations. Beyond just keeping a balanced budget book, the position let him see the greater impact of his role in the organization and let him see the effectiveness of efficiently managing resources at such a large scale.

After graduating from Whitman in the summer, Chi will leave Syracuse University behind and report to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where his education will continue. Chi has been selected for promotion to the rank of major, and prior to reporting into his next unit as a finance and comptroller officer will undergo 44 weeks of training and professional development at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. He says he looks forward to taking the knowledge and information he’s learned here at Syracuse and sharing it with his soldiers in the future.

“I’m already planning on how I can use everything I learned at DCP, the very first thing is maintaining a connection, not just keeping the contact information but maintaining the relationship with the leaders I’ve met here in DCP. With the potential of the knowledge and skills I’ve learned here, I want to maintain those relationships so I can always get their recommendations and develop better, or more effective, solutions,” Chi says.

Looking ahead, Chi says he wants to finish out his career with the military, with a wife and young child at home, he sees the benefits of a full military career but is open looking into other opportunities that will allow him to apply everything he has learned in the military. For now, though, he says he’s grateful for where he is and what he has learned along the way and looks forward to telling others about his time at Syracuse University.

“DCP will always be a highlight of my career to share when talking to others, even telling senior figures about not just the educational benefit of the program, but the benefit of developing management skills, your leadership style, or even just getting to know yourself better in a different environment,” Chi says.

To learn more about DCP and other programs for Department of Defense employees at Syracuse University, as well as the university’s historic commitment to supporting service members, veterans, and their families, please visit the .

Bernard Rostker G’66, G’70 (right) speaks in the K.G. Tan Auditorium during “The All Volunteer Force at 50: Higher Education and America’s Volunteer Military” summit at the National Veterans Resource Center.

Applications for the 2023 Bernard D. and Louis C. Rostker IVMF Dissertation Research Fund are open through May 26. Doctoral candidates at Syracuse University who are doing dissertation research pertaining to veterans, or military family-related topics, are encouraged to apply. The fund is open to Ph.D. candidates from all schools and colleges and can be used for travel expenses, software, equipment and conferences, as well as fieldwork and data gathering.

Last year, five students received a total of $50,000 in funding through the Rostker Fund. Their doctoral research ranged in topic from women veteran’s health and employment to understanding how prior military experience impacts law enforcement officers who are veterans.

One of the 2022 Rostker Scholars, Mariah Brennan, works at the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) in the research and evaluation division. Her research contributed to the most recent Military Families Lifetime Survey (MFLS), a bi-annual research publication that focuses on the current hardships and situations military families face.

Brennan

“As a student, I have received incredible support from the IVMF including mentorship, valuable research experience and generous funding from the Rostker Dissertation Fellowship. Working with colleagues on the annual MFLS has been such a positive experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to hone my research skills by working on impactful military and veteran research,” says Brennan, who worked extensively with Blue Star Families, one of the IVMF’s partners in delivering insightful research and data analysis on topics pertaining to veterans and their families.

“Each year is different, keeping things fresh and exciting. The MFLS is an opportunity to inform policy and practice, and I am thrilled to be a part of it. I look forward to continuing my worked with the IVMF and making progress on my dissertation,” she says.

The funding for the program is provided entirely through the generosity of Bernard Rostker G’66, G’70 and his wife, Louise Rostker G’68, both of whom pursued their advanced degrees at Syracuse University amidst myriad setbacks as military-connected students. Bernard earned a master’s degree and a doctoral degree in economics, while Louise earned a master’s degree in social work.

Bernard, a U.S. Army Veteran, was recently honored by the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at the second annual Maxwell Awards of Excellence in Washington, D.C., where he was presented the Spirit of Public Service Award. Earlier in the month, he was a guest speaker during “The All-Volunteer Force at 50: Higher Education and America’s Volunteer Military” summit.

Linsner

During the summit, the 2022 Rostker Scholars had the opportunity to present their work to the Rostkers and show the impact of their research so far. Rachel Linsner, a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Human Development and Family Science in the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, spoke about her dissertation examining the relationships between military spouse employment status, attitudes toward the military, individual well-being and family functioning.

“I am very grateful to the Rostkers and I am making progress on my dissertation because of their generosity and this program,” says Linsner. “The scholars had the opportunity to meet with the Rostkers and present our work to them. It was a delight to hear their feedback and learn from their expertise.”

Syracuse University Ph.D. candidates interested in applying must , including one reference letter, by midnight (EST) on May 26, 2023. Applicants can anticipate receiving notification later in the year at the end of August. Potential applicants who have questions may contact ivmresearch@syr.edu.

The OVMA has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships since 2017 and will continue making scholarships available each semester with more than $1.2 million available for scholarship opportunities. The growing availability of scholarship programs wouldn’t be possible without the support of the university’s military-connected alumni and supporters. Their contributions allow the OVMA to offer more opportunities and support to military-connected students ranging from professional networking events specifically hosted for military-connected students, on and off-campus activities, and cost-free career immersion trips where military-connected students are able to meet face to-face with leaders from some of the largest companies in the country.

Military-connected students using their G.I. Bill benefits may have their tuition covered and receive a housing stipend, but the G.I. Bill benefits have certain limitations that can leave student veterans scrambling to fill the gaps in finances. This is particularly true during the summer and winter months when most military-connected students are not enrolled in classes, which means they do not receive monthly payments from the Department of Veterans Affairs to cover their living expenses.

The recipients of the OVMA Spring Scholarships are:

OVMA Family Member & Dependent Undergraduate Scholarship, awarded to Allison Crossman ’23

Allison Crossman ’23

Crossman, a military spouse, is a senior in the College of Visual and Performing Arts pursuing an undergraduate degree in communications and rhetorical studies.

“As a non-traditional student, my decision to return to school with three young children was not made lightly. Upon completion of my undergraduate degree, I look forward to attending Syracuse University College of Law this fall,” Crossman says.

Gerald B. Faigle Jr. and Robert M. Faigle Student Veteran Endowed Scholarship, awarded to Karl Cutler

Karl Cutler

Cutler is an active-duty U.S. Army captain currently enrolled in the Whitman School of Management’s online MBA program. Originally from Mattituck, New York, he is currently stationed in Hawaii where he serves as a Field Artillery Captain with the 25^th Infantry Division.

“I would like to serve another ten years in the Army, completing my twenty-year commitment to serving our nation. After that, I hope to move back to New York and become a financial advisor, putting all that I have learned at Syracuse to work for the betterment of my community,” Cutler says.

Louis A. and Patricia H. Mautino Veteran Endowed Scholarship, awarded to Joshua Kompf ’23 and Justin Sauve ’25

Joshua Kompf ’23

Kompf is a U.S. Army veteran currently studying creative leadership with the College of Professional Studies. Originally from Jordan, New York, Kompf became a Green Beret and served for eight years with four deployments to Afghanistan.

“Growing up just outside Syracuse in the town of Jordan, choosing Syracuse was easy. I always wanted to attend Syracuse University, and once my time serving in the United States Army was complete, I finally made it a reality,” Kompf says. “My experience thus far at Syracuse has been phenomenal. Every class I take is an opportunity to share and experience views and opinions different than my own, opening my mind to endless possibilities.”

Justin Sauve ’25

Sauve is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who is a sophomore at the College of Engineering and Computer Science where he studies mechanical engineering. After graduation, he hopes to pursue a career in the aerospace industry

“Due to being a student veteran, I have the added financial responsibilities of supporting a family, the financial stresses of pursuing an education instead of employment have, at times, been significantly greater than the academic stresses and curriculum. The support awarded through this scholarship will significantly help me pursue my educational goal of obtaining my bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering,” Sauve says.

