In 2019, the U.S. Army implemented a newer, more rigorous physical fitness test to evaluate a soldier’s potential for physical performance in combat. Named the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), the new test required specific equipment and training space that many ROTC detachments across the nation simply did not have readily available.

When Syracuse University learned about this potential setback, they set forth a plan to ensure their future soldiers were given the tools necessary to succeed.

“Physical fitness is critical for our soldiers to meet the demands of their profession in the most challenging of situations and, ultimately, to accomplish our mission,” says U.S. Army Lt.Col. Matthew Coyne, the ranking professor of military science at Syracuse University and detachment commander for the Stalwart Battalion. “Having a higher physical fitness score improves their ability to assess into the component of their choice, or the branch of their choice.”

By component or branch, Coyne is referring to the career field a soldier is assigned upon commissioning. Understanding the long-term impact that a fitness test could have on a cadet’s future career in the military, the University moved forward to turn a warehouse near Jamesville Avenue into the Stalwart Tactical Athlete Center, better known as the STAC.

U.S. Army ROTC cadets conducting unit physical training (Photo by Charlie Poag)

The results of this initiative were made clear over the summer of 2024 when cadets from Syracuse University excelled in comparison to other ROTC units from the region and across the nation. “Our cadets have achieved the highest Army combat fitness test average of all programs in the northeast. So out of 42 programs, they have the highest ACFT average, and they’re within the top three out of all programs in the United States,” says Coyne.

U.S. Army ROTC Cadet Byron Levi ’25 (right) achieved the highest ACFT score during summer training (Photo courtesy of the Stalwart Battalion)

Among those accolades, Syracuse University boasts the highest individual score during the 2024 Summer Cadet Training (CST) evolution. Cadet Byron Levi ’25, a senior in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, credits the University’s support as being instrumental for his accomplishment.

“The STAC has been monumental in the physical and tactical preparation leading up to CST. Having a dedicated fitness facility that can be utilized allowed us to have a sharp advantage over most programs, not only in the northeastern region but nationwide,” says Levi. “Stalwart Battalion cadets pride ourselves on our commitment and pursuit of excellence, but our capacity to produce results and represent Syracuse University at the national level, especially during CST, would be limited without the support and resources we receive here.”

As Syracuse University’s prominence in the military and veteran communities has increased over the years, so has the interest to attend the University by the next generation of U.S. Army officers. The Stalwart Battalion, year over year, has seen a growing trend with its enrollment, and 2024 marked its highest enrollment of cadets since 2020 and the second highest in the last 20 years; the detachment is currently preparing 124 cadets for military service after graduation.

“Syracuse University has a historical commitment to supporting veterans in higher education, and since Chancellor Syverud’s 2014 inaugural address calling for this university to once again become the ‘Best Place for Veterans,’ we have seen a dramatic shift in the quality of our programs, services and support we can offer our military-connected students,” says retired U.S. Army Colonel Ron Novack, the executive director of Syracuse University’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs. “Nowhere is that more evident than in the success of our ROTC programs. These young men and women are not only going to make incredible officers in the military, but they’re going forward as ambassadors of our University. We’re dedicated to ensuring that their time here with us is not only rewarding personally but impactful for their future careers as commissioned officers.”

Since the STAC opened, the ROTC staff and cadets have found multiple uses for the facility. In addition to much-needed storage space for the military equipment the detachment uses, the facility also offers a classroom and training space for cadets to meet and plan upcoming exercises and events, as well as rehearse small unit tactics in a controlled environment.

To learn more about the Syracuse University Army ROTC program, contact the Admissions and Recruiting Operations Officer Eric Schaertl at eshaert@syr.edu or 315.443.2462. To support Syracuse University’s initiatives to train the next generation of military leaders, please consider giving to the .

U.S. Army ROTC cadet prepares for a circuit course exercise (Photo by Charlie Poag)

Professor Beth Kubala works with students (Photo by The Lovewigs)

“Elizabeth Kubala takes her students from the classroom to the community, breaking down barriers so veteran clients can access quality health care, food and other government benefits,” says Domenick Napoletano, president of the New York State Bar Association. “Her work bridges generations, aiding recent veterans now enrolled in college to those who fought in Korea and Vietnam.”

Kubala is executive director of the College of Law’s (VLC). Under her direction, students have authored amicus briefs to the U.S. Supreme Court and argued cases at the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals. Kubala’s tenacity has brought about new programs and funding to fight veteran homelessness and substance use. Her nomination praised her infectious enthusiasm and passion for her work.

Syracuse University and the College of Law proudly support veterans through a legacy of over 100 years of commitment to military-connected students. Recognized as one of the��Best Private Schools for Veterans��and dedicated to being the��Best Place for Veterans, Syracuse offers unparalleled resources, academic programs and student organizations for our veteran population. The University is home to the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, a national nonprofit organization which has supported more than 208,000 service members, veterans and military family members through programs and services which empower them in their post service lives.

Tillman Scholar Benetta Dousuah G’25, a U.S. Army veteran and graduate student in the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics (Photo by Charlie Poag)

The Tillman Foundation, established in memory of former National Football League player and U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman, honors his legacy by supporting veterans, active-duty service members and military spouses through scholarships, professional development and a lifelong network. Tillman left behind a promising football career to serve his country following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and in 2004 suffered a tragic incident that cost him his life. His foundation seeks to empower others to embody his values of service, scholarship and humble leadership.

Benetta Dousuah and her daughter upon Duasuah’s graduation from U.S. Army Basic Training (Photo courtesy of Benetta Dousuah)

For Dousuah, being named a Tillman Scholar is a culmination of hard work and community-focused ambition. “When I first heard about the Tillman Foundation, I was honestly shocked that there was a foundation like that with people still in the service, veterans, and military spouses who were making an impact like that,” Dousuah says. “I wanted to be a part of that organization because they were making an impact, and that’s something that I wanted to do in my community; that was one of the main reasons why I applied for the scholarship.”

The journey to becoming a Tillman Scholar is rigorous, many of those selected often speak of having to overcome imposter syndrome just to apply after seeing the accomplishments of past Tillman Scholars. Dousuah credits the supportive environment at Syracuse University for helping her succeed through the application process which is renowned for requiring personal reflection.

One of those supportive sources she found was Syracuse University’s Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising (CFSA). Jolynn Parker, director of CFSA, assisted Dousuah in ensuring that she had the best application to put forward and, at times, gave her the encouragement that Dousuah says she needed.

“She gave me ‘mom vibes’—the kind where someone believes in you so much that you feel you can’t let them down,” says Dousuah, who is a mother to a young daughter herself. “Jolynn pushed me to be my best, holding me accountable while reminding me I could achieve this.”

Additionally, Dousuah says she found help in preparing from the OVMA Executive Director Ron Novack provided Dousuah with opportunities to practice through mock interviews and prepare her to represent herself to the selection board.

Benetta Dousuah celebrating as the Hometown Hero during the recent Syracuse vs. University of Connecticut football game at the JMA Wireless Dome (Photo by Charlie Poag)

For her dedication to service, Dousuah was recently honored as the Hometown Hero at the JMA Wireless Dome during men’s football game against the University of Connecticut. She says she’s excited for what the future brings to her with this new community of support behind her, and aims to help other military-connected students at Syracuse University who are interested in the Tillman Foundation or looking to apply.

Looking ahead, Dousuah plans to use her platform as a Tillman Scholar to advocate for veterans and pursue her goals of shaping policies within the Department of Defense’s Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP). She is also preparing for an impactful return to her home country of Liberia this winter, where she will distribute donated school supplies to children in need—a project she describes as fulfilling the Tillman Foundation’s mission of making a lasting difference.

Her advice for aspiring Tillman Scholars is simple, “Be yourself and don’t get discouraged. Whether or not you’re selected, the journey of applying is worth it—and the foundation’s work is something to be a part of in any way you can,” says Dousuah.

Applications for the Tillman Scholarship will open in early December and close in February 2025. Those military-connected students at Syracuse University who are interested in applying are highly encouraged to reach out to the OVMA, CFSA and any of the University’s .

Syracuse University shares a similar historic commitment to honoring veterans and service members. With the university’s reputation for being the “Best Place for Veterans,” it should come as no surprise that the University pulls out all the stops to celebrate Veterans Day.

“Every day is Veterans Day at Syracuse University,” says U.S. Army Colonel (Ret.) Ron Novack,�� executive director of the University’s Office of Veterans and Military Affairs (OVMA). “But today, we officially take a moment and pause to honor the service, sacrifice, and love of country and the freedoms our veterans have fought to preserve for this nation.”

Veterans Day 5k Fun Run and Walk

Participants in the 2024 Veterans Day 5k Fun Run and Walk take off from the starting line to run three laps around campus. (Photo by Charlie Poag)

Early in the morning on Nov. 11, the campus and local communities gathered on the Kenneth Shaw Quadrangle for the annual Veterans Day 5k.�� The event drew more than 250 participants, its largest crowd since its inception 10 years ago. Those who signed up early enough for the run received a free t-shirt, and all participants could partake in free refreshments and light food after the walk and run to help them�� recharge for the rest of the day’s celebrations.

“This year’s Veterans Day Fun Run and Walk was the largest 5K event our team has had to date for our cadets, military community and partners here on campus,” said U.S. Marine Corps veteran Michael Drum who, as the OVMA’s operations manager, helps coordinate between the University’s Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) detachments, OVMA staff, other campus departments and local organizations to ensure the success of the run. “This event wouldn’t have been possible without the leadership of Lt. Col. Matthew Coyne and Laura Bates of the Army ROTC’s Stalwart Battalion, who truly put on a fantastic event that we were all very proud to support.”

Veterans Day Celebration and Reception

Later that morning, the doors to the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building opened for the campus community and general public. Attendees gathered to celebrate the service of the nation’s veterans, focusing on those members of the University community who have served.

The official party for this year’s celebration included Chancellor Kent Syverud; Vice President and Hendricks Chapel Dean Brian Konkol; U.S. Army Lt. Col. (Ret). Theresa Cross ’99, the keynote speaker; U.S. Army Veteran Kim Leonard, president of the University’s Veterans Employee Affinity Group; and U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Leonel Aviles ’26, president of the University’s Student Veteran Organization.

Chancellor Kent Syverud offers during remarks during the 2024 Veterans Day Celebration in the K.G. Tan Auditorium (Photo by Liam Kennedy ’26)

Chancellor Syverud addressed the University’s strong commitment to veterans by pointing out that every day is Veterans Day at Syracuse University, and that is due in large part to the staff, faculty and alumni who are dedicated to supporting veterans and military families in higher education.

“One civilian institution in this country is proud that it’s okay to wear the uniform every day, everywhere across the institution,” said Syverud. “One civilian institution is incredibly proud of the student veterans who have been through here and done amazing things, of how many of our faculty and staff have served, and of the research focus and the service focus that is on veterans all year round. That one civilian institution is Syracuse University, and I’m grateful to all who strive to make every day feel like Veterans Day here.”

Veterans Day Celebration Keynote Speaker U.S. Army Lt. Col. (Ret.) Theresa Cross ’99

Cross, who attended the University on the U.S. Army’s Green to Gold program, earned a commission through the Army ROTC program and graduated from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. During her keynote address, she spoke fondly of her family connection to the University; her mother, brother, sister, daughter and cousin are all fellow alumni. She also spoke about the ongoing efforts the University makes through OVMA and the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families.

“My experience here at Syracuse was more than I imagined it would be. I could implement the leadership values inculcated in the Army—loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage,” said Cross. “I came to a school with a rich history of supporting the military and veterans dating back to WWI and continues through the programs here on campus and those that reach the separating service members, veterans and their families across the country.”

To learn more about Syracuse University’s commitment to veterans, service members and their families, please visit the .

The Executive Board for Syracuse University’s Student Veterans of America are all military veterans, and they’re all full-time students at the University. In addition to their academic responsibilities, many also hold jobs, have families and take on additional responsibilities on and off campus. It is because of their desire to be of service to something bigger than themselves that fuels the time and effort they give back to the campus community.

Get to know these impactful��student veterans.

Leonel “Leo” Aviles ’26 – U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
School of Information Studies

Leonel “Leo” Aviles

Leo, as he is affectionately known among friends and the military-connected community, is president of the Student Veterans Organization (SVO) at Syracuse University. Originally from Florida, Aviles found Syracuse University through the Warrior-Scholar Project and credits the University’s admissions staff, along with OVMA’s staff with why he ultimately decided to enroll at Syracuse.