Wilder J. Leavitt and Mary P. Morningstar Scholarship for Military-Connected Students, awarded to Samirah Crawford ’26 and Kamileh Rivera ’23

Samirah Crawford ’26

Crawford is a military dependent and first-year biomedical engineering student at the College of Engineering and Computer Science. After graduating she plans on joining the U.S. Air Force Reserve and continuing to pursue a graduate degree.

“This scholarship will significantly impact me, allowing my education to be more affordable, reducing the stress involved with the cost of an excellent education, and helping me to complete my engineering degree successfully. I plan to graduate with my biomedical engineering degree and promote STEM for young girls, especially in underprivileged or underserved communities, to provide a spotlight on all of the career fields and opportunities in this field,” Crawford says.

Kamileh Rivera ’23

Rivera is a senior studying neuroscience and biology in the College of Arts and Sciences. She is the daughter of a U.S. Army veteran and is originally from Bayamon, Puerto Rico. After graduating, she plans to pursue a career in medicine with the intent of returning to Puerto Rico to help those in need.

“This donor-funded scholarship has impacted me in many ways. Not only does this award relieve financial hardships for my family and me, but it’s rewarding to know that someone believes in my education. I feel honored to be chosen and will not take this opportunity for granted,” Rivera says.

Lucy and Joseph Napoli Veterans Scholarship, awarded to John Nipper ’23

John Nipper ’23

Nipper is a U.S. Navy veteran who is currently studying international relations in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. He plans to continue his education and earn a master’s in public administration after graduation. Nipper, originally from Fort Myers, Florida, was also recently elected as the President of the Student Veterans Organization at Syracuse University.

“After my tour of duty, I felt a pressing call to public service, which led me to pursue a bachelor’s in international relations and public policy. I aspire to advance cyber policies that improve the safety of the American people, understand policy barriers to cybersecurity and digital diplomacy, identify successful solutions, and help implement them,” Nipper says.

Richardson Family Scholarship for Military Family Members and Dependents, awarded to Karyne Brown ’26

Karyne Brown ’26

Brown is a military dependent with a parent who served in the U.S. Army. Originally from New Jersey, Brown is a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences who was selected for the Renee Crown University Honors Program.

“This scholarship will allow me to devote more time to academic endeavors and extracurriculars by relieving much of my financial stress. In my first semester, I struggled to find that balance, and, now, not only has the stress been relieved but helps to mitigate the problem itself. After Syracuse, I hope to live in New York City and work at a financial firm,” Brown says.

Flanik Family Scholarships for Student Veterans, awarded to Ryan Simmons ’24

Ryan Simmons ’24

Simmons, is a U.S. Air Force veteran who is currently enrolled in the College of Engineering and Computer Sciences, studying cybersecurity administration as a remote student. Originally from Chenango Forks, New York, Simmons aims to earn a commission with the U.S. Space Force where he hopes to work in cyber security.

“Over the past year I’ve been here, the professors, the student body, and even the administration staff have only reaffirmed that coming to Syracuse was the right decision for me.  I’ve made many professional connections and even friends along the way.  Some of the professors I’ve had have really been a blessing when it comes to not just imparting class knowledge but also firsthand experience of their professions,” says Simmons.

Interested in supporting Syracuse University’s growing commitment to educating servicemembers, veterans, and their families? Want to learn how to contribute to their future academic success? Consider donating to the .

Khloe Gage ’25

Established in 1986, the Month of the Military Child is observed each April to honor and celebrate the children of service members from all branches of the Department of Defense.

Khloe Gage ’25, a military-connected student studying economics in the , is the daughter of Lt. Col. Kim Lee Gage, who served in the U.S. Army. She was also recently selected as the recipient of the James Lyons ’03 Sons and Daughters Memorial Scholarship.

Originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, Gage says she set her eyes on Syracuse University after visiting Central New York throughout her childhood. Her aunt was a professor at Ithaca College and the appeal of having family nearby was a strong influence for her to come to Syracuse.

“I grew up coming to Central New York during Christmases or over the summer. I knew I wanted to go to a larger school, so it was either Indiana University, since that’s where everyone in my family went, or Syracuse because it was close by to my aunt,” says Gage.

Gage and her father, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kim Gage, attend a school event circa 2011. (Photo courtesy of Khloe Gage)

The James Lyons ’03 Sons and Daughters Memorial Scholarship is named after Syracuse University alumnus 1st Lt. James Lyons, who graduated with an undergraduate degree in biochemistry. Lyons was killed in action in southern Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006 and is believed to be the first Syracuse University graduate killed in the conflict. His friends and family established the scholarship to provide aid for the children of fallen or disabled veterans.

“A few people from [the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs] reached out to me and asked me to lunch. At first I thought they were trying to enlist me or something, but then they offered me the Lyons Scholarship and, honestly, I found it surprising they chose me,” says Gage. “They just opened up a door that I definitely wouldn’t have even known about.”

As a child of an active-duty officer in the Army, Gage says her childhood required a lot of moving, and many experiences of being the “new girl” in school. Before she had turned a year old, she had already experienced her first move, a process that would repeat seven more times before she graduated high school.

“Moving out of state, and even internationally, was my normal. Moving around made me more extroverted though, which I enjoy. It’s easier for me to talk to new people and I don’t get as nervous because I had to do that to make friends,” Gage says.

One instance of checking into a new school stood stands out. Gage recalls a time when her father was dropping her off at her new school, and because he was in his uniform they both kept getting held up while trying to get to her classroom. “Everyone was stopping us and thanking him for his service. I remember I was so freaked out about being late to class,” she says.

When Gage was sixteen years old, she joined roughly 15,000 other military children who share a unique experience: Her family went from being a Blue Star Family, a family with an immediate family member currently serving, to a Gold Star Family, the family of a fallen service member.

“A month after my 16th birthday, my father passed away, which left me with an incredible sense of loneliness. I spent my junior year of high school questioning every personal connection I had,” says Gage. “As I walked down the hallways, smiling at my peers, I was solely going through the physical motions of trying to express myself as the happiest person in the room, even though internally I was spiraling.”

While the scholarship may open doors, figuratively, the opportunity literally opened new doors here on campus. Prior to finding out she was selected as a Lyons Scholar, she had never stepped inside of the on campus. Now she says she finds herself spending quite a bit of time there.

Gage is becoming oriented with her new job working with Veteran Career Services Director Jennifer Pluta.

“My selection for the scholarship has broadened my outlook and my awareness. It’s exposed me to opportunities I otherwise would not have had,” says Gage, who along with the scholarship was also offered a position in the OVMA working with Jennifer Pluta, director of veteran career services at Syracuse.

“Initially, all I saw was everyone in uniform going in and no one coming out, I thought it was a booby trap or something. I also didn’t know how big it was, but there are so many areas regular students can go that no one outside of the doors seem to know about,” Gage says.

Gage is still open-minded about what the future has in store for her, or her for it. While she knows she doesn’t want to serve in the military, she hasn’t ruled out service all together. While at Syracuse she’s started looking at different opportunities, including working with the FBI.

“Since enrolling at Syracuse University, the support and connections I have made have been positively overwhelming. As a sophomore, I know Syracuse University supports my growth and exploration not only a student, but as a person,” says Gage. “Right now I’m excited for the immediate future with the OVMA. I’m excited for new connections, more laughter, greater experiences and the unknown that I cannot wait for.”

U.S. Army Col. Kecia Troy G’12 poses for her official portrait in the Army portrait studio at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. (Photo courtesy of Leonard Fitzgerald)

A key component of the U.S. military’s success is the vast equipment procurement and logistics system operating behind the scenes supporting the Department of Defense’s (DOD) global operations. U.S. Army Col. Kecia Troy G’12, with 25 years of service, knows just how difficult it is to maintain that support successfully.

Outfitting a modern military with state-of-the-art equipment requires experienced individuals like Troy, who manages the complex process of developing, procuring, and distributing critical capabilities and systems. Troy, who serves as a defense acquisition program manager, says one of the reasons the Army can meet the challenges of delivering these vital capabilities is through its solid partnership with the defense industrial base.