“The staff at this university has open arms for veterans out there wanting to pursue higher education. The amount of people wanting to help veterans with school is incredible,” says Aviles. “I would highly encourage any military-connected student to reach out to the SVO to find out more about what opportunities are available on and off campus.”

Derick Ramos G’26 – U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
College of Arts and Sciences

Derick Ramos

Ramos served as a tank crewman in the Marines for four years and is currently the SVO’s vice president. A graduate student, Ramos is pursuing a Ph.D. in physics. One of the biggest reasons why Ramos chose Syracuse University was because of the competitive academic programs available, particularly for doctoral studies.

“When transitioning from the service we may believe that we are behind in some instances compared to other students attending college after high school,” says Ramos, “Keep your head down and work hard, your dreams and goals will come true. Always remember the words of Winnie the Pooh, ‘You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.’”

Jurgen Baeza ’26 – U.S. Navy Veteran
College of Engineering and Computer Science

Jurgen Baeza

Baeza discovered Syracuse University while still in high school in San Diego, California. His journey to Central New York required a brief stint in the U.S. Navy, serving as an aviation structural mechanic specializing in the F/A-18 Super Hornet’s safety equipment.

With an interest in computers starting at an early age, Baeza began teaching himself to code and is pursuing that interest as a computer science major. While trying to adapt to life as a non-traditional college student, Baeza came in contact with other student veterans on campus and quickly got involved with the SVO.

“As I started going to more events and talking to more of the student veterans, I would talk to them about our similar life experiences and I was able to relate to them a lot easier than those students who are a lot younger than me,” Baeza says.

Savion Pollard ’26 – U.S. Navy Veteran
College of Engineering and Computer Science

Savion Pollard

Pollard served in the Navy for eight years working on board nuclear submarines as a nuclear electronics technician. His time at Syracuse has been marked by significant accomplishments, including being the first local hire for Micron and being an honored guest of U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer during the 2023 State of the Union Address��from President Joseph R. Biden L’68.

“I chose to come to Syracuse University because it brought me closer to family, and because of its proclamation as the ‘Best Place for Vets,’” says Pollard, who is currently studying electrical engineering with a minor in computer science. “I’ve grown to love the campus community, the Syracuse city community and the deep connection between the two.”

Pollard has been a member of the SVO’s executive board for a few years and says his biggest advice for new military-connected students is to “buy into the campus culture and to try new things along the way. All of my greatest achievements as a student have been due to being involved and making myself uncomfortable,” Pollard says.

Tojyea “TJ” Matally ’27 – U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
College of Visual and Performing Arts

Tojyea “TJ” Matally

Matally is a sophomore pursuing a degree in communications design, and he served as a combat photographer in the Marine Corps until 2023, when he opted to pursue higher education and found Syracuse University because of its reputation for providing educational opportunities for veterans and military families.

“I chose to attend Syracuse University because I had heard it was an ideal place for veterans to assimilate into higher education; plus, I wanted to remain in the New York area after being stationed on Long Island for five years,” Matally says.

His advice to other student veterans is to “be honest with your limitations and strengths, and enjoy your new transition. It’s a privilege to pause and invest in yourself for four or more years. Be grateful and lean on your community to support you throughout the journey,” Matally says.

To learn more about the military-connected students at Syracuse University and the programs and services available for student veterans, please visit the .

Dwayne Murray, deputy director of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA), discusses its impact on campus and around the world, explores what sets Syracuse University apart as a best place for veterans and shares his love for working with veterans and military-connected students.

Syracuse University has a long, proud history of serving our veterans and military-connected students that dates back to World War I and the post-World War II era when thousands of veterans embarked on their journey to a college degree through the G.I. Bill.

One of the central organizations on campus that helps the University accomplish this mission is the (OVMA), which, for the last 10 years has played a critical role in helping veterans, military-connected students and their family members pursue their higher education dreams.

Dwayne Murray ’97 is living out his dream job as the OVMA’s deputy director, and he’s proud of the work the organization does through its programs and initiatives while serving as the University’s central hub for veteran and military-connected students.

Dwayne Murray

“The OVMA sets our veteran and military-connected students with an opportunity to go through the entire life cycle of being connected to Syracuse University, from being recruited to when they graduate with their degrees,” Murray says. “We provide student success opportunities, immersion trips, job readiness activities and an outstanding 100% job placement rate thanks to our career services office.”

Murray was a track and field student-athlete on campus and earned degrees in sociology ( and ) and information management and technology () before enlisting in the U.S. Army immediately after graduating.

Following a decorated 25-year active-duty career in the Army, both as an enlisted soldier and an officer, Murray returned to his alma mater in June 2022 to take on this latest career challenge, which blends his passion for his country with his drive to help veteran and military-connected students achieve their goals.

“To be at the intersection of where I’ve had some of the most formidable experiences of my life as a student, and then to combine that with the purpose, direction and motivation that comes from being in the Army, I had to take advantage of this opportunity,” Murray says. “It’s the only calling for me that was bigger than continuing to serve in the military because I could pay back my institution, I could pay back the students that walk these halls and I could share those lessons I’ve learned and experiences I’ve had with our campus community.”

On this “’Cuse Conversation,” Murray discusses the impact the OVMA has had on campus and around the world, explores what sets Syracuse University apart as a best place for veterans and shares his love for working with veterans and military-connected students.

Check out . A transcript [PDF] is also available.

Global Impact as a Best Place for Veterans

Murray says the commitment to our veterans and military-connected students is “baked into our DNA as a University,” including the advent of the Student Army Training Corps, which was the forerunner to the Army ROTC. Syracuse University was also home to one of the first Air Force ROTC programs on a college campus in the nation.

Dwayne Murray (second from left) poses with attendees at the OVMA’s Stars & Stripes tailgate.

Among the many ways the OVMA and the University help facilitate the transition from active duty to student, Murray points to:

• a simplified, streamlined admissions process, including waiving application fees, which has led to a 300% increase in enrollment over the last 10 years;
• customized support services;
• innovative and creative programming under the leadership of Director of Veteran Career Services Jennifer Pluta G’15 that has yielded a 100% job placement rate for student veterans;
• a welcoming and inclusive environment, featuring various affinity groups;
• strong cross-campus relationships that lead to expanded opportunities for students; and
• significant scholarship opportunities that eliminate financial barriers to a degree.

Dwayne Murray enjoyed a decorated 25-year active-duty career in the U.S. Army, both as an enlisted soldier and an officer, before returning to Syracuse University in June 2022.

Add it all up and Murray says it’s easy to see why Military Times consistently ranks Syracuse University among the “best place for veterans” among private universities.

“We are fully committed to enhancing the opportunities for our students, and these efforts have led to a global impact,” Murray says. “We have close to 60 veterans enrolled in the fully interactive hybrid online juris doctorate program [known as JDinteractive], which gives our veterans and military-connected students the opportunity to earn their law degree completely online. We have students in the Defense Comptrollership program, that earn an MBA from the and a master’s degree in public administration through the Maxwell School. They go on to serve as leaders in their civilian agencies or their military branch of service.”

National Veterans and Military Families Month

While Murray has always seen Syracuse University as part of his identity—when he was 7 years old, his grandmother bought him a Syracuse sweatshirt from the Salvation Army that became a cherished possession—the University is also ingrained in his family.

Dwayne’s wife, Alison Murray ’01, currently serves as the assistant dean for student assistance with Hendricks Chapel, where she is responsible for religious and spiritual outreach programs and services that assist students seeking holistic support. Alison, who earned a nursing degree on campus, served in the Army for more than 20 years.

With November being National Veterans and Military Families Month, the Murrays are an outstanding example of service to country and passion for giving back to students.

“Alison is a nurse by trade, and Hendricks Chapel is like a hospital in that she can diagnose folks and provide them with the type of support and assistance they need to grow, thrive and be successful,” Dwayne says. “It’s an amazing feeling knowing we share this strong connection with our alma mater.”

Alison and Dwayne Murray.

“I joined in 2017, right after high school. Two weeks after I graduated, I headed to boot camp,” says Aviles, an undergraduate student studying at .

Aviles served as a warehouse specialist in the Marines, spending his first two years of service at the Marine Corps Air and Ground Training Center in 29 Palms, California, one of the Marine Corps’ most remote bases in the continental United States. There, he supported the Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School, which trains Marines in various ground electronic maintenance roles, tactical communications and anti-air warfare operations.

For the second half of his career, Aviles supported a tank battalion, providing all the supply needs for the unit and its personnel, handing out everything from goggles, gloves, and replacement parts of vehicles and equipment.

When it came time to transition out of the military, Aviles sought out opportunities for higher education through the Warrior Scholar Project (WSP). The WSP program prepares transitioning service members to pursue their academic goals after service. While participating with the organization, Aviles says he learned about Syracuse University and its initiatives to support veterans and military-connected students.

Aviles during his time serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.

“I was originally planning to go back to my home state of Florida and do community college when I got out, but during my time with WSP, I learned about Syracuse University. I had not been to New York before then, and it seemed like a great opportunity,” Aviles says.

When he first arrived on campus, Aviles says he felt he struggled to fit in as a non-traditional student. It’s a common experience shared by many student veterans, particularly first-generation college students. For Aviles, one thing that helped was finding the military-connected community on campus and meeting people who had similar experiences and understood where he was coming from.

“For me, it was a struggle because you’re older and you don’t really fit in. After a while, everyone’s kind of pushing you and telling you it’s okay. But I’ve opened many doors for myself and had some great opportunities,” says Aviles.

One of those opportunities came through the�� (SVO), Syracuse University’s local chapter of the National Student Veterans of America.��Through the SVO, military-connected students can find an easier transition to academic life and connect with other students who have experienced the rigors of higher education, as well as providing a community for camaraderie and support.

“I feel like it’s a great organization due to the fact that, coming in as a first-year student, I was very closed-minded and just stuck to myself. The SVO actually opened me up to be more open-minded and feel more comfortable. I met great buddies who served in different branches, so I got a bunch of different learning perspectives from different people,” Aviles says.

According to Aviles, that support has been a significant source of his success while pursuing an information management technology degree from the School, learning about various topics from cybersecurity to data analytics. For Aviles, he sees a future in cyber security, hopefully contracting with the U.S. government or working with military-affiliated companies like Booz Allen.

Now, as a junior, Aviles has stepped forward to help welcome other student veterans to campus. Earlier this semester, Aviles was elected as the President of the SVO, a position that he feels passionate about succeeding in.

“It’s a great opportunity for other veterans or even military-affiliated students. They can come in, partake in some of our events, and get together with other like-minded students. It’s just a great organization for us to get together and get more comfortable on campus,” Aviles says.

For those interested in learning more about the SVO or other programs available to military-connected students, please visit the . The SVO holds meetings at least one Friday a month in the student veteran lounge at the National Veterans Resource Center, and those students interested in learning more about military service or supporting veterans on campus are welcome to attend.

Aviles (second from right), along with other members of the Student Veterans Organization, at the annual Stars and Stripes Tailgate before the military appreciation football game. (Photo by Charlie Poag)

U.S. Army Lt. Col. (Ret.) Theresa Cross ’99

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Theresa Cross ’99, who graduated from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and College of Arts and Sciences with a bachelor’s degree in international relations, will be the guest speaker at the University’s official observance of Veterans Day this year. Cross says that to her, Veterans Day is as “American as apple pie.”

One thing that makes it personally important for her to observe the day is the low percentage of citizens who do choose to serve, “The total number of people who have served in military service to our nation is around 6%. To me, that’s a very small amount of people, and I think it’s a small amount to pay for the many sacrifices that those people have made for our country,” Cross says.

Cross came to Syracuse University in 1997 on the U.S. Army’s Green to Gold program, meaning she already had military service prior to coming to campus in pursuit of becoming a commissioned officer. Having obtained the rank of staff sergeant in the U.S. Army, Cross had considerable experience under her belt, including several deployments and having just come off a peacekeeping tour in Bosnia.

“At the time I was married, I had two children, and I had done my time in the Army. I knew I needed help with the kids to go to school full time, and Syracuse was a family school,” says Cross.

Theresa Cross ’99, center, with her family

When Cross calls Syracuse University a “family school,” she means the school runs through her family’s veins through multiple generations of Syracuse University alumni, including most recently her own daughter, who graduated from the College of Visual and Performing Arts and the School of Education in 2014.

Cross grew up in Syracuse; her mother graduated from the university in 1974, her brother in 1985 and sister in 1994. Cross knew her Orange family was ready to step in and support her in her academic goals. To this day, she’s grateful for that support and the experiences that it allowed her to have during her studies.

Cross went on to be an intelligence officer and a strategist officer; the latter meaning she helped translate national priorities into military strategies and plans as well as developed solutions for complex problems, encompassing a total of 28 years of service. One of the greatest lessons she carried with her back into military service after graduation was learning just how different things would be as an officer compared to her years of experience as an enlisted soldier.

Theresa Cross, second from left, with her Veteran sorority sisters at a Veterans Day event in Florida in 2023.

“I had just come off a tour after being a staff sergeant for two years and deploying with the 18^th Airborne Corps to Bosnia, so to make that move into the officer corps–it was different,” Cross recalls. While non-commissioned officers are the experienced enlisted troops who take on a mid-level management and leadership role, commissioned officers (NCOs) are generally the primary decision makers in a unit and responsible overall for the success of that unit’s mission.

“The ROTC program helped me make that transition a lot better. We had other NCOs on campus that worked with us through the program, and I think it was just one of the best preparations for my time as an officer; learning those things that I, as an enlisted person, didn’t know about,” says Cross.

The University’s celebration of Veterans Day will begin early in the morning on Nov. 11 this year. At 6:30 a.m., the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) will host the annual Veterans Day 5K Fun Run and Walk. Those interested in participating should and plan on arriving a little early to meet fellow runners and warm up for the run.

Afterwards, the doors to the K.G. Tan Auditorium at the National Veterans Resource Center will open for the 2024 Veterans Day Celebration which will start at 11 a.m. Those wishing to attend are encouraged to by the close of business on Friday, Nov. 1.

Jurgen Baeza ’26 at The Atlanta White House during an OVMA Career Immersion trip to Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo courtesy of Jurgen Baeza)

“I didn’t really know what I wanted to major in, so I was balancing out different majors. By the end, I was just running out of funds, and I needed to get my life together. One thing that really intrigued me was how the military would pay for college, which was my main objective because I didn’t want to put my family in debt to pay for me going to school–especially having two younger brothers and how they needed to go to school too,” says Baeza, who wound up enlisting in the U.S Navy.

Baeza is currently enrolled at the College of Engineering and Computer Science, where he majors in computer science, following a passion that began back in high school when he, as he recalls, began dabbling a little bit in coding.

Baeza served as an aviation structural mechanic specializing in the F/A-18 Super Hornet’s safety equipment, but in his off time, he pursued those interests with computers and started taking online courses in other coding languages like Java and Python.

“To me, I thought it was like a puzzle to try and solve. You just piece pieces together and make sure that the code runs smoothly. It’s been really fun and also challenging, but it’s very rewarding when you see your code running and there’s no more bugs or anything,” Baeza says.

From Ejection Seats to Classroom Desks

U.S. Navy portrait of Jurgen Baeza ’26 (Photo courtesy of Jurgen Baeza)

When F/A-18 pilots find themselves in trouble while soaring through the skies at more than 1,300 miles per hour, one of their last options is to eject from the aircraft. Baeza was primarily responsible for ensuring the aircraft’s ejection seat would work when all else failed on the jet aircraft. Using small rockets, the ejection seat separates a pilot from a failing aircraft at speeds up to 52 feet per second. Once the pilot has effectively cleared the aircraft, the ejection seat automatically falls away, leaving the pilot to fall back to Earth under the canopy of a fully deployed parachute.

After serving six years and ten months in the U.S. Navy, Baeza got out in 2022 and soon found himself landing on campus at Syracuse University. Much like pilots orienting themselves with their surroundings after safely ejecting, Baeza had to figure out his own surroundings now that he was once again a full-time college student.

“I made the mistake of thinking that Syracuse was going to be like New York City, and when I got here, it was definitely not. I don’t mind it though, it’s nice, I love it so far,” says Baeza, who also states that he had some problems associating at times with traditional students due to the age difference. While trying to find a community to connect with, he stumbled upon a fellow student veteran who helped connect Baeza with other student veterans on campus.

“The Student Veterans Organization was very welcoming, and I have to give a shout out to Savion Pollard, he was my mentor my first semester here. He kept pushing me to go to events with the SVO,” Baeza recalls. He says he was a little “stand-offish” at first, like many veterans he wasn’t looking to participate with the military culture, he was seeking a new path forward. With Pollard’s encouragement, Baeza began going to some of the SVO’s meetings, where he found most of the student veterans shared similar experiences and, like him, weren’t looking to revive their days in the military but instead help each other in the pursuit of their academic goals.

“It’s nice when you don’t want to go to the library, and you just want to go somewhere to decompress and relax. Everyone in the student veteran lounge is the same way, we’re not looking to talk about the military, or school, but we talk about life and different stuff going on outside of class,” Baeza says.

The student veteran lounge and the student veteran quiet study space are both amenities provided exclusively to military-connected students inside the National Veterans Resource Center at Syracuse University. Serving as locations where military-connected students can unwind, relax or get ready for their next class, the spaces are crucial when other quiet areas are tied up by traditional students on campus, particularly around mid-term and final exams.

New Heights Ahead

With graduation looming on his horizon, Baeza says he’d like to stay in New York to work in software engineering, but going back to the West Coast isn’t off the table either. Additionally, Baeza says he’s interested in several master’s programs that are available through the College of Engineering and Computer Science. While figuring out what the future holds for him, he’s started giving back to the military-connected community on campus.

With a few semesters under his belt, Baeza ran for and was elected to the SVO’s Executive Board, serving as the organization’s secretary. Like many student veterans before him, he not only understands the value of the SVO’s community but also advocates for other military-connected students on campus to check the group out.

“The more students we have involved in our events, the more support we get from the University in terms of funding and opportunities. So, it’s always great to see student veterans coming out to support their community on campus, and I would highly recommend anyone who is interested in supporting veterans to check us out,” says Baeza.

Those interested in learning more about the Student Veterans Organization can check out the SVO’s Website hosted by the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs.

Jurgen Baeza ’26 (fourth from left) with other members of Syracuse University’s Student Veterans Organization, including mentor Savion Pollard ’25 (third from left).

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

The four new board members are the following:

Wilder J. Leavitt ’86

Wilder Leavitt

Wilder Leavitt, an attorney in Bethesda, Maryland, is a Syracuse alumnus with a degree in aerospace engineering. He later earned a master’s degree in management from MIT and a juris doctor from American University. Leavitt’s military service includes work as an aircraft and munitions maintenance officer in the U.S. Air Force, where he was responsible for the sustainment of various aircraft operations. His commitment to supporting military-connected students extends beyond his military career, with philanthropic contributions to the University through the Wilder J. Leavitt and Mary P. Morningstar Scholarship for Military-Connected Students.

Leavitt expressed his vision for the OVMA board: “I believe military service members, veterans and those connected to the military have served, or will serve, their country as warrior-scholar-citizens. While on the advisory board, I hope to create and implement tools and programs that develop the best traits of our military-connected students: exceptional professional competency, robust intellectual achievement, and informed participation in civic discourse.”

Kenneth Marfilius ’11

Kenneth Marfilius

Kenneth Marfilius, a U.S. Air Force veteran, is the assistant dean of the Office of Online and Distance Education in the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics and an associate teaching professor in the School of Social Work. An alumnus of Syracuse University with a degree in psychology, Marfilius went on to earn both a master of social work and a doctorate in clinical social work from the University of Pennsylvania. He has served in numerous roles in the Air Force, including mental health therapist and family advocacy officer, and has worked at the Syracuse VA Medical Center. Additionally, Marfilius has taken on the role of associate director for the recently launched OVMA Resiliency Group.

Marfilius expressed his excitement about joining the OVMA Advisory Board. “Through my experiences as a U.S. Air Force veteran and my current roles at Syracuse University, I’ve dedicated my career to advocating for those who have served our country,” he says. “This opportunity allows me to extend my unwavering dedication to the well-being of student veterans and military-connected individuals at the University.”

Tyrone “Ty” Muse

Tyrone Muse

Tyrone Muse is the president and CEO of Visions Federal Credit Union (VFCU), headquartered in Endwell, New York. With over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, Muse has been instrumental in creating opportunities for military-connected students at the University to learn financial planning and secure their futures. He is also a certified public accountant with professional experience at Pricewaterhouse Coopers and GE Asset Management. Muse has served on various boards and received numerous accolades for his community advocacy.

Muse, who is the son of a veteran, shared his enthusiasm about joining the OVMA board. “As a son of a veteran, working with the board and leadership of the OVMA to help carry forward the legacy of this great university is a gift,” Muse says. “I look forward to sharing my knowledge and experience from the financial services industry to help the advancement and betterment of veteran and military-connected students at the University.”

U.S. Army Colonel Pia W. Rogers ’98, G’01, L’01

Pia Rogers

Colonel Pia Rogers has served for 22 years as an active-duty U.S. Army officer. She currently holds a key role in the Office of the Chief Legislative Liaison at the Pentagon. Her extensive career includes various legal and leadership roles, earning her such prestigious awards as the Bronze Star Medal and Legion of Merit. A graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Rogers also holds a juris doctor and master of public administration from Syracuse University.

“I am in awe of the vital role and commitment that Syracuse University provides to our veteran heroes through the OVMA, and there is no greater honor than to continue to advance these great initiatives as a member of the advisory board,” says Rogers.

Leavitt, Marfilius, Muse and Rogers join the following advisory board members to help advance the University’s initiatives to support military-connected students at the University:

• Richard M. Jones ’92, G’95, L’95, Board Chair and U.S. Army veteran
• Peggy Combs, ’85, retired U.S Army Major General
• Paul Dottle P’14, P’18, U.S. Army veteran
• Gary Ginsburg ’72, retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major
• Millard Hall Jr. G’88, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel
• Victor Holman ’82, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel
• Ken Qualigo G’91, U.S. Army veteran
• Glenn Richardson G’89, U.S. Army veteran

To learn more about OVMA and the University’s historic commitment to military-connected students, please visit the

Jennifer Pluta has worked in career services at Syracuse University, including spending the last 10 years providing advice to Syracuse’s veterans and military-connected community.

When enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve on May 19, 1999, she had no grand plans for making a career out of her service to her country. Rather, feeling compelled to give back to her country, Pluta thought she would serve for a few years before embarking on the next chapter of her life.

Today, the military has become the focal point of Pluta’s career, connecting service members to their benefits and resources while providing both mentorship and guidance that enhances the professional development pursuits of soldiers.

Along with commemorating 25 years of military service, Pluta, a first sergeant in the Army Reserve, is celebrating another professional milestone. For nearly 20 years, Pluta has worked in career services at Syracuse University, including spending the last 10 years providing advice to Syracuse’s veterans and military-connected community.

Jennifer Pluta

“I’ve always had a desire to go into the service. I’m so honored to have had this experience and I can’t believe I’m now at 25 years of military service,” says Pluta, director of Veteran Career Services in the , who also led the University’s Veterans Affinity Group for faculty and staff.

“I just never thought this was the plan when I first enlisted, but here I am. I love serving my country. I love helping and mentoring our soldiers on their journeys. Being a humble servant who gives back to our soldiers is the most honorable thing I can think of.”

By encouraging student veterans to discover more about the potential employment opportunities available to them, Pluta’s passion for career services has led to an impressive 100% placement rate for connecting student veterans to new careers following graduation. She achieves this through customized career coaching, mentoring, networking and her strong connections with potential employers.

Pluta’s commitment to serving veterans led to her being named a scholar for the 2023 Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program by the George W. Bush Institute. The initiative supports individuals who not only give back to our nation’s veterans and military families, but are motivated to broaden their skillsets, knowledge and influence to enhance their efforts to support the military-connected communities they serve.

Pluta, who earned a master’s degree in higher education administration from the in 2015, sat down with SU News to discuss her passion for service, the joy she gets from and the role she’s happy to play in making Syracuse University one of the best places for veterans.

Where did your passion for this work come from?

I always had an interest in career services going back to high school, when I would read resume books and wanted to learn how to make someone’s resume standout. When I was in college [at Alfred University] I did an internship with the Alfred University Carer Development Center. When I was first deployed to Kuwait as part of Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, I wound up helping soldiers to access their GI Bill benefits, student loans and other educational assistance programs.