“The systems acquisition community works closely with the defense industry, ensuring they understand our emerging mission requirements and the capabilities that we will need to maintain the technological edge over our peer and near-peer adversaries,” says Troy, who earned a master’s degree in from the . “This partnership lets us leverage businesses who foster innovative ideas and develop cutting-edge technological solutions.”

Kecia Troy G’12 with her husband, Milton

While Troy has managed a variety of military system programs, including tactical radio equipment and armored vehicle components, her primary focus has been supporting the needs of the intelligence community. During the early days of her career, she served as an intelligence officer, a position she says introduced her to the realities of military service.

“I was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army at 22 years old. At that time, I didn’t truly appreciate or understand the commitment I had made to selfless service or to this nation,” Troy says. “After my initial officer training, I was stationed in Hawaii and thought it would be ‘life on the beach.’ However, the Army and world events had a different plan.”

In 1999, less than six months after arriving in Hawaii, Troy deployed to the Balkans amidst one of the most complex periods of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) peacekeeping operations in modern history. Although the four-year Bosnian War had already ended, U.S. forces were supporting NATO’s mission to enforce the war’s peace treaty and establish stability in the former Yugoslav region.

“This was the first time I had been face-to-face with the aftermath of war. Our team would sometimes visit orphanages or refugee resettlement camps, it was heartbreaking to see how much they all had lost,” recalls Troy. “We visited the site of the Srebrenica massacre and saw the building’s walls covered with bullet holes from when Bosnian Serbs murdered thousands of the town’s Muslim men and boys as a part of their ethnic cleansing efforts. Again—I experienced all of this before 9/11, so this deployment really opened my eyes to the realities of war and my service to this nation.”

Throughout her career, Troy shifted her specialty from the intelligence community to managing system acquisition programs. That shift ultimately led her to Syracuse University’s campus for the DOD’s logistics and technology master of science degree program.

U.S. Army Col. Kecia Troy G’12 (third from the left), who has 25 years of military service, earned a master’s degree in supply chain management from the Whitman School of Management.

“I enjoyed the program and definitely got a lot out of it. The program was primarily virtual and offered me the opportunity to earn a master’s degree from Syracuse, while I remained at work full-time in Washington, DC. Back then, not many top-tier schools had this type of fully-funded program available to service members. The Syracuse professors and staff were top-notch and were always accessible to our cohort. We did have some in-person instruction, and I really liked the times we were on campus and at the Whitman School. The campus and the facilities were beautiful. My favorite part of campus would have to be the Ernie Davis statue, near Hendricks Chapel. It’s great to see the university honor him and his legacy in such a way. His life had such an impact, not only on college and professional sports but race relations and integration within our nation,” Troy says.

After completing her master’s degree, Troy’s military career advanced well beyond her initial plan to serve only four years. Her career assignments included tours in the Republic of Korea, Arizona, Alabama and in the National Capital Region, where she worked at the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and served two tours in the Pentagon on the Department of the Army staff.

Kecia Troy G’12 with her son, Micah

More than two decades later, as Troy reflects on her commitment to service, she can see success across the force in the opportunities that are now afforded to women. Many of these opportunities were not available when Troy was first commissioned.

“We are seeing female soldiers excel in combat-specific military occupations and successfully leading units that were once off-limits to them. As of a year ago, 100 women had graduated from Ranger School.  That’s remarkable progress,” Troy says.  “I think there has been more awareness of the unique issues that women face, that parents face, and that minority groups in the military face. These issues differ from what many senior leaders deal with or even realize exist.”

Troy says one of her biggest concerns today is that women in the military must get a fair opportunity to excel, regardless of the specialty they choose, as well as when or if they decide to have a family.

According to the 2021 Demographics Profile of the Military Community, approximately 5,000 women serve in the U.S. Army as field grade officers on active duty. That is roughly 17.3 percent of all majors, lieutenant colonels and colonels serving full-time in the nation’s largest military branch.

Each year, more women join the military compared to when Troy first earned her commission in the late 1990’s. Despite their increasing percentage of the military population, however, women in the service today are 28 percent more likely than men to leave the military early. According to a Government Accountability Office study, women left the military primarily for family-related and cultural issues.

Kecia Troy G’12 (far left) poses with her son, Micah, and husband, Milton.

“Balancing a career in the military with motherhood is extremely tough, much tougher than even I had given it credit for,” says Troy, who with her husband, Milton, a U.S. Navy captain, are raising a son, Micah. “The Department of Defense is moving in the right direction with the recent policies. It will take a commitment by leaders at all levels to ensure those policies are properly implemented and effective in easing some of the stress for these Soldiers and their families.”

Troy will retire from the U.S. Army later this year, and she’s currently working through the transition process, weighing the different opportunities she has available. For now, she’s looking forward to spending some time with her family.

“The key component of my military career has been the undeniable support system I have had from my family, extended family, and a slew of lifelong friends. They’ve sacrificed and served, as well, to ensure that I was able to focus and complete the Army’s mission,” Troy says. “My success is grounded in my strong foundation from my parents and the support network of relatives and friends. As a community, they have all been my rocks, my cheering squad, and sometimes, my much-needed critics, no matter the situation.  Too often, family members do not get acknowledged or recognized, but I know that had it not been for their support, I would not be here today.”

Quite the opposite. Pollard prefers an evening relaxing on the couch with his wife, Enesa, to a night on the town.

But when U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer’s office invited Pollard to be an honored guest during the annual State of the Union inside the U.S. Capitol, Pollard, an admitted introvert, knew the opportunity to tell his story was too good to pass up.

Pollard is a U.S. Navy veteran who is currently majoring in electrical engineering in the  . He is also the first person hired by the semiconductor manufacturer Micron Technology for the company’s proposed $100 billion campus in the town of Clay, New York.

And while the attention that came from being in attendance for the State of the Union made Pollard a little uncomfortable, it was also a chance to inspire current and future military-connected students to step out of their comfort zones and learn to ask for help if they need it.

Savion Pollard ’25, the first person hired by the semiconductor manufacturer Micron Technology for the company’s proposed $100 billion campus in the town of Clay, New York, was an honored guest during last week’s State of the Union.

Pollard, who previously worked as a nuclear engineering electronics technician on a Navy submarine, struggled in his transition from active duty to civilian life. He wasn’t sure how he would acclimate to life as a full-time student, especially at Syracuse University, which had denied his original application back in 2010.

Pollard knows he’s not alone when it comes to these issues.

“It’s important for other veterans to see that success can be found in higher education, and if not higher education, in different industries. I’ve worked really hard to be in the position that I’m in, and I want to inspire people, to show how far hard work can get you. I wanted people to see my light shine and I’m glad I get to be an inspiration for them and allow them to see what’s possible if we just work hard,” Pollard said after his trip to Washington.

A Whirlwind 36 Hours

This trip to the nation’s capital was certainly more memorable than the only other time Pollard visited Washington, when he watched the New York Mets take on the Washington Nationals a few years back. Unlike that visit, this time, Savion and Enesa made sure to do some sightseeing.

Savion Pollard ’25

After arriving Tuesday morning, the two went to the Washington Monument, the White House, and the Capitol building, soaking in the sights before an action-packed afternoon of meetings.

Pollard first met with Rep. Brandon Williams, a congressman representing New York’s 22nd district, which includes Central New York (CNY). Like Pollard, Williams is a submarine veteran, which made this the day’s most impactful meeting.

“Just the connection we had was immediate and special. We went to the same training schools. He knew all about my background. It was like we were part of this brotherhood without ever having met each other,” Pollard says. “I almost cried in his office, it was pretty crazy. I was ecstatic about meeting him and I’m going to cherish that interaction forever.”