I didn’t know you could make a career doing this. But from the onset of my military career, I wanted to know how the military benefits worked, because, for so many, those benefits are the key reason they chose to enlist in the Army Reserve. I also knew, from conversations on the base [in Kuwait], that there were many soldiers in the military who weren’t aware of the many benefits and educational incentives available to them. I was eager to share my knowledge with as many soldiers as possible because access to education through the Army’s benefits could significantly enhance their career paths and help eliminate many financial barriers.

How satisfying has it been to connect veterans and soldiers to their benefits?

It’s always been so rewarding helping my fellow soldiers. I’m lucky that I can do something I’m passionate about while helping others achieve their goals. It’s my job to help soldiers realize that they have a tremendous skillset to offer to an employer. Too often, veterans have a limited viewpoint on the value of their skills and what opportunities might be available to them. But it’s such a rewarding feeling when they understand that employers are interested in their skills and what they bring to the workforce. That’s the reward, when they realize what’s possible.

Once I came to Syracuse, shortly after my deployment in 2005, I started here as a temporary, part-time employee in the Center for Career Services. It was supposed to be on a limited basis, but it’s going to be 20 years for me with Syracuse University next year. I’m passionate about empowering our veterans and military-connected students with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed with their professional goals. I’ve had the best time and made some of the most amazing connections by helping the people I’ve served with.

How does your role with career services impact the University’s reputation as one of the best places for veterans?

Because I served as an Army Reserve career counselor and am still active in the Army Reserve, I have an understanding of not only what our service members have been through, but how their military experiences and leadership can be leveraged and utilized to help achieve their career goals. I know what resources to use to help translate their military experience into career success. I help those soldiers who want to go back into the service, and I help our faculty and staff who need help navigating their careers in the Army Reserve. I can use my network and my experiences to help connect veterans to the necessary resources, and I’m really happy I’ve been able to contribute.

The is free and open to all Syracuse-area veterans, including Syracuse University student, faculty and staff veterans who are not enrolled in VA health care and want to learn more about eligibility and how to sign up.

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Enroll in VA health care (with a copy of DD214 and photo identification).
• File a claim with the Veterans Benefit Administration.
• Obtain a Veteran Health Identification Card (with photo identification).
• Learn how the (Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxic Acts) expands health care benefits for veterans who served in the Vietnam War, Gulf War and post-9/11 eras and were exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic substances. The PACT Act also extends eligibility to survivors of these exposed veterans.
• Engage with VA professionals.
• Visit with a variety of local community resources.

Representatives from the University’s and will be in attendance. MVLS students will guide attendees and facilitate interactions with partner organizations. For more information, contact Emma.Avellino@va.gov or egkubala@syr.edu.

Jamieson Ritter

The University is honoring the memory of alumnus and fallen Cleveland, Ohio, police officer Jamieson Ritter ’19 with the establishment of a scholarship in his name. Beginning in 2025, the Jamieson Ritter Memorial ROTC Scholarship will be awarded to an ROTC student who is pursuing a career in military or civilian law enforcement. Ritter, who was part of the Army ROTC at Syracuse, was killed in the line of duty while serving with the Cleveland Division of Police on July 4.

“Jamieson Ritter’s life of dedicated service represents the very best of Syracuse University,” says Mike Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and executive director of the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families. “This new scholarship will honor Jamieson’s memory by assisting students who follow his example in seeking to serve their country and community in uniform.”

The scholarship was established in consultation with Ritter’s family.

Originally from Rochester, New York, Ritter graduated from McQuaid Jesuit High School before coming to Syracuse University to complete a degree in communication and rhetorical studies from the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Upon graduating from Syracuse, Ritter was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army National Guard.

In November 2020, Ritter joined the Cleveland Division of Police as an officer. As a member of the Ohio Army National Guard, he deployed to Syria in 2022 and returned to continue his service with the Cleveland Division of Police in 2023.

Ritter grew up with an aspiration to serve others. “From an early age, Jamieson possessed an innate understanding of selfless service to the nation and a strong desire to serve his community,” his family shared with the Cleveland Police.

If you are interested in donating to the Jamieson Ritter Memorial Scholarship Fund, please visit the .

Benetta Dousuah (left), Jude Akpunku (center) and Zahra Johnson were named 2024 Tillman Scholars as the next generation of public and private sector leaders committed to service beyond self.

Three talented and passionate Syracuse University student veterans—Benetta Dousuah G’25, second-year law student Jude Akpunku and Zahra Johnson G’25—were recognized as 2024 Tillman Scholars by the .

The award unites and empowers remarkable military service members, veterans and spouses as the next generation of public and private sector leaders committed to service beyond self. Dousuah, Akpunku and Johnson were selected out of nearly 1,600 applicants.

are provided academic scholarships, leadership development opportunities and access to a supportive national network as they embark on career journeys in the fields of health care, public service, business, STEM, law, the humanities and education.

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

Syracuse University was invited to become a Pat Tillman Foundation University Partner in 2017. To date, the University has seen .

Dousuah, Akpunko and Johnson sat down with SU News to discuss why they wanted to become Tillman Scholars, reflect on the prestigious honor and share how they will use the scholarship to make a difference in their communities.

Benetta Dousuah G’25, U.S. Army

Academic major: Social work ()

Benetta Dousuah

What drew you to study at Syracuse University? “I chose Syracuse University because it’s known for being a veteran-friendly school. While transitioning out of the military, I visited and was impressed by how much they support student veterans. The National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building showed me how much the school cares about their veteran community.”

Where did your interest and passion for your field of study come from? “My aim is to challenge and transform the existing stigma surrounding mental health and well-being in the military. My goal is to become a social worker and serve as Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) representative at a behavioral health clinic on a military installation, particularly regarding sexual assault and harassment. This position will allow me to address significant issues related to mental health and advocate for policy changes within the SHARP program.”

How does it feel to be recognized as a Tillman Scholar? “It’s an honor to be surrounded by people dedicated to making a difference in our military. My passion is to change how investigations are done in the SHARP program. I am excited to bring this idea to other scholars and see what the future holds.”

What motivated you to apply to be a Tillman Scholar, and why do you think you were selected? “Pat’s story is incredible. It demonstrates selfless service and leadership, two of the Army’s core values. As a Tillman Scholar, I am honored to carry on Pat Tillman’s legacy. I’m inspired by these exceptional individuals who are making a difference. I was chosen as a Tillman Scholar because of my dedication to making a positive impact. Despite facing a traumatic experience, my goal is to reform the system that failed me, ensuring a safer military for future generations.”

How do you plan to use this scholarship and this experience to make an impact in your community? “I aim to use the education and experiences from Syracuse University and the Tillman Scholar program to advocate for significant policy changes, specifically to reform the investigative process within the SHARP program.”

Jude Akpunku, U.S. Naval Academy

Academic major: Online J.D. program, JDinteractive ()

Jude Akpunku

What drew you to study at Syracuse University? “The University’s strong commitment to veterans and its renowned law program attracted me, aligning perfectly with my aspirations in law and public service.”

Where did your interest and passion for your field of study come from? “My interest in law developed from my experiences in the military and as a Defense Legislative Fellow [with U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey], where I saw firsthand the impact of policy and law on service members’ lives and national security.”

How does it feel to be recognized as a Tillman Scholar? “It is a profound honor. It validates my commitment to service and leadership and inspires me to continue advocating for justice and equity.”

What motivated you to apply to be a Tillman Scholar, and why do you think you were selected? “I was motivated by the program’s focus on leadership and service, which resonate deeply with my personal values and experiences. I believe I was selected due to my demonstrated commitment to these principles through my military and legislative roles.”

How do you plan to use this scholarship and this experience to make an impact in your community? “I will advance my legal education, focusing on public policy issues that affect veterans and underrepresented communities. I aim to leverage this opportunity to advocate for policies that provide greater support and resources to these groups.”

Zahra Johnson G’25, U.S. Army

Academic major: Biomedical forensic science ()

Zahra Johnson

What drew you to study at Syracuse University? “While stationed at Fort Drum, New York, I applied to an Army program called Green to Gold Active Duty, which allows active-duty soldiers to continue their education. I was looking for a school that offered graduate degrees in forensic science, and since Syracuse offered an M.S in different aspects of forensic science, such as medicolegal death investigation and biomedical forensic science, that was my top pick!”

Where did your interest and passion for your field of study come from? “In the wake of a tragedy in my family [the death of my uncle], I was prompted to study forensic science and specifically focus on death investigation. My mother never felt the closure she needed. I hope to help families find some closure by providing them as much knowledge and information as possible through scientific methods and proper and timely investigations.”

How does it feel to be recognized as a Tillman Scholar? “Pat Tillman was one-of-a-kind, someone who believed in impacting the world in a positive way. As a girl growing up in Afghanistan, I would have had little to no opportunities to seek education and follow my dreams and ambitions. The sacrifice of heroes such as Pat allowed me to go to high school, and to have freedom and opportunities that led me to where I am today. The honor is beyond words; I’m extremely proud.”

What motivated you to apply to be a Tillman Scholar, and why do you think you were selected? “The Tillman community shares the same values I believe in my core and was a great opportunity to become part of a community that will help me in my journey to become a better leader.”

How do you plan to use this scholarship and this experience to make an impact in your community? “This scholarship is not only going to help me grow intellectually but will also connect me to a supportive community that can help me improve my service. My goal is also to advocate for soldiers to pursue an education while serving, since education holds the key to a successful and healthy nation.”

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 .

According to a earlier this year, almost 70% of student veterans who are patients in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals received services for mental health care, compared to just 40% of all other veterans who received mental health care from the VA. Aside from seeking services to address concerns regarding post-traumatic stress disorder, the report shows a rising trend over a six-year period of student veterans seeking out care for depression and anxiety-related disorders more than their non-student veteran peers.

“Aside from being non-traditional students, which brings additional stresses to their academic studies, student-veterans also have unique needs that most colleges and universities are not prepared to handle. There’s a clear need to provide military-connected students with assistance beyond just information on where they may find resources,” says Ken Marfilius ’11, assistant dean of online and distance education and associate teaching professor of social work in the Falk College. “This program will help assist student veterans in not only knowing what resources are available, but also how to navigate the process to receive those services and, sometimes, providing further support to ensure they get the care they need.”

Ken Marfilius

Marfilius, a U.S. Air Force veteran, will become the associate director for the ORP where he will lead two Falk College graduate student interns, Brenic Nam G’25 and Natalie Hawes G’25, as well as leverage his extensive experience in providing mental health care services to the military-connected community to ensure the program’s effectiveness.

Both interns are military-connected students at Syracuse University who are pursuing master’s degrees in social work. Hawes is a veteran spouse as well as the granddaughter of two World War II veterans, and has more than five years of experience in supporting the military-connected community. For Nam, currently a sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserve after spending time on active duty, it’s an opportunity to build upon lessons learned while working at Clear Path for Veterans, a nonprofit veteran’s service organization located in Central New York.

Brenic Nam G’25

“Veterans and military-connected students undergo significant transitions as they shift from military to civilian life. Through this phase of acculturation, they endure unique challenges that often result in immense stress. A dedicated program like ORP will provide imperative support, empowering these veterans and (military-connected) students to confidently navigate these challenges while pursuing their personal ambitions and reaching their fullest potential,” Nam says.

Hendricks Chapel, alongside the OVMA, will provide a stipend for both interns and support engagement with local community programs and services that are available in the area. The program will also seek to leverage support from the Syracuse VA Medical Center, which already provides medical services for many of Syracuse University’s student veterans.

“This initiative is a clear reflection of Syracuse University’s strategic vision to be recognized as the premier institution for veteran and military-connected students,” says U.S. Army Col. (Retired) Ron Novack, executive director of the OVMA. “By harnessing the strengths of its community and resources, the University is poised to not only meet but exceed the needs of this distinct student population. The ORP embodies the University’s commitment to fostering an environment of excellence and support for veterans and their families, further establishing Syracuse as the best place for veterans.”

The program will officially launch on Aug. 26, the first day of classes for the fall 2024 semester, with more details to come later this summer on how to access the program. Aside from standing as a beacon for the University’s resolve to create an inclusive and supportive environment for student veterans, the ORP will support military-connected students with concierge-style support to help them thrive academically during their transition to post-service life.

For more information on the programs and services available to veterans and military-connected students at Syracuse University, please visit the .

First-generation college students Melanie Salas (left), Jean Castilla (center) and Brianna Gillfillian discuss the challenges they faced, the lessons they learned and their plans for after graduation.

A trio of first-generation college students have demonstrated hard work and resiliency and shown how they ultimately set themselves on the path that will culminate Sunday morning inside the JMA Wireless Dome when they become the first members of their families to earn college degrees during Syracuse University’s .

• Melanie Salas ’24 was inspired by a high school coach to challenge herself to realize that she could do anything she set her mind to.
• Jean Castilla ’24 worked hard to strengthen his knowledge base and earn admission into a prestigious New York City high school that would prepare him for the rigors of college.
• Brianna Gillfillian ’24 pushed the limits of her comfort zone to leave her home country of Jamaica to earn a college degree and rely on the kindness of strangers to pay her way to Syracuse University through a GoFundMe account.

Surrounded by the nearly 6,700 fellow degree recipients, and in front of their families and friends, Salas, Castilla and Gillfillian will join the ranks of the more than 250,000 proud Orange alumni around the world, knowing that, hopefully, their stories will inspire other would-be college students to overcome their fears and blaze their own paths.

Leading up to convocation, these talented first-generation students sat down with SU News to discuss the challenges they faced, the lessons they learned and their plans for after graduation.

Melanie Salas ’24

Melanie Salas

Path to Syracuse University: “When I was in elementary school, people always told me I wouldn’t be anything in life. It motivated me and forced me to grow into the person I am today. When I was in high school, my softball coach helped me discover that I could do anything in this world, and that really inspired me to go out and learn as much as I can. My parents [Juan Salas and Lorena Granados] did everything for me to get to Syracuse University and now I am set to graduate early, and I’m just so thankful for the mentors on campus who helped me overcome the struggles I faced.”

Academic major: Biology ()

Involvement on campus: Our Time Has Come Scholar, Ronald E. McNair Scholar, Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, orientation leader, Research Experience for Undergraduates, research assistant with SUNY Upstate Medical University, Food Recovery Network (part of the Catholic Center)

Best piece of advice: “Always put your foot in every single door, because you never know when the opportunity will come along that could change your life. Whenever I could, I represented myself, stood up and spoke out and from those moments, I grew into the person I wanted to be, who helped make change on campus. All those people who told me I would never be anything inspired me to bring about change to my community. You truly start on the path toward your dreams once you come to campus.”

Plans after graduation: Will be enrolling in Baylor University’s cell, molecular, health and disease biology graduate program, with the goal of earning a Ph.D. and one day opening her own research lab focused on studying ways to improve the overall health and well-being of society. “I want to help those who don’t have access to opportunities I’ve had. I want to give back to those less fortunate and help make a difference in our community.”

Jean Castilla ’24

Jean Castilla

Path to Syracuse University: “It’s been a mission of mine to attend college since I was in middle school. When I was in the eighth grade, instead of playing with my friends or playing video games, I was studying for the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test, which is used to determine who gets into one of the top eight specialized high schools in New York City. I was admitted into the High School for Math, Science and Engineering at City College, and was on a path to college from there. The decision to focus on my studies changed the trajectory of my life and my family’s life. My mom, Rosa, made a lot of sacrifices so I could pursue an education, and knowing what she sacrificed drove me and inspired me.”

Academic major: Entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises ()

Involvement on campus: Our Time Has Come Scholar, Hendricks Chapel Scholarship, Whitman Internship Scholarship, Veteran Legacy Fund Scholarship, Lois and Martin J. Whitman Scholarship, Office of Veterans and Military Affairs Scholarship, Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Florence Scholarship, student liaison in the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs

Best piece of advice: “Especially for my fellow first-generation students, a big thing is to have faith that everything will work out. Having faith in yourself and believing in your abilities is something we all need to practice. If you can’t believe in yourself, it won’t happen. I know I’ve gone through a lot of obstacles and adversity in my life, but every time I remind myself that I’m just being tested to see if I’m ready to move on to the next chapter in my life.”

Plans after graduation: Castilla currently serves as a crew chief in the Air National Guard’s 174th Attack Wing and has a job lined up in the military once he graduates. He’s also planning on continuing his career as an entrepreneur, “creating an established business where I’m the CEO and I can help other people in my community. That’s my ideal situation. I want to be able to give back because I’ve been helped tremendously on my journey.”

Brianna Gillfillian ’24

Brianna Gillfillian

Path to Syracuse University: “My high school curriculum in Jamaica emphasized math, English and information technology, so I had a lot of experience in those fields and it was something I was genuinely good at and enjoyed. My parents didn’t graduate from high school, so after I graduated, people asked me ‘why don’t you stay in Jamaica for college?’ I knew I had to come to America, but I didn’t have the money to pay for a flight to Syracuse, so I personally launched a GoFundMe to get me to Syracuse. Because nobody in my family went to college, I relied on my high school guidance counselors for advice, and in terms of my finances, I had to do everything on my own. I learned that I am resilient from this process. It would have been easy to just stay in Jamaica, get a scholarship and get my degree but I knew if I didn’t go away to college I would regret it. I had a vision for myself and would stop at nothing to make it happen.”

Academic major: Computer science ()

Involvement on campus: Our Time Has Come Scholar, National Society of Black Engineers, Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program, Alpha Kappa Psi (business fraternity), Delta Sigma Theta (sorority), Kalabash Dance Troupe, Scholars on a Mission, Save our Child’s Heart Foundation

Best piece of advice: “I feel being as outgoing as possible helped me connect with the University and discover my community. I love being involved in organizations, and I feel that through my involvement I was able to put myself out there and become the person and the leader I wanted to be.”

Plans after graduation: Will be enrolling in Syracuse University’s engineering management program in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, with the goal of one day working in product management or project management within the field of technology or engineering. “I’m a very creative person, and I’m always thinking in terms of the user experience and design when it comes to the different apps. I want to make sure that whatever product I’m helping to develop is suitable and maximizes the user experience.”

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

Vanessa Marquette G’19, media relations specialist, and Daryl Lovell, associate director of media relations, both in the Division of Communications, were honored with separate awards.

Providing Support to Members of the Military

Marquette G’19 was recognized by the National Infantry Association (NIA) with the Shield of Sparta – Heroine of the Infantry award after her husband’s most recent deployment in Africa. This honor is awarded to a spouse who has contributed significantly to the infantry. The NIA’s goal is to recognize spouses of infantrymen and other soldiers in support roles whose contributions deserve special recognition. The award is a token of appreciation for the sacrifice and commitment demanded of the spouses and supporters of infantrymen and other soldiers. It further symbolizes these individuals as true patriots with selfless ideals and the courage to send their soldier into harm’s way.

Ryan and Vanessa Marquette

Marquette’s military connections go further back as her grandfathers and great-uncle all served in WWII in the Army and Navy. Her parents, retired Chief Master Sgt. Steven Slachta G’71 and retired Lt. Col. Yvonne Slachta, both served in U.S. Air Force active duty and reserve for almost 30 years. She endured much more than typical drill weekends and long training exercises as a child as both parents were deployed overseas at times. Not only is her husband currently serving, but her nephew is in the U.S. Navy too, where she has supported his last three deployments on the USS Harry S. Truman. Her family’s dedication—and her own understanding of the sacrifices that families make—ultimately inspired her commitment to give back to the military community and to military families in many ways.

For the last 13 years, Marquette has selflessly devoted her time to supporting her husband, Ryan J.D./MPA’22, a U.S. Army veteran and member of the Army National Guard; his fellow infantrymen and their families through her work on numerous family readiness groups, according to the award. Whether it was relocating to where her husband was stationed, serving as a mentor to military families by relying on her lessons learned and struggles encountered as a child during her parents’ deployments, Ryan’s previous deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa, and through her previous work at the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) and Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA), organizing events and ceremonies or just providing to military families in need, Marquette did all this while working full time—and never asked for anything in return. It was the sacrifices she made and the selfless support she provided for others, which made her an obvious candidate for this award.

Providing Support to Military Families

Daryl Lovell and Vanessa Marquette

Lovell was presented with the Service Member Patriot Award by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve in the Office of Secretary of Defense. This honor is given to employee supervisors and reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide range of measures, including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families and granting leaves of absence if needed.

According to the award, Lovell showcased her knowledge that military service is not just a service member commitment but a family commitment. Often, employers do not understand the stressors and commitments that a military spouse endures which makes employers—often unintentionally—unsympathetic toward military spouses who request accommodations to their work schedule so that the service member’s spouse can see their spouses off as they deploy overseas and welcome them back upon their return.

Not only did Lovell provide support to Marquette before, during and after her husband was deployed, but she has also been supporting veterans and military families since she began at University. As the liaison for OVMA and IVMF she has maneuvered through occasionally challenging circumstances to get the job done and ensure the stories of veterans and military families are told. Whether it was being prepared at 5 a.m. to facilitate back-to-back Veterans Day media interviews for J. Michael Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation, attend the Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE) program in Atlanta to support the new board member, or help promote the research that comes out of the IVMF Lovell makes it happen which made her beyond deserving of this award.

Recognizing the Support Provided

“Daryl and Vanessa embody what it takes for Syracuse University to be the Best Place for Veterans,” says Mike Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation. “They are consistent supporters of our military-connected students and employees and use their professional talents to tell this important pillar of our university’s story. Staff play a large role in our University’s work on behalf of veterans and military families, and I am proud of Daryl and Vanessa for setting a stellar example for our community.”

Ryan Marquette was the driving force behind both of these nominations, recognizing how critical the support was that his wife provided him and how being part of a team that allowed her the flexibility to be there for him. He honored both Vanessa and Lovell during a Communications division meeting.

“Having not only one but two members on our media relations team recognized for their commitment to veterans and their families is something that we are very proud of,” says Ellen Mbuqe, executive director of media relations. “Surprising both of them on the same day in front of our entire division was truly an inspiring moment for everyone on our team and we have Ryan to thank for spearheading both of these honors.”

From left to right: Ryan Marquette, Daryl Lovell and Vanessa Marquette

From left to right, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Skarda, Chancellor Kent Syverud and U.S. Army Lt. Col. Matthew Coyne at the 107th Chancellor’s Review and Awards Ceremony.

During the 107^th Chancellor’s Review this year, more than 70 scholarships were presented to cadets from the University’s two Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs. Cadets from the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force ROTC programs were acknowledged by more than 23 scholarship programs made available by supporting organizations as well as the generosity of esteemed supporters of the University’s military-connected initiatives.

U.S. Army ROTC Cadet Luke Bonenberger, a senior in the�� College of Engineering and Computer Science, and U.S. Air Force ROTC Cadet Emily Weaver, a senior�� in the College of Arts and Sciences, were both recognized with the top honors of the Harvey S. Smith Memorial Award for placing in the top 10 percent of their class and upper 25 percent of their school’s class ranking.

U.S. Army ROTC Cadet Luke Bonenberger, a senior in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, was awarded the Harvey S. Smith Memorial Award.

“It’s really awesome because it’s the full four years coming full circle.�� When you’re a freshman, looking up to the seniors, you hope to walk across the line one day hoping to be a distinguished military graduate,” says Bonenberger, who will be commissioned as a U.S. Army second lieutenant in the infantry in May. “It’s everything coming full circle and paying off for four years of hard work. It’s a great opportunity to be recognized and I really appreciate it a lot.”

Weaver, who will also be commissioned in May, will serve as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force after graduating. Weaver was also awarded the ROTC Cadet Endowed Scholarship, the American Legion William P. Tolley Scholastic Excellence Award and the Professor of Aerospace Studies Scholastic Achievement Award.

“It is an honor to be a recipient of the Cadet Endowed Scholarship. Receiving this award is a testament to the kind of support we have as cadets at Syracuse University,” Weaver says. “The generosity of awards such as this scholarship exemplifies the ways in which Syracuse University and its generous donors appreciate and reward military-connected students for the work we do both in and out of uniform.”

Paul Dottle, left, presents U.S. Air Force ROTC Cadet Aizhan Moore, a junior in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, with the Dottle Family ROTC Scholarship.

Cadets from both the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force ROTC were awarded the Dottle Family ROTC Scholarship, as well as the ROTC Cadet Endowed Scholarship, both made available through the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) thanks to the philanthropy of supporters for the University’s military-connected initiatives.