Following was a meeting with U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand’s assistant, in which Pollard expressed his gratitude for the senator’s support of the CHIPS and Science Act, a bill aimed at increasing semiconductor manufacturing in the country. Thanks to the bill’s passage, Pollard landed this life-changing internship with Micron, which hopes to bring 9,000 high-paying jobs to the area over the next 20 years.

Pollard (fifth from right) stands alongside some of the other honored State of the Union guests inside the office of Sen. Schumer.

Then it was time for Pollard to sit down with Sen. Schumer, who invited Pollard as his honored guest because he represents Micron’s commitment to transform the CNY community into the nation’s leading producer of these high-tech memory chips.

Back in October, Pollard met President Joseph R. Biden L’68 during the president’s visit to Onondaga Community College to promote Micron’s investment in the community and celebrate the passage of the CHIPS and Science Act.

During that meeting, Sen. Schumer proudly wore a pair of orange socks as a nod to Syracuse University, which will play a key role in building and training the workforce of the future that will power Micron’s leading-edge memory megafab. Pollard will , maintaining and troubleshooting any problems that arise with Micron’s equipment used to produce these semiconductors.

This time, in Schumer’s office, Pollard upped his fashion game, wearing orange Syracuse University socks, an orange and blue tie, and a pin with both the American flag and the Block S flag on his suit coat. Pollard says it was important for his school spirit to be on display for his visit to the Capitol.

“Syracuse University has been huge for me over the last year since I started here. The eight years I served in the Navy did a lot for me in terms of my character and my discipline. I’m grateful to be able to translate all those skills back to school. Being at Syracuse, where we’re so supported, the resources are so robust and everyone wants us to succeed is really amazing,” Pollard says.

A Full-Circle Moment

Following some group photos with Schumer and other honored guests, the Pollards headed to the gallery and took their seats for the State of the Union, President Biden’s 90-minute address to a joint session of Congress and the American people.

Then, just like that, the speech ended, and Wednesday morning, Pollard flew back to Syracuse. Only as he was relaxing at home on his couch, reflecting on the tremendous honor he had enjoyed, did the magnitude of the moment sink in for Pollard.

“I just took it all in. I had been nervous about this experience, but afterward, I finally had a moment to just be amazed and understand everything I did over the past couple of hours. It was a cool moment to represent Syracuse University and the Navy at the State of the Union. It’s still so crazy that this happened to me. It was such an honor to be there,” Pollard says.

The Pat Tillman Foundation is named after the professional National Football League (NFL) football player Patrick Tillman, who played defensive back for the Arizona Cardinals prior to Sept. 11, 2001. Tillman later turned down a multimillion-dollar football contract to enlist in the U.S. Army, ultimately becoming a U.S. Army Ranger who deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Tillman was killed in action while on a mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2004, but months after his death it was discovered that the incident was the result of friendly fire. Tillman’s friends and family picked up his mantle to continue honoring those committed to service beyond self and launched the Patrick Tillman Foundation.

Syracuse is one of 16 colleges and universities recognized as a University Partner by the Tillman Foundation, and the University typically has at least one Tillman Scholar each year. In 2022, Syracuse had its largest cohort of Tillman Scholars to date, with four military-connected students honored.

“Syracuse University takes a lot of pride in its Tillman Scholars, as they often go on to be some of our most accomplished military-connected alumni. We want to see everyone who is interested in becoming a Tillman Scholar submit an application. It really does come down to showing passion for service beyond self,” says Ron Novack, executive director of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA).

From the University’s first Tillman Scholar in 2017, to the four most recent additions to the University’s cohort, a common suggestion for those interested in applying is to start early and take advantage of the available resources at Syracuse, like the .

“The first step for any scholarship application is to understand the scholarship’s selection criteria and be prepared to demonstrate how you meet those criteria. The Tillman Scholars Program selects scholars based on service, scholarship, humble leadership and potential for impact,” says Jolynn Parker, director of CFSA. “In the application, you have two short essays—one focused on your past experiences and the other on your future goals—to demonstrate your fit with their criteria. Make sure you craft a coherent narrative that connects those two essays, and make sure you articulate clear and compelling future goals.”

When asked what challenges they faced, and what recommendations they have for this year’s potential applicants, the 2022 Tillman Scholars from Syracuse University provided the following advice.

Higginson

Amanda Higginson
U.S. Navy Veteran
College of Law, JDinteractive (JDi) program (2L)

“You have to do the legwork and you have to be organized about it. Use the checklists that are built into the application system to keep you on track. Definitely do not wait until the last minute because it will be overwhelming and not something you can just throw together.”

Ornelaz

Anthony Ornelaz
U.S. Air Force Veteran
College of Arts and Sciences, Creative Writing Fellow

“One of the biggest challenges when applying for the Tillman scholarship was, I had to get into a conversation with myself about how much information I wanted to put out there. I questioned if my story was worth telling. I had to overcome those feelings of insecurity.”

Rielly

Bill Rielly
U.S. Army Veteran
College of Law, JDi program (3L)

“For anyone who is considering applying, it takes a lot of time to prepare a competitive application. It takes a lot of iterations and really refining your application package. I found it to be an opportunity to learn more about myself, I knew what I wanted to do, but the Tillman process helped me refine that and really sharpen it.”

DeLeon

Natasha DeLeon
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
College of Law, JDi program (1L)

“I think the biggest challenge for me was the imposter syndrome of having to write a letter about things that I have accomplished. I know that I’ve accomplished a lot, but it’s hard for me to write about those things. I was obviously able to do it, but that was a mental challenge for me.”

The Tillman Scholarship program is open to veterans and active-duty service members, including the National Guard, who have served in both pre-and post-9/11 eras. Spouses of veteran or active-duty service members are also eligible. Applicants must be enrolled as a full-time student pursuing an undergraduate, graduate or professional degree at a private or public, U.S.-based, accredited institution for the upcoming academic year. To see other criteria and apply to be a 2023 Tillman Scholar, .

The application window opened in October 2022 and will close the evening of Feb. 28. Those military-connected students who are interested in applying are highly encouraged to contact the Center for Fellowship and Scholarship. For more information on resources available, and other scholarship opportunities for military-connected students, visit the .

These scholarships, along with others offered throughout the academic year, support military-connected students and are made possible entirely through the generosity of donors and stakeholders.

Since 2017, the OVMA has distributed more than a half million dollars in financial scholarships to military-connected students and has $1.2 million available to continue making these scholarships available in future semesters.

For the spring semester, the OVMA is proud to make the following scholarships available.

Office of Veteran and Military Affairs Undergraduate Student Veteran Scholarship

• $5,000 awarded to one eligible applicant
• Must be a currently enrolled undergraduate student veteran

Office of Veteran and Military Affairs Military Family Member Scholarship

• $5,000 awarded to one eligible applicant
• Must be a currently enrolled student who identifies as a military family member and/or dependent

Gerald B. Faigle Jr. and Roberta M. Faigle Student Veteran Endowed Scholarship 

• $3,000 for one eligible applicant
• Must be a currently enrolled veteran and/or military-connected student
• Preference will be given to graduate students

Lucy and Joseph Napoli Veteran Endowed Scholarship

• $3,100 awarded to one eligible applicant
• Must be a currently enrolled undergraduate student veteran

Louis A. and Patricia H. Mautino Veteran Endowed Scholarship

• $3,000 awarded to one eligible applicant
• Must be a currently enrolled undergraduate student veteran

Richardson Family Scholarship for Military Family Members and Dependents

• $2,500 for one eligible applicant
• Must be a currently enrolled undergraduate student who identifies as a military family member and/or dependent

For application instructions and submission, visit . Those interested in learning how they can support military-connected students at Syracuse University are encouraged to .

The Hall of Languages illuminated with green light in observance of Veterans Day

Coyne addresses participants of the 2022 Veterans Day 5K Walk/Run at the starting line.