The Dottle Family ROTC Scholarship, established by Paul Dottle and Valerie E. Dottle and their family, was awarded to eight cadets this year. The award was presented by Paul Dottle during the Chancellor’s Review to deserving future leaders in the University’s Army and Air Force ROTC programs in recognition of their hard work, dedication and commitment to service. The eight recipients are:

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. John L. Litzenberger ’72 presents the ROTC Cadet Endowed Scholarship to U.S. Air Force Cadet Emily Weaver, a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Isabella Gardea ’27, James Hrdy ’25, Byron Levi ’25, Bradley Miller ’25, Aizhan Moore ’25 Alejandro Parra ’24, Gabrielle Tetreault ’26 and Jose Venegas ’24.

The ROTC Cadet Endowed Scholarship, established in 2013 by retired U.S. Air Force Col. John L. Litzenberger ’72 and Barbara H. Litzenberger ’71, was presented to two ROTC cadets this year by John Litzenberger during the Chancellor’s Review. The scholarship is awarded each year to a deserving junior or senior ROTC cadet who is contractually committed to serving in the U.S. Army or U.S. Air Force. The two recipients this year are Giovanna Barsalona ’24 and Emily Weaver ’24.

For more information on how to support military-connected students at Syracuse University, visit the and consider donating to one of the many programs and services designed exclusively for military-connected students at Syracuse University.

The Office of Veteran and Military Affairs fully funds two career immersion trips each year, one each semester, to a major metropolitan area where military-connected students are introduced to a variety of industries, companies and hiring partners. The students are able to take advantage of these impactful opportunities thanks to the generosity of Paul and Valerie Dottle and their family.

Military-connected students pose for a photo from the main set at WBZ News, Boston’s CBS station.

Syracuse University alumni are a prominent component in the success of these free career immersion trips. On this recent trip to Boston, students benefitted from the assistance of Betty Diaz G’22, a graduate of S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. Diaz flung open the doors at WBZ-4, the local CBS station in Boston, paving the way for students to not only get a peek behind the cameras, but also learn about the unique work environment of local news.

“It is an honor to support OVMA’s mission in providing career-related immersion experiences for student veterans. One of the first meetings with CBS was held at the CBS New York station a few years ago. Many of the students learned so much about what goes into producing a live news telecast and all of the people behind scenes to create what audiences see on their television screens,” says Diaz, director of programs and operations at Paramount Veterans Network. “We wanted to recreate this experience at CBS Boston for new students. Our hope is that they walk away exposed to various media opportunities that they may not have considered as a viable option for their college majors.”

Students listen to a presentation at WinnCompanies in Boston.

Janina Rios ’24, a student veteran in the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA), has experienced the impact of the professional relationship between Paramount and OVMA first hand. Rios, a U.S. Army veteran, was hired through the Paramount Veterans Network to work on video production at CBS Viacom for a year as part of an internship program with Paramount. The experience has not only helped her better understand the workplace she may find herself in after graduation, but also better prepares her for a flourishing career.

“As someone with a background in television and film, visiting the CBS studio stood out as a highlight. Witnessing firsthand how technology has revolutionized the media industry was eye-opening,” says Rios. ��“Attending this trip was a transformative experience that broadened my perspective on career possibilities. It became apparent that versatility is key to thriving in such dynamic environments, where one must adapt and continually expand their abilities.”

For VPA sophomore Tojyea “T.J.” Matally ’26, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, the immersion trip to New England was his first outing with the OVMA. Matally was assigned to work in communications strategy and operations in the military, where he primarily served as a photographer. For him, the Massachusetts State House was the highlight of the places the group visited in Boston.

“The immersion trip was really informative and helpful as a reference guide for someone unfamiliar with the corporate or private sector,” Matally says. “Even though I have plans of entering the creative industry, it was useful seeing how all the components of a company operate to be a well-oiled machine.”

The immersion trips also offer the students an opportunity to enjoy the local area. Realizing that many of the military-connected students in attendance may have not had an opportunity to visit Boston before, the immersion trip included plenty of opportunity to experience the city’s historical culture.

Students visit the Massachusetts State House in Boston.

This particular trip also afforded the students an opportunity to visit the TD Garden arena to catch the Boston Bruins hockey team host the St. Louis Blues. While the Bruins weren’t victorious in the National Hockey League matchup, the students walked away from the trip with a newfound understanding of what life in Boston might look like should a job opportunity place them there after graduation.

Throughout the trip, the group took advantage of open doors at a variety of locations, learning about the working environment and labor market of Boston, as well as getting a general feel about what it might be like to live in the city.�� The seven businesses and organizations they visited throughout the week were

• Boston Bruins at TD Garden
• CBS Boston
• Massachusetts State House
• Raytheon, an RTX Business
• Wellington Management Company
• WinnCompanies
• Zipcar

“These immersion trips offer invaluable experiences for our military-connected students,” explains Jennifer Pluta, director of Veteran Career Services at the OVMA. “They expose students to diverse working environments distinct from their military background, while also providing insight into current labor market trends.”

Another important value to these trips, Pluta says, is the ability for the students to meet hiring managers and industry professionals. Those opportunities have turned into quite a few job offers for students after graduation.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to preparing student veterans for successful integration into the job market post-graduation.�� We are deeply grateful for the OVMA’s donors and supporters whose generosity enables us to offer these opportunities at no cost, benefiting both our students and the businesses they aspire to join,” Pluta says.

For more information on career opportunities offered to military-connected students at Syracuse University, or learn more about the University’s commitment to supporting military-connected students achieve their academic goals, visit the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs. Those interested in supporting future career immersion trips can visit .

U.S. Army veteran Benetta Dousuah G’25 (center) poses with two of her fellow service members.

In reflecting on her resettlement experience, Dousuah expresses deep gratitude for the social workers who played a pivotal role in providing stability for her family, especially considering Liberia’s dire circumstances during the 2014 West Africa Ebola Virus outbreak, the worst in recorded history. In the remote villages scattered throughout West Africa, young women are often an indicator of viral outbreaks since they often serve as caretakers in their rural communities.

The enduring memories of U.S. Army soldiers providing humanitarian aid in her homeland influenced Dousuah’s decision to enlist in the military. While she was initially drawn by the educational benefits like the post-9/11 GI Bill, her desire to give back and assist those in need also significantly influenced her choice.

“After we came here from Liberia, I remember seeing soldiers helping out on the news. At the time it spoke to me, and I wanted to reciprocate that same energy, so I chose to enlist in the Army,” says Dousuah.

Dousuah served as a unit supply specialist, a crucial role in the logistical backbone supporting the U.S. military’s global presence. The military’s logistical units often play a vital role in humanitarian operations, particularly in remote areas with limited infrastructure.

Benetta Dousuah and her daughter pose with a dolphin.

In 2014, the U.S. Army responded to the Ebola outbreak in Liberia by constructing specialty field hospitals and providing essential medical services throughout the region. By 2021, Dousuah, now a Sergeant in the U.S. Army and a mother to a young daughter, found herself offering the same kind of assistance to refugees that her family was shown when they fled Liberia

“We were deployed to Indiana to help with the Afghan refugee resettlement process,” says Dousuah, who identified parallels between her experiences coming to the U.S. and the Afghan families she assisted. In addition to her regular duties, she contributed to developing classes for children and volunteered as a teacher. This direct involvement inspired a long-term goal of establishing a school in Liberia.

“I plan on going back to Liberia after graduate school just to get the idea of what I need to do first, but ultimately I want to get the foundation going to try and build, and then open, a school there,” says Dousuah.

As an Army veteran, Dousuah is committed to supporting service members and veterans dealing with mental health challenges. Her motivation stems from personal experiences working with soldiers struggling to access adequate behavioral health services and recognizing the insufficient support for Black women in particular.

Benetta Dousuah G’25 (lower right) with other student veterans during a student veteran career emersion trip to Washington, D.C.

“Our mental health is not taken as seriously as it should be. If I’m experiencing social anxiety I may not be comfortable in the situation, but that’s not how people see it,” says Dousuah. “They just label us as angry, and it puts a lot of pressure on us when it comes to our mental health.”

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, women veterans aged 26 or older are among the most vulnerable members of the veteran population when it comes to suffering major depressive episodes. Dousuah sees her studies as a way to integrate both goals.

“While my concentration is on the clinical side of social work, I’ve also been able to take AIP (Advanced Integrated Practice) classes, which are more policy-related in a way,” says Dousuah. “My classes are helping me implement what I’m learning into the idea of building the school.”

Dousuah also seized an opportunity to assist her fellow veterans by interning with the .

“The work that I do in my internship is compelling because I get to help other veterans, particularly veterans like me or going through things I’ve been through. It’s helped me understand the whole holistic aspect of connecting veterans to resources, some of which I knew nothing about before,” says Dousuah.

To learn more about military-connected students at Syracuse University, or the programs and services available to them, please visit the website.

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!

More than 20 people from the University’s military-connected community attended the 16th Annual SVA NATCON this year.

This year, the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs sponsored 13 student veterans to attend NATCON in Nasveville to include conference admission, lodging, and travel, a gesture made possible by the generosity of Veteran Legacy Fund donors.

According to U.S. Navy veteran John Nipper ’22, G’23, who serves as the president of the Student Veterans Organization, the event proved to be an outstanding success.

“The conference provided a plethora of sensational job opportunities and unparalleled networking experiences with industry giants such as EY, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and more,” says Nipper, a graduate student in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

As a chapter of the SVA, the Student Veterans Organization plays a crucial role in keeping its members informed about G.I. Bill benefits and the latest educational opportunities available to veterans nationwide.

In addition to the student veterans, Syracuse University is well-represented by faculty and staff at NATCON each year. The D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families consistently sends staff to NATCON, contributing valuable research briefs on current issues impacting student veterans, military families and service members today.

Rosalinda Maury, the director of applied research at the IVMF, expressed the significance of presenting at the SVA National Conference. “It was a profound opportunity to highlight the critical research conducted here at Syracuse University. It’s a testament to our commitment to enhancing the lives of veterans through education and entrepreneurship,” Maury says.

Maury, alongside other research staff from the IVMF, engaged in several presentations in Nashville, covering topics from the basics of entrepreneurship for veterans to veteran employment trends. In some instances, they were joined by veterans from the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs.

“Representing Syracuse University at the national conference each year is truly a rewarding experience. This university is well known for its historic commitment to veterans, and that shows in our presence at NATCON each year,” says Dwayne Murray, the OVMA’s deputy director and a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel.

Murray also participated in presentations with the IVMF’s Linda Euto and Corrinne Zoli. The three spoke about navigating student veteran experiences in higher education and how to foster a community of belonging for military-connected students.

Moreover, attendees had the privilege of hearing from the conference’s keynote speaker, Merryl Tengesdal, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel who holds the distinction of being the first black woman to break the sound barrier in the SR-71 Blackbird. Tengesdal, who also spoke at the IVMF’s Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship conference in Jacksonville, Florida, last year, often shares her experiences of overcoming diversity as a black woman in the Air Force prior to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Student veterans attending the 16th Annual SVA NATCON were able to enjoy an evening at the historic Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee

NATCON not only offers valuable professional insights but also serves as an opportunity to explore a new parts of the country. Participants from Syracuse University enjoyed an evening at the Grand Ole Opry house, where they were treated to performances by various musicians, including Syracuse native Tony Trischka, a banjo player who began his music career in the early 60s and has since become an influential figure in the Bluegrass music scene.

Overall, the three-day 16th Annual SVA National Conference in Nashville was an enriching experience for Syracuse University’s military-connected community, providing a platform for professional growth, meaningful connections and a celebration of the spirit of entrepreneurship and resilience among our nation’s veterans.

As participants return to classes, the echoes of inspiration and camaraderie will undoubtedly resonate, fostering a supportive community of success at Syracuse University that will continue to make it “the best place for veterans.”

“It’s basically a nationwide association that brings certifying officials together to educate them,” says Mickinkle, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps after earning her undergraduate degree. “It’s not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs; we work very closely with them, but they don’t fund our activities.”

Kari Mickinkle 11, G’22, a school certifying official with the Office of Veterans Success, assists a student veteran during the 2023 Office of Veteran and Military Affairs Fall Orientation for new military-connected students.

Syracuse University employs at least three full-time staff members whose primary purpose is ensuring military-connected students receive their educational benefits without interruption to their academic goals. That small team plays a crucial role in the University’s success with consistently ranking among the top colleges and universities for veterans’ education.