The official observance of Veterans Day for the University community started early in the morning, long before sunrise, with the 2022 Veterans Day 5K Walk/Run coordinated by the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). Prior to the start of the run, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Matthew Coyne, professor of military science and the detachment commander for the University’s Army ROTC program, welcomed participants and gave a brief speech to remind those in attendance what the day was about.

“We’re here to honor our veterans and their families that have made the extreme sacrifices day in and day out to protect the freedoms we enjoy here in America, and protect the American way of life,” Coyne said. “It’s only fitting we are doing so at a place that has an extremely storied history of supporting our military and our veterans.”

The course began on the Einhorn Family Walk in front of Schine Student Center and ended at Hendricks Chapel after looping around the North Campus. Participants came from the University’s Army and Air Force ROTC detachments, members of its Veterans Affinity Group and supporters from the local community. Chancellor Syverud also ran with students and guests and has noted this is one of his favorite annual traditions on campus.

Veterans Day Ceremony at the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building (NVRC) 

The community gathered later for the official Veterans Day Ceremony held in the NVRC’s K.G. Tan Auditorium. The ceremony opened with Kari MicKinkle ’11, G’20, a Marine Corps veteran who works in the Office of Veterans Success as a school certifying official, who served as the emcee for the ceremony which featured multiple guest speakers. The Rev. Brian Konkol, dean of Hendricks Chapel, gave the invocation and benediction. Musical performances were also featured by the University Singers and the 198th Army Band from Fort Drum in nearby Watertown, New York.

The arrival of the official party for the 2022 Veterans Day Ceremony. From left: Lt. Col. Dwayne Murray (U.S. Army, retired), deputy director of the OVMA; Anthony Ruscitto ’22, president of the Student Veterans Organization; the Rev. Brian Konkol, dean of Hendricks Chapel; J. Michael Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation; Chancellor Kent Syverud; Rear Adm. Danelle Barrett (U.S. Navy, retired); and Kari MicKinkle ’11, G’20.

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Dwayne Murray ’97, OVMA deputy director and president of the University’s Veterans Affinity Group, gave an overview of the history of Veterans Day. “Syracuse University has over 250 veteran and military-connected employees. Within this group are faculty and staff who have served in every conflict since the Korean War, as well as families of service members who are currently deployed,” said Murray. “As we celebrate Veterans Day, let us come together as a community to support and celebrate Syracuse University’s veterans and military-connected employees.”

Tony Ruscitto, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and graduate student enrolled in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, spoke about the University’s history with the military and his own experiences on campus since the University made the commitment to become the “Best Place for Veterans.”

“In the spring of 2019, after meeting with Dr. [Michael] Haynie, the OVMA and others, it became apparent that college after the Marines was within my grasp through the support and encouragement that was available for veterans at Syracuse University,” said Ruscitto, who also serves as president of the Student Veterans Organization. “While I can’t speak about other colleges or universities, what I can say is here you are presented with the tools, resources and the often necessary ‘push’ to make that transition happen and ensure it sticks.”

Chancellor Kent Syverud was also on hand to speak about the University’s continued commitment to the military community and introduced the keynote speaker, retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Danelle Barrett G’04.

Rear Admiral Danelle Barrett (U.S. Navy, retired) speaks about delivering the oath of office during her speech at the 2022 Veterans Day Ceremony.

Barrett spoke in detail about veterans being the silent partners alongside the military within today’s military-civilian divide, addressing the impact they often have in their local communities after they leave military service.

“They’re leaders, and they continue to have a spirit of volunteerism—serving something greater than themselves in whatever they do because of that,” Barrett said. “Many apply the skills and experience they developed in the military to a life of service here at home. They take on roles in their communities as doctors and police officers, engineers, entrepreneurs, mothers, fathers. As a grateful nation, it’s our task to make that transition possible, to ensure that our transitioning veterans and those who have long since transitioned can share the opportunities that they have given so much to defend.”

A reception followed the ceremony in the NVRC’s Bisignano Grand Hall, offering the chance for veterans of all eras, military family members, and service members who are currently in the military to come together and share their experiences with one another. The idea of past generations of service members handing down their knowledge and experiences is a hallmark of today’s military community, and one of the reasons why the NVRC was built to serve as a front door for all things military-related on campus.

Stars and Stripes Tailgate and Military Appreciation Game

The following day featured the Military Appreciation Game as the men’s football team took on Florida State in the JMA Wireless Dome. While the game ended in a disappointing loss for Syracuse, it did feature special recognition for the military-connected community with military-themed uniforms and special in-game recognitions, like a for U.S. Navy Rear Admiral John Okon, who grew up in nearby Camillus and fondly remembers working for Syracuse University parking cars.

Rear Admiral John Okon (U.S. Navy) (third from right) accepts a game football as the Hometown Hero at the Nov. 12 football game vs. Florida State.

Prior to the game, the OVMA hosted its 8th annual Stars and Stripes Tailgate event, a free, invite-only pre-game party for service members, veterans and their families from the region. More than 450 people signed up for the celebration, which was hosted at the John A. Lally Athletics Complex and featured raffle prizes, an appearance from Otto and free tickets to the game along with provided transportation to and from the JMA Dome.

Junior Military College Visit

Throughout the festivities, the University hosted a contingent of future military leaders, some of whom may attend Syracuse University to finish their education after their time at one of four military junior colleges across the country. The cadets toured campus and attended information sessions at several of the University’s schools and colleges, giving them a brief glimpse of life in Syracuse with a visit off campus to see the local community.

Allison Short, a sophomore at Valley Forge Military College, spoke highly about the access she and the other cadets were given while visiting the campus over the weekend. “I really enjoyed going to the major schools like Falk and Newhouse, we got an overview of their biggest programs,” said Short. “I also really liked having a lot of the lieutenants who had already commissioned and been through the military colleges, like we have, and being able to sit down and talk to them to get an honest opinion about their experiences.”

Members of the Student Veterans Organization executive board pose for a photo with Otto during the Stars and Stripes Tailgate.

The internship award is given on a needs-based determination and is intended to cover the cost of one internship credit hour, or cover the cost of travel and living expenses, or both, with an award cap of $5,000 per student. It is yet another initiative in the ongoing efforts to support student veterans at Syracuse University and successfully land them in the job market after graduation. The award is funded through the generosity of donors who have previously donated to the University’s .

“Student veterans have historically had to choose between enrolling full time over the summer or scramble to find a seasonal job that will cover their financial needs during the summer months,” says Jennifer Pluta, director of Veterans Career Services with the OVMA. “It’s hard to think about an internship if you’re worried about making ends meet. We knew we had to do something to give our student veterans a leg up in the job market so they could get their foot in the door. That’s why the OVMA launched the Undergraduate Internship Award in 2020.”

According to the (NACE), the focus on hiring interns in the 2022-23 academic year will increase by 22.6%, meaning companies are reaching out to their current and former interns to fill the open positions within their organization. NACE’s 2022 Internship & Co-Op Survey Report also shows that 51% of students who participate in an internship will receive a job offer from the company they intern with, making it one of the most lucrative opportunities for a student to minimize the time between graduation and a job offer.

All students at Syracuse University can receive help to find and apply for internships in their chosen industry. Some of the schools make internships optional but offer course credit for completed internships. Other schools, like the Martin J. Whitman School of Management, require all undergraduate students to complete an internship. When schools make internships a degree requirement, it can be difficult for student veterans to fit the added responsibility into their schedule. Making matters worse, if the internship is one of the 40% of internships across the nation that are unpaid, the student veteran will pay out of pocket for all their expenses.

“The internship award program started in the midst of the COIVD-19 pandemic, so it sputtered the first year and took off in year two,” says Ron Novack, executive director of the OVMA. “We’re hoping this program grows and we can provide this opportunity to more of our student veterans, as well as continue to build partnerships with those companies that realize the incredible impact veterans bring to the workforce after their service to our country.”

This year, Syracuse University’s military-connected students accepted internships in a wide variety of industries and represent student veterans across the University’s colleges and schools. They assisted servicemembers and veterans aspiring to earn a degree through higher education, worked for government agencies supporting policy and legislative initiatives, and interned with an entertainment company broadcasting children’s programming. They also represent the largest cohort of student veterans to take advantage of the program since its inception.

Read more about each of the recipients below.

Janina Rios, Army National Guard Veteran

Janina Rios

Rios, a senior at the College of Visual and Performing Arts, spent the summer on an internship with Nick Jr., a children’s entertainment channel, as part of Paramount’s ongoing initiative to recruit and hire veterans into their workforce, the Paramount Veterans Network. Rios previously served for seven years as a signal support systems specialist in the National Guard. She hopes to earn a degree in film and later start a film clinic for trauma victims, focusing on using art and film to help those victims on their road to healing.

“I am forever grateful to have received the internship award. The income allowed me to travel with peace of mind to Nick Jr.’s office in New York City for a hands-on experience,” says Rios. “The Nick Jr. team embraced me with open arms, toward the end of my internship I was able to secure a contract with Nick Jr. and the Paramount Veterans Network.”

Jose Baeza-Ruiz

Jose Baeza-Ruiz, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

Jose Baeza-Ruiz is a junior in the Whitman School earning a B.S. in business analytics. Over the summer he interned with Starcom Worldwide in New York City where he had the opportunity to experience different facets of working for a client-facing team. At the end of his internship with Starcom, Baez-Ruiz was able to make a presentation to the team he worked with, recommending investment strategies for metaverse real estate opportunities for future projects.

“My time at Starcom re-energized me. The impact it had on my career goals heightened the enthusiasm I have to find a workplace where I am fulfilled personally and professionally,” says Baez-Ruiz.

Hakim Morris, U.S. Army Veteran

Hakim Morris

Morris, a sophomore studying international relations in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, served in the U.S. Army as a patriot launching station enhanced operator/maintainer for three years prior to enrolling at Syracuse. This summer he interned with the OVMA and credited a lot of his success to his military background and the Undergraduate Internship Award.

“My internship allowed me to broaden my horizons and be able to experience working in a professional setting,” says Morris. “The internship award allowed me to have ease from the financial hardship, I was able to completely focus on my professional requirements.”

Wyatt Bush

Wyatt Bush, U.S. Air Force Veteran

Wyatt Bush is a junior in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. He is currently pursuing a degree in electrical engineering. As a recipient of the Undergraduate Internship Award, he spent his summer interning with National Grid in their transmission planning department.

“I had a great time interning with National Grid,” says Bush. “I learned a lot of valuable information about the power utility industry and the work that goes into supplying power across New York state. The internship award allowed me to make the commute daily to complete this internship, covering the extra expenses like fuel and food.”

Ryan Yon, U.S. Army Veteran

Ryan Yon

Ryan Yon is a senior dual-majoring in data analytics and policy studies in the iSchool and the Maxwell School. He served in the U.S. Army as a light-wheeled vehicle mechanic. He received the Undergraduate Internship Award and spent the summer interning with Deloitte, where he worked in government and public services on risk and financial advisory. He was able to spend four days at Deloitte University in West Lake, Texas, attending leadership workshops and bonding with other interns.

“Being a non-traditional student, I came here to get my degree. This award allowed me to assist with rent, food and other bills so that I could take the internship,” says Yon. “The internship gave me perspective into what it is like to work for a firm of [Deloitte’s] size. It also helped me reshape my plan to land a role that suits me and my skillsets.”

John Nipper, U.S. Navy Veteran

John Nipper

John Nipper is a graduate student in the Maxwell School enrolled in the dual-track program to earn a master’s degree in international relations and public administration. He was able to intern at the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration with the U.S. Department of State. He assisted the bureau by working with multilateral organizations building global partnerships and promoting best practices in humanitarian response.

“Through participation in the State Department’s Internship Pathways program, and with the help of the OVMA’s internship award, I was able to enhance my ability to scale impact through leadership and relationship-building,” says Nipper. “I am extremely grateful for the continued support the OVMA has shown, they really are the best place for veterans.”

Fred Wilkes III, U.S. Army Veteran

Fred Wilkes III

Fred Wilkes served as an explosive ordnance disposal technician in the U.S. Army for five years, now he’s a senior in the Newhouse School of Public Communications studying broadcast and digital journalism. He’s also minoring in sports management and over the summer interned for the New York State Golf Association as a communications intern.

“I wrote tournament recaps and press releases and conducted interviews of players. I also recorded and edited video,” Wilkes says, reflecting on the valuable hands-on experience he received over the summer. With the association located in Jamesville, New York, Wilkes primarily used the award to cover the financial gap between the academic school years.

Jennifer Aquino, U.S. Navy Veteran

Jennifer Aquino

Aquino, a senior studying linguistics in the College of Arts and Sciences, served for 14 years as a cryptology technician interpreter. Over the summer, she interned with the , a program that prepares veterans who choose to pursue higher education after their military service.

Aquino not only has to handle the courseload for her degree, but she’s also a mother of a small child which typically makes an internship all but impossible for most non-traditional students. “I was able to support my family during the internship, something that would have been extremely hard without it,” says Aquino.

For more information about the award, email Jennifer Pluta at jrpluta@syr.edu. For those interested in learning more about how to make an impact on the life of a student veteran by providing the financial means for an internship, visit the .

“I got my acceptance letter, and my mom asked me where Syracuse was. I had no idea,” Lim says. “I thought I was going to New York City.”

Sara Lim ’22

That might be the only part of Lim’s story that has seemingly taken her off track. She emigrated from South Korea when she was 5 years old, settling with her family in Suwanee, Georgia. Though her father served in the Korean military years before she was born, she found her drive to join Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) through experiences with other military-connected people growing up.

Lim says she always had somebody nearby who was a veteran or whose parents had served. When a neighbor’s experience inspired her to look toward a future career with the FBI or CIA, she learned they prefer a military background and fixed her path toward the military.

“I wanted to be different and do something nobody else in my family was doing, live the exciting life and join an organization where they send me to travel somewhere, but for the country,” she says. “I always looked at the military as one big opportunity.”

Lim’s high school had an Air Force Junior ROTC program, which she joined and cemented her affinity for the Air Force. When it came time for her to consider colleges, she knew she didn’t want to go to the same universities where others in her graduating class would head. Her parents also nurtured her desire to explore different options.

“Though their way of teaching changed as I got older, and they got a little less strict, I’ve always been encouraged to do something I love and I enjoy,” she says. “America is the place of opportunities, and I looked at college and Air Force ROTC as an opportunity to leave Georgia and make connections.”

Lim found all those opportunities at Syracuse University. She set out to study international relations at a top-rated university and serve as an Air Force ROTC cadet. This month she will graduate with a double major in international relations and political science with a region concentration in the Middle East and North Africa and a topic concentration in intercultural communications.

She’s also been selected to be an air battle manager (13B) in the Air Force, the military’s offensive team that coordinates with pilots during their missions. Lim will attend training at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida for her first six months of active duty.

“I never toured Syracuse, never came to visit, and I knew day one of ROTC that this is where I’m supposed to be,” she says. “The group was very welcoming, which was very affirmational. I knew the minute I set foot here that I made the right decision.”

Lim has found opportunities to start her military adventures early, including a professional development training called Ops Air Force Base the summer between her freshman and sophomore year. She spent two weeks at an Air Force Base in South Carolina with several other cadets from around the country to learn about the different career fields and how operations work. A few years later, she would see some of the same cadets again during her field training exercises, which helped reaffirm the familial feeling she appreciated in her Air Force ROTC experience.