According to Keith Doss, director of the where Mickinkle and the other school certifying officials work, the role of certifying officials is imperative to veterans successfully navigating the complex administrative requirements between colleges and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“The importance of AVECO cannot be understated. They coordinate conferences and events that are key to our school certifying officials’ success, which, in turn, leads to the success of our military-connected students,” says Doss, a retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer. “The collaboration between the Department of Veterans Affairs and schools across the country is imperative, and AVECO helps cut through the red tape when understanding, and ultimately processing, VA education benefits.”

Mickinkle will assume the duties as AVECO’s vice president in addition to her work at Syracuse. Since first becoming involved with AVECO, she has done a lot of networking and attended conferences. There,�� she’s been able to discuss current issues regarding changes to G.I. Bill benefits and learned how other schools are tackling the issues arising from changes in legislation regarding educational benefits for veterans.

“As Congress votes on bills pertaining to education benefits for veterans, those decisions are then handed over to the Department of Veterans Affairs to interpret. They then pass down their own understanding of the legislation, and sometimes different schools can walk away with different understandings. AVECO helps alleviate that issue,” says Mickinkle.

According to Mickinkle, one of the biggest advantages is being able to network with school certifying officials across the nation, whether it’s a serious question or just someone to bounce ideas off of.

“It’s helpful to have other people who know about the things you’re going through and the problems you’re having,” says Mickinkle.

Having a school certifying official who is also a national leader in the field will have a tremendous impact on the military-connected students at Syracuse University. Mickinkle says that the key thing that can make her job easier, and the jobs of other certifying officials, is timely communication.

Mickinkle and other staff members from OVMA will be on hand at the official welcome and orientation event held for military-connected students on Jan. 12. Those eligible students who are interested in attending can find more information on the website.

USAF Lt. Col. Michael Skarda and his wife, Jess, in front of an RC-135 military aircraft

In 2002, Skarda joined the Air Force’s Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program at the University of Maryland, a path he had already seen his older brother successfully navigate and wanted to pursue for himself.

Skarda says the time was memorable for him in many ways. His brother was able to come back to campus and take part in the commissioning ceremony, providing a brotherly welcome into the officer corps of the U.S. Air Force.

Additionally, Skarda recalls being an ROTC cadet prior to the U.S. entering combat operations in Iraq. When the invasion began in 2003, he says many of his fellow cadets stepped back from their decision to join the military. His familial bond and desire to serve guided Skarda forward into what would become a remarkable career.

Currently, Skarda serves as the ranking officer for Syracuse University’s Air Force ROTC detachment, where he and a small staff of cadre prepare the next generation of military officers for the challenges that await them in an uncertain world.

Michael Skarda in front of a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicle in Niger.

“The challenge for the cadets, as I look forward in this global security environment that we operate in, is wondering where the next spot will be,” says Skarda. “We know the Pacific will certainly be active, but things are changing so rapidly that I hesitate to say any one location in the world is going to be the next hotspot.

Skarda’s first experience with real-world operations came early in his career. One of his first tours placed him in Germany where, as an intelligence officer for combat aviation units, he found himself amidst the struggles of a post-Cold War Europe and the demands of new, growing conflicts within the Global War on Terrorism.

Not long after Germany Skarda served aboard the RC-135, a signals intelligence reconnaissance aircraft that supports military and strategic leaders with real-time on-scene intelligence collection.

Skarda flew in the skies above Afghanistan supporting operations on the ground, and in his role was responsible for the acquisition and transmission of real-time intelligence information for decision-makers on the ground.

From the Heart of Africa to Central New York

The mission of U.S. Air Force ROTC is to, “develop air and space force leaders of character who are expected to fight and win the nation’s wars.” Skarda realizes that in today’s global environment, the cadets he is helping to train and mentor will soon be military officers, some of whom will be in positions to make critical decisions in ways he didn’t have to face.

Skarda in front of the U.S. Embassy in Niamey, Niger.

“Flexibility and adaptability are going to be absolutely key,” Skarda says. “As I look forward there’s just going to be things where the pace in which things happen is going to be incredible. Flexibility is key to air power to get it correct, and that’s only going to become more true in the future.”

In addition to flexibility, Skarda credits perseverance for his own success in life. Throughout most of his career, he has been fortunate to get his top choice of job assignment or duty posting. When he decided he wanted to get some experience outside of the intelligence field, however, it required a little more tenacity.

“I applied to become a foreign area officer and I actually did not get selected on my first two applications, it is a very selective program, especially amongst those in the intelligence field,” says Skarda. “A good piece of advice for anybody who’s ever wanted to do anything, persistence is typically the recipe for success. As boring as that sounds, that is often the truth that I’ve discovered.”

As a Foreign Area Officer (FAO), Skarda was at the forefront of the nation’s diplomatic efforts from within the Department of Defense. According to Skarda, being FAO is what a lot of people think they’re going to do when they go into military intelligence in the Air Force.

Foreign Area Officers help develop policy positions on regional affairs, helping to make recommendations on security assistance and international agreements. They receive, evaluate, and translate information from national and international agencies to better inform Air Force leadership.

Skarda was assigned to U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), headquartered in Stuggart, Germany. The assignment required him to spend nine months learning French at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, and then an additional six months traveling to U.S. embassies in Africa to gain regional experience.

“Folks often speak of Africa like it’s a country, but it is massive. China, the United States, most of Western Europe can all fit into the African continent and still have plenty of space,” Skarda says. After the completion of his time as an FAO, he set his sights on going back into instructing. The ROTC became an obvious choice based on his own experiences.

Time to Give Back

Skarda arrived on campus over the summer, and after the first few months in his new position says he’s excited to be in this environment, particularly around cadets.

Skarda teaching a group of cadets in the USAF ROTC classroom inside the National Veterans Resource Center.

“Any time we get to instruct cadets, whatever it is, there’s this new kind of energy that I feel. After a 17-year career, some of that energy and excitement can leach out over time,” Skarda says. “You start to remember it once you speak to cadets, you remember why you joined, and so it’s kind of energizing to mentor and raise up��this next generation of Air Force officers.”

One challenge Skarda will face in the coming years is recruitment. Earlier this year, the U.S. Air Force missed its active-duty recruiting goal for the first time since 1999. Skarda realizes that it’s more than just a numbers game, the expectations for what officers can achieve have risen, but the population of eligible recruits has dropped over the years.

“Something like 23 percent of American youth are eligible for military service, only 23 percent,” says Skarda. “The cadets that make it into through this program are, in the truest sense of the word, elite; not everyone can do it,” Skarda says.

He does, however, want to make sure those eligible know the opportunities are there.

“Do they at least know about it? Do they know that we’re here? That we’re accessible, we have scholarships, and we offer a path toward an honorable line of work in service to our country? We have to continue beating that drum and getting that message out there,” says Skarda.

Those interested in finding out more about the opportunities available in the Reserve Officer Training Corps are encouraged to visit the .

Leading up to Veterans Day, three current student veterans who are active leaders on campus—Jack Pullano ’24, Benetta Dousuah G’25 and Raphael Grollmus ’24—reflect on their military careers, discuss the valuable lessons they learned through enlisting and share how the University is helping them achieve their academic goals and providing a blueprint for giving back to their communities.

Student veterans (from left to right): Jack Pullano, Benetta Dousuah and Raphael Grollmus

Jack Pullano ’24

Jack Pullano (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

After earning his high school degree from Parishville-Hopkinton High School in Parishville, New York, Pullano couldn’t wait to enlist in the U.S. Air Force. He was so eager to serve his country that he took the first assignment he could: as a refueling journeyman for planes and helicopters.

“My dad told me I should wait it out and not do this contract because he didn’t think I would like the work, but I was a young, stubborn 18-year-old who didn’t want to listen to him,” says Pullano, a health and exercise science major in the who is involved in the Syracuse University Student Veteran Organization. “Things played out in my favor. I didn’t enjoy refueling, but I was lucky to be on an Air Force Special Operations Command Base where there was a special fuel duty called the Special Operations Forward Area Refueling Point Team [FARP] that supports special operations command in combat locations. The tryout I had to go through for FARP was intense, and that experience started me down the path that led to Syracuse University,”

Branch of the military: U.S. Air Force, serving on the Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, helping fuel different kinds of aircraft. In his third year, Pullano was deployed to Afghanistan as part of a three-man FARP team. He served four years in the Air Force.

Pullano served four years in the U.S. Air Force, helping fuel different kinds of aircraft.

Why serve? “Because of my parents, Jim and Kelly. My dad joined the Air Force when he was young like me, doing one enlistment and then pursuing his education. My parents were always involved in my community growing up, especially with the sports I played. Seeing that community involvement probably instilled in me the service aspect that drives me today.”
Why Syracuse? “It was my personal interest in the human body from the intense physical tryout to get on the FARP team. I became interested not only in working out, but in what was causing changes to my body. I was learning about the human body by watching YouTube videos on how different muscles work. When I was looking at colleges, I wanted to pursue something I was interested in, and exercise science stood out to me. Syracuse has a strong program.”
How do you want to make a difference when you graduate? “Part of why I joined the military was the service aspect. Service was a goal of mine since I was young. When I got out of the Air Force, I wanted to continue to serve in ways that could be impactful to the community. Physical therapy drew my attention because of my past experiences and my drive to work one-on-one with patients trying to overcome an obstacle in their life. I’m currently interning at the VA [Veterans Affairs] Medical Center and that really opened my mind that I could not only continue with service that impacts people, but I could do it in the VA system, helping veterans with physical therapy.”

Benetta Dousuah G’25

Benetta Dousuah

When Dousuah was in the U.S. Army, she says soldiers dealing with mental health issues didn’t discuss their struggles openly, instead choosing to bottle up their emotions and their issues. Seeing the stigmas associated with mental health inspired Dousuah to pursue a master of social work degree from the Falk College.

“I want to be that person who lets you know that it’s okay to seek help if you’re struggling. I want to be that voice that says there shouldn’t be a stigma among military members who want to seek behavioral health and mental health help,” Dousuah says. “While I was in the service, a lot of people told me they were scared to seek help because they wouldn’t be promoted or they would be judged. I started going to behavioral health to let the soldiers know that it’s okay to admit you need help while bringing awareness to mental health,”

Branch of the military: Served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army. Stationed at both Fort Hood (now Fort Cavazos in Texas) and Fort Drum (Watertown, New York), Dousuah was involved in supply logistics, ensuring her company had everything they needed, from arranging broken equipment repairs to ordering supplies.

Dousuah was a sergeant in the U.S. Army involved in supply logistics.

Why serve? “When I was younger, my mother used to remind me that I wanted to be a police officer. I don’t know why; all I know is from an early age I wanted to serve. The military allows you to go to college for free after your service is over, and that really appealed to me. I’ve always known I wanted to earn a college degree and be part of something bigger than myself.”
Why Syracuse? “I wanted to be somewhere where I could not only feel at home, but still feel like I’m connected to the military family. I chose Syracuse because of its reputation as a military-friendly school, but also because of the pride people take in going to Syracuse. It’s like being in the Army. When you meet someone who was in the Army, we’re proud of our service and will usually say, ‘Go Army.’ The same is true for someone who attended Syracuse. They always say, ‘Go Orange,’ and I’m blessed to be part of that community. I’ve been introduced to so many resources available to veterans.”
How do you want to make a difference when you graduate? “Right now, I’m the first Wendy Goidel Scholar, and through my work at the , I connect our veterans to the available resources within the community. I have a passion for working with veterans, and this scholarship has been a great fit. When I graduate, I want to work at the VA Medical Center here in Syracuse, but I also want to work with at-risk African American youths. I feel like my story could be every young Black girl’s dream—coming from nothing, serving my country in the military and then earning a master’s degree. I could be an inspiration to others who want to follow my path.”

Raphael Grollmus ’24

Raphael Grollmus (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

Grollmus didn’t need to look far in his family tree to understand why military service was important. Grollmus became the sixth member of his family to enroll when he joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2012. While he enjoyed his time, Grollmus always knew he wanted to utilize the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill to earn a college degree. Today, Grollmus is working toward a bachelor’s degree with a double major in forensic science and psychology in the .

“The time I served better prepared me for not only going to Syracuse, but life in general. I learned to think critically and to assess a situation before reacting,” Grollmus says. “For the student veterans at Syracuse, there are so many tools and resources available to us. Many veterans I talk with didn’t know all of the resources they had when they went back to school, but that’s where Syracuse has excelled. They take care of their veterans.”