Lim (left) with Isa Lee ’22

Lim also participated in Project GO, which stands for “global officer,” a competitive language immersion program available for all ROTC cadets, which afforded the opportunity to visit Korea for two months. As a native speaker of Korean, Lim welcomed the unique opportunity to study at Yonsei University in South Korea, one of the top three private universities in the country, alongside other universities with language programs there, in partnership with Georgia Tech. It was a unique opportunity to marry some of her foundational experiences in the same place. Coincidentally, one of the professors from the Georgia Tech program used to be Lim’s bible study teacher in elementary school.

Though some of her biggest challenges have come with trying to balance ROTC duties with the demands of her academics, navigating COVID during the process was an extra hurdle. For a while, all her classes were online, and her only in-person interactions were with fellow ROTC students. In addition to finding balance, she learned to navigate interpersonal relationships and how to be professional in a natural hierarchy.

Still, Lim knows she arrived at exactly the right place. She’s met students from other schools and knows she’s lucky to enjoy the tight-knit, caring nature of her fellow cadets at Syracuse. She’s proud to know that one of the things alumna and fellow Air Force ROTC Detachment 535 graduate Colonel Eileen Collins ’78, H’01, USAF (retired) mentioned in her book was being able to connect when she visited the Air Force ROTC detachment at Syracuse University.

“Obviously, it started out with the best people, because a strong culture of caring and being able to connect was embedded into our program years before we came,” she says. “We care for each other a lot more than you would expect.”

The 2020 Fort Bliss master’s degree in instructional design, development and evaluation cohort. SGM Craig Collins G’20, G’22 is standing second from left, at back.

After 28 years of decorated military service—including cavalry and artillery assignments in Germany, Bosnia and Iraq—Sergeant Major Craig Collins G’20, G’22 has begun to mull his next career move. In his own words, his master’s degree in instructional design, development and evaluation (IDDE) and certificate of advanced study in designing digital instruction from Syracuse University’s School of Education give him “unlimited options.”

Whether Collins will continue as an instructor at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major (SGM) Academy, become a leadership development consultant or even an individual leadership coach, Collins praises the “flexibility” of the IDDE program: “I feel confident that with my Syracuse degree I could go to any company with a leadership program and make positive contributions almost immediately. The sky really is the limit.”

The SGM Academy is part of the (NCOLCOE), located at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. The academy’s fruitful relationship with the IDDE program began in 2019 when its sergeants major were offered the opportunity to complete an instructional design master’s degree fully online. Syracuse was for this Fellowship Program because of the high quality of the IDDE master’s program and because of support from the University’s , the and the in the College of Professional Studies.

Collins was among the first cohort of fellows, graduating in 2020. He is now a credentialed member of the NCOCOE .

“I assist in the design, development and analysis of curriculum for our Noncommissioned Officer Professional Military Education (NCOPME) courses, which are used by all three Army components—active duty, reserve and National Guard,” Collins says. “Our mission ensures that every soldier receives common core competencies, which are derived through the analysis process and then approved by the NCOLCOE Commandant.”

Fascinating Assignment

To Collins, teaching servicemembers leadership skills is a “fascinating assignment.” Among the NCOPME courses he helps oversee are the Basic Leader Course, which prepares specialists and corporals for the duties and responsibilities of a sergeant; the Master Leader Course, helping sergeants first class become master sergeants; and the Battle Staff Course, which educates staff through master sergeants to serve on battalion and higher-level staff positions.

Collins says the mission the Army expects of his directorate and the skills the 30-credit IDDE master’s program fosters are much the same: to design, create, implement and evaluate instructional solutions for a variety of educational and professional settings. “What IDDE does and what the Army does are very complimentary.”

The adaptability of this skill set is one of the IDDE program’s key strengths, says Collins, especially useful when applied to the SGM Academy and its varied courses. “IDDE taught me flexibility and a flexible attitude. The principles I learned can easily be adapted to the current environment.” In fact, he adds, “The IDDE program could be adapted to almost any field.”

Another of the IDDE program’s strengths is the analytical approach it teaches its students, also an advantage when it comes to educating service members. “IDDE has helped me to analyze the concepts and required results of a project and then develop courses to achieve that outcome,” Collins says. “If you don’t understand what the problem is, you won’t be able to provide a solution.”

In particular, when developing or reviewing a course, Collins says he must first analyze, “What soldiers need to know, what they are able to do and how they feel about that knowledge. This aligns with knowledge, skills and attitudes which are the bedrock concepts common to all instructional design.”

Lifelong Learner

Craig Collins G’20, G’22

That last point—that Collins takes into account a soldier’s attitude about what he or she must know—might seem out of place in a learning and work environment where orders are the norm. On the contrary, says Collins, in the Army just as everywhere else understanding your student is at the heart of teaching.

“Someone might not say out loud that they don’t like something, but they might act in a way that is inconsistent with a mission’s accomplishment,” Collins says. “You have to observe learners. Learning is all about a measurable change in behavior.” In the military, he certainly can give information—and as an experienced soldier, he is used to giving and following orders—”but really to get someone to do what I want, I have to influence them.”

Ultimately, Collins says that’s what instructional design is all about: “sharing information toward creating knowledge.”

And Collins practices what he preaches. One of his tasks as an IDDE student was to create an online blog. It’s something he continues to this day because Collins is a decorated soldier, expert teacher and a lifelong learner.

His blog is what he has discovered about his many passions: Cheap Trick (“The most underrated band ever!”); baseball; Star Trek (“Let me address a current internet ‘hot’ topic, the Quentin Tarantino remake rumor”); the Old West; and some of his favorite places in Europe: Prague, Venice and Bavaria.

Learn more about School of Education and , including instructional design programs.

Janice Poe

“I thought: Are you crazy? Are you really going to leave because you don’t want to make that commitment?” she says. “Now I realize it was the best decision I made in my life.”

Just 10 days after leaving West Point, Poe enlisted in the Army National Guard. It came with greater flexibility, and combined with a Minuteman scholarship, she’d have her college fees covered. Her plan was to get back to school, and she didn’t expect to get called for duty right away. That’s when COVID hit, and Poe found herself with a unit in rural Georgia on the front lines of pandemic relief.

First, she staffed a warehouse with consolidated medical supplies, helping to manage distributions of face masks, hand sanitizer and other protective equipment. After only three months, she earned a leadership position. She started running a project to get food to children who were learning from home while schools went to remote learning. Poe’s team helped to prepare and count meals, package onto buses and distribute them in areas of need.

“We had the same families who came every day, and I realized that school was the only time these children could get a meal,” Poe says. “It was really humbling to do something like that.”

When she wrapped that assignment, she was excited to be heading to Syracuse University. She found the liaison and process very helpful, especially since her circumstances were complicated.

“I genuinely felt they wanted what’s best for me,” she says. “They were just so helpful and inviting, I never felt like I didn’t belong here.”

She took an interstate transfer from Georgia, where she served in the 221 Expeditionary Military Intelligence Battalion, to New York to join the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team headquarters. She picked the unit closest to Syracuse University, which happens to be an infantry unit, and very different from what she did in Georgia.

Even after her successful time at West Point, she had reservations about making a switch to an infantry unit. She had nothing to worry about. Poe did such a great job during a two-week simulated warfighting exercise that her unit surprised her with her first Army Achievement Medal. She surprised them, too, as they had no idea about her prior experience as a cadet.

Janice Poe

“I was so nervous to come to this unit, and they made me so much better,” she says. “They’ve been the most amazing unit. I love them so much.”

As a Simultaneous Membership Program cadet, Poe gets to experience student life with the Syracuse ROTC battalion and continue service in the guard. She’s a chemistry major and plans to attend physician assistant school after graduating in December. Her volunteer work at the COVID testing center at Syracuse University ties well with her pandemic experience from Georgia and helps with the clinical hours she needs.

Through her studies at Syracuse, Poe also started contributing to research on health care in marginalized communities, which helped lead her to work with Joseph Chaiken, professor of chemistry. They’re testing a device that can be placed over a person’s finger and test blood without using needles. She’s helping to focus some research on differences in skin tone and pigments. Her capstone study is to test the device among many people to see whether it needs to account for different skin tones.

“The moment he started talking about it, I thought it’s so cool, and there’s something I could do with it to make a difference,” she says.

Poe is grateful she made that seemingly crazy decision about leaving West Point when she did.

“Could I do it? Absolutely, without a doubt. Would I have been happy? Absolutely not. I would have stayed, but it wouldn’t have made me as happy as I am now. I’m able to learn as a soldier and grow as a leader while I can pursue my interests,” Poe says. “The ultimate goal for me is to have a balance between time in service and devoting my time in research and my career.”

Amanda LaLonde ’23 with her husband Jon

LaLonde powered through different schools and degree programs, into military service in the Navy and Navy Reserve and on to full-time family duty, before coming back home to Central New York where it has all clicked for her at Syracuse University. Here, she’s embracing her best college experience as an Honors student and recipient of the Louis A. and Patricia H. Mautino Veteran Endowed Scholarship.

A New York native, LaLonde had to move with her family to Tampa, Florida, before her senior year of high school. She struggled to make friends that year before graduation. She applied to one school, and while commuting there and back, couldn’t connect with her fellow students. It wasn’t long before she started slacking off. By the end of her first year, she dropped out.

LaLonde considered joining the Army like her younger brother recently had, thinking it might give her a much-needed push to do something more productive. Though she wasn’t in shape enough to meet the Army’s requirement, a Navy recruiter called to check her interest. They offered to work with her to help get her in shape, and LaLonde welcomed the motivation and support. Even now, 17 years later, she still keeps in touch with that Navy recruiter.

LaLonde in 2005 during her Navy career

LaLonde joined the Navy in 2005, and after basic training, started technical training to specialize in nuclear engineering. It was not a good fit for her at all.

“I purposely failed out of that,” she says. “It was very demanding, lots of physics and math, and I’m not the best at either of those things. I wanted to be in the military, not sitting in a classroom.”

She was stationed at the USS Bataan in Norfolk, Virginia, where she met her future husband Jon. Soon after they welcomed their first son Tyler, Jon deployed to Iraq. Geographically single parenting a newborn while working full-time on active duty was extremely demanding. Despite all the challenges, LaLonde managed to complete her associate degree in marine engineering.

“I’m super proud of that degree. I will forever be proud of it,” she says. “It was not easy, but I got it done.”

When Jon returned from Iraq, LaLonde saw the opportunity to return to school for her bachelor’s degree.

“I thought I wanted to do computer engineering, which would be a financially stable career move, but I was barking up the wrong tree,” she says. “It was a constant struggle.”

Around that time, LaLonde learned she was pregnant with twins Jack and Noah. She had medical appointments to keep and too many competing priorities to manage at home to make her continuing education possible. She transitioned to the Navy Reserve, and again withdrew from school before gaining a foothold.

Meanwhile, Jon was involuntarily separated from the Navy, and they briefly moved to Florida to be closer to family before moving home to Central New York in 2012. LaLonde managed with three small children while Jon’s job gave him only a month at home between three-month stints in Afghanistan. She stayed in the Navy Reserve until 2014, when she was dismissed for not meeting the height and weight requirement. The experience left her, “a little salty,” but didn’t take the wind completely out of her sails.

“The kids were so young, and they needed so much attention, so I wore the super mom hat for a while,” she says. “We did that for eight years, and the whole experience was exhausting.”

LaLonde says the pandemic prompted her latest return to school. Jon was able to stay home, and with more support, she again took a chance to go back to finish her undergraduate studies, this time at Syracuse University. She’s studying psychology with an integrated learning major in forensic science, which keeps her engaged.

LaLonde served as an orientation leader during Syracuse Welcome in fall 2021.

She also jumped into campus life. She’s been an orientation leader and helped to welcome new freshmen to campus, which she says felt like the college experience she never had. She even tried out to be Otto the Orange. “How many people get to say they tried out to be a mascot?” She’s also part of the Renée Crown University Honors Program, which surprised her because she’d always struggled with academics. It turns out, LaLonde just needed to find a course of study she was passionate about in a community where she’s fully supported.

“I’m so into school, and so motivated by how well I’ve been able to do, I’ll throw my hat in to do all these things,” she says. “I’ve managed to do more than I thought I was going to be able to do.”

LaLonde also felt motivated at Syracuse to get over whatever lingering “saltiness” she had about having to leave the Navy Reserve. She joined the Peer Advisors for Veterans Education and stepped into a leadership role to help direct other military-connected students to resources they may need. She also joined the Student Veterans of America chapter and attended the national conference with other military-connected students from universities across the country.

“Initially I wanted to study psychology to better understand my children and help other families, but I may be shifting my focus to do something that will help other student veterans like me find their way,” she says. “A lot of places, they talk the talk, but they don’t walk the walk. Syracuse has proven they’re actually, legitimately there for military-connected students.”

“Educational opportunities such as Summer College are essential and necessary for young people to realize their inherent potential as individuals and as citizens,” says College of Professional Studies Dean Michael Frasciello. “Summer College introduces them to the transformational power of a college education.”

Syracuse University, whose campus resides on the ancestral lands of the Onondaga Nation, firekeepers of the Haudenosaunee, is committed to empowering and supporting Native American and Indigenous students. As part of this extensive commitment, the College of Professional Studies has created a 50% tuition discount on Summer College for students from any Indigenous tribe or nation. The Indigenous Student discount will help establish Summer College as a viable pre-college pathway to high school students who later access the University’s Haudenosaunee Promise Scholarship, Honor Scholarship and Indigenous Pathways Grant—all developed to help make a Syracuse education affordable for Indigenous students.

Continuing the University’s distinguished legacy of leadership in addressing the needs of our nation’s veterans and military-connected communities, Summer College will now offer military-connected high school students an increased tuition discount of 50%, up from 20%.

“Extending financial support to pre-college age children of veterans, active military, guard and reserve members is another example of our institutional commitment to those who serve and have served,” Frasciello says.

After celebrating 60 years of Summer College in 2020, the program has evolved in numerous ways. In 2020 and 2021, Summer College offered its entire portfolio of summer courses online due to COVID-19 restrictions. Moving ahead, Summer College will offer on-campus, online and hybrid experiences for students, as well as on-location programs for commuter students in New York City and Los Angeles.

From July through August 2022, high school sophomores, juniors and seniors can experience college life on campus, online or in a hybrid format during six-week, three-week, or two-week sessions.

High school students from more than 50 countries and 45 states have enrolled in a pre-college program, and 98% report that their experience prepared them for academic life and beyond.

“Students not only learn about what it’s like to be a college student, they leave the program with more confidence, enthusiasm and a sense of being ready for college,” says Christopher Cofer, executive director of the Office of Pre-College Programs. “This year, students can choose from over 100 courses in one of our pre-college programs.

“Many students complete their Summer College courses with a new sense of themselves and a new perspective of the world. Upon completion of Summer College, students often tell us they had no idea how much the experience would mean to them and how much of an impact it would have on them when they arrived often only two weeks beforehand,” Cofer says.

Applications for Summer College are open until May 1, 2022. For more information, visit .

Vincent Miczek

Vincent Miczek ’21 recently earned a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) and is commissioning into the United States Air Force and will be headed to Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma. At the end of 2021, he’ll start pilot training.

“There is a strong correlation between aerospace engineering and becoming a pilot for such complex systems,” says Miczek, who is a member of the University’s Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC).  “With a strong background in the field and applying my studies every single time I enter one of their aircraft, I have a better understanding about these systems, not to mention the aerodynamics associated with how aircraft fly.” Miczek says his degree will be applied almost immediately as he learns the intricates of his assigned aircraft. “I can’t wait to start this next chapter in my life,” he says.

�����鶹��Ʒ recently sat down with Miczek to discuss his experience as a cadet and military-connected student at Syracuse University.

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.