Branch of the military: Served in the U.S. Marine Corps for nine years as a military policeman at the Marine Corps Air Station at Iwakuni, Japan, and at Camp Pendleton (Oceanside, California). Later, Grollmus assisted in combat operations as a forensic analyst stationed in the Middle East in Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain and Iraq. After reenlisting, Grollmus finished his Marine security guard training and was stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Bamako, Mali, and the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Grollmus served in the U.S. Marine Corps for nine years.

Why serve? “My mother, brother and sister were all in the Army. My grandfather on my mom’s side, Hank, fought in World War II, while my grandfather on my dad’s side, Paul, fought in the Korean War, so I grew up knowing the importance of service. After I graduated from high school, I enlisted in the Marines’ delayed entry program and ended up serving nine years. It goes back to my time as a military policeman. I want to protect people from the bad things that could happen to them. I also want to give back to people who have been wronged or been taken advantage of. I can’t go back in time and right the wrongs, but moving forward I can help give back to them.”
Why Syracuse? “When we were in the Middle East, we did forensics work and I was lucky enough to go to a monthlong forensic bootcamp. When transitioning out of the Marines, I wanted to study something I actually enjoyed. What we did in the Middle East was probably the most influential work from my military career and I was proud of what I was able to contribute. I wanted to keep doing forensic science and Syracuse has a great forensic science program. All the classes I’ve taken have been fantastic.”
How do you want to make a difference when you graduate? “My dream job would be working for one of those three-letter agencies [i.e., the Federal Bureau of Investigation]. That’s shooting for the stars, but I’d love to enter government service. But right now I’m taking a forensic pathology course that is fascinating and I genuinely love it. Crime scene investigation is a really interesting career path to consider.”

In the 2023 Military Times Best for Vets rankings, Syracuse once again secured a position in the top 10% of private nonprofit colleges and universities, emphasizing its dedication to providing exceptional educational opportunities for those who have served. Additionally, Syracuse University clinched second place among colleges and universities in the Northeast.

Syracuse University has once again received national recognition from The Military Times for how the University supports veterans and military families.

rankings, an editorially independent news project, meticulously evaluates various factors contributing to the post-service lives of service members, veterans and their families. Following extensive surveys of over 325 colleges and universities across the nation, the results were unveiled by the Military Times on Monday.

“Syracuse University’s place in the 2023 Best for Vets results from the dedication of our faculty, staff, students and alumni to the success of our nation’s veterans,” says , vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation. “Veteran and military-connected initiatives across the university have helped grow and enrich our community through multi-disciplinary research, more diverse classrooms, and national convenings to explore the future of our commitment to serving those who have served. Making Syracuse University the nation’s ‘best place’ for military-connected students, veterans and their families stems from our unique and historic connection to that community and remains a top priority going forward.”

Syracuse University claimed the twenty-third position overall in the Military Times rankings, which used a comprehensive list of categories to formulate their analysis, most of which Syracuse excels in, including:

• career support;
• VA work-study availability;
• Yellow Ribbon program;
• admissions preference;
• academic support for military-connected students;
• priority registration;
• financial assistance;
• veteran’s services;
• mental health services; and
• accreditations

Syracuse University ranks among the top 10% of colleges and universities across the country for veterans.

A driving force behind Syracuse’s success is the , a one-stop shop for all things military and veteran-related on campus. The OVMA provides military-connected students with a wide array of essential programs and services, whether they are learning remotely or in person.

“This ranking is an important benchmark for us as it’s a primary source of information for the approximately 200,000 service members who leave military service each year. Syracuse University may be known as the ‘Best Place for Veterans,’ but for those who are less familiar with us, this list may be their first introduction to what opportunities we provide,” says , OVMA’s executive director and a retired U.S. Army Colonel. “Our growing team of dedicated staff, many of them veterans themselves, can look proudly on these results and know they have made a difference in the lives of our veteran alumni.”

The University has yet again placed support for veterans and military-connected students among its top priorities within the new . In previous years, the University has overhauled admissions processes, registration procedures, credit transfer policies, new student orientation and housing policies to align with the unique needs of potential military-connected students.

Syracuse is already moving forward to secure better placement on the list in the coming years. Through the growth of its programs and services—including those offered through the —the University continues to be an innovative and supportive home for those who have served our country.

For more information on Syracuse University’s innovative measures to be the Best Place for Veterans, please visit the .

After graduating from Nottingham High School in the 1960s and spending two years at a local community college, Ginsburg arrived on campus to study in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. Like many Newhouse students today, Ginsburg tried his hand at a wide range of communications-related jobs, such as writing stories, taking photos for newspaper articles or reporting for the local broadcast station, WAER. However, communications was not his primary career focus when he decided to enlist in the U.S. Army after graduation.

Gary Ginsberg ’72 is pictured during his active-duty service.

“I served in various disciplines in the military, including engineering, personnel, training and operations,” says Ginsburg. “The communication skills I acquired at the Newhouse School were helpful because no matter where we go or what we do, the ability to walk, talk and communicate is essential.”

Ginsburg served four years on active duty in the U.S. Army, followed by an additional 30 years in the U.S. Army Reserve, eventually retiring as a command sergeant major in 2011. Despite his successful military career, it was the veterans from previous generations that initially drew him into the advocacy work he began while still in the reserves.

“Both my father and grandfather were veterans, serving in World War II and World War I, respectively,” Ginsburg explains. “When I transitioned out of the Army, I had some free time and began volunteering at the Veterans Outreach Center in Rochester.”

The Veterans Outreach Center in Rochester is independent of the Department of Veterans Affairs, just like the one located here in Syracuse.�� It assists transitioning veterans and their family members by providing financial aid, connecting veterans to community resources, offering various therapy programs and working to reduce veteran homelessness and suicide. This work ignited a spark in Ginsburg and set him on the path to advocate for his fellow veterans at home and eventually across the nation.

Gary Ginsberg ’72

Ginsburg became involved with the Jewish War Veterans (JWV), one of the first veterans service organizations formed to raise awareness of the contributions made by Jewish servicemembers during the American Civil War. Ginsburg joined the local chapter in Rochester but over the years, rose through the ranks to become the JWV’s department commander for New York, where the organization was founded in 1896.

In 2015, Ginsburg was approached to discuss supporting Syracuse University’s ambitious goal of becoming the best place for veterans. The opportunity to give back to his alma mater and support veterans was too good to pass up, and he accepted a position on the OVMA’s advisory board.

“I was finishing up my time in the reserves at that point, and I’m very proud of my association with the University, both in terms of Newhouse and now the OVMA,” says Ginsburg, who has been on the advisory board during a period of significant growth for both the OVMA and the University’s initiatives for veterans and military families. “I got to witness the transformation of the National Veterans Resource Center from when it was essentially a hole in the ground to what we have now—a beautiful state-of-the-art facility.”

For Ginsburg, the ability to support veterans seeking higher education after military service resonates personally. Ginsburg earned a master’s degree from the University of Southern California using his G.I. Bill benefits and now sees the opportunity with the OVMA to give back, acknowledging the meaningful role that Syracuse University played in the development of the G.I. Bill, which greatly impacted him after his service.

In August of this year, Ginsburg accepted the responsibilities of being the national vice commander for the JWV for a one-year term. This role will have him overseeing and supporting the national outreach strategies for the organization. For Ginsburg, it’s an opportunity to advocate for all veterans. Despite the organization’s name, Ginsburg emphasizes that the JWV’s mission includes advocating for all veterans and serving as a voice against hatred and bigotry in all forms.

When reflecting on his time as a student at Syracuse University, Ginsburg mentions that he cannot recall ever being invited to have dinner at the Chancellor’s House. However, over the last few years, he has enjoyed this opportunity on several occasions, which he attributes to his affiliation with the OVMA.

“I see the emphasis from senior leadership on campus—they aren’t just talking the talk; they’re walking the walk,” says Ginsburg. “I think it’s great to be a graduate of this University and witness it truly becoming the best place for veterans and military-connected individuals.”

On Friday, Nov. 10, the campus community is invited to the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building for the observance of the Syracuse University Veterans Day ceremony 2023.

The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 10, and last for approximately one hour. The ceremony will be held in the K.G. Tan Auditorium, followed by a reception in the Bisignano Grand Hall inside the NVRC.

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Kari Mickinkle ’11, G’22 will open the ceremony and serve as the emcee. Mickinkle is a school-certifying official with the Office of Veteran Success.

Student-veteran John Nipper ’23, G’24, a U.S. Navy veteran and the president of Syracuse University’s Student Veterans Organization, will speak about his personal experience as a military-connected student on campus as well as the history of Syracuse University’s commitment to veterans and military-connected students. Nipper is currently a graduate student in the pursuing a master’s degree in public administration.

Sheneé Bletson, who served in the U.S. Air Force, currently works as the office coordinator in the Office of Inclusive Excellence. Bletson will speak about the history of Veterans Day and the national importance of honoring those who have served in defense of the nation.

Syracuse University ��will deliver remarks as well as introduce the keynote speaker for the ceremony. Retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Laurie Coffey, L’24 will serve as the guest speaker.

Coffey, a Corning, New York native, served as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Navy after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis. Coffey accrued over 25 combat missions, 100 combat hours, 2,400 flight hours and 300 carrier landings, part of which was featured on a PBS 10-part Emmy-award-winning documentary, “Carrier.”

“When I started to look to law schools, Syracuse University stood out for its recognition and acknowledgment of the contributions of Veterans,” says Coffey, who was celebrated as Syracuse University’s Hometown Hero during a recent football game. “This has been my first foray into a ‘civilian’ university, and�� I wasn’t sure what to expect but I immediately found the environment welcoming. Having the connection with other Veterans on campus is really important to me, the camaraderie of a common experience and background is vital to the transition out of service.”

Those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP through the university’s . The NVRC has limited accessible parking spaces available for those who require parking accommodations; those who plan on attending are asked to email kslantry@syr.edu if they require access to one of the available parking spaces. All others are requested to find parking available around campus.

Photos by Charlie Poag

When the Army football team from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point arrived on campus to take on the Syracuse University football team, they were met by a campus community celebrating Syracuse’s rich military-connected history. The day started with the 9th Annual Stars & Stripes Tailgate, a free event hosted by the for veterans and military families in the local community.

With construction ongoing at the John A. Lally Athletics Complex, this year, the tailgate was held outdoors next to the Women’s Building at the corner of Euclid Avenue and Comstock Avenue. Those who attended were able to participate in raffle drawings, food and a variety of traditional tailgating activities.

The following is a collection of images highlighting the events that marked the esteemed heritage the university shares with the military-connected community.

U.S. Army Veteran Eric Kessler ’20, G’22 (left), and U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Anthony Ruscitto ’22, G’23, pose for a photo at the 9th Annual Stars & Stripes Tailgate. Both Kessler and Ruscitto were active members of Syracuse University’s Student Veteran Organization and served on the organization’s executive board while enrolled as student veterans at the University.

The University’s Office of Admissions hosts multi-day introductory tours throughout the year for future transfer students from the nation’s four Military junior colleges. The students are part of the U.S. Army’s two-year early commissioning program, and some will select Syracuse University to complete their undergraduate degree requirements before serving as commissioned officers in the U.S. Army. Students from the Georgia Military College and New Mexico Military Institute were able to attend the tailgate and military appreciation game during their visit, showing them an unrivaled experience with a campus that goes the extra mile to support its military-connected community.

Syracuse University’s rich military history stretches as far back as World War I when the Student Army Training Corps (SATC) was established. The SATC was the precursor to today’s U.S. Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). More than 20 Army ROTC cadets took the field to take the Oath of Office, including two from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

Syracuse University’s military-connected community consists of many West Point alumni, including College of Law 2L candidate Lu Weierbach, a Captain in the U.S. Army and a 2023 Tillman Scholar. Syracuse University and West Point haven’t met each other on the football field since 1996, making this game particularly special for many in the local military and veteran communities who have a connection to both universities.

Among those West Point alumni was the game’s Hometown Hero, Dr. Nicholas Armstrong G’08, Ph.D. ’14. Armstrong graduated from the prestigious military academy in 2000 and was able to attend the last matchup against Syracuse University in 1996. Armstrong went on to serve in the U.S. Army prior to becoming Syracuse University’s first Post-9/11 student veteran. He earned a master’s degree in public administration and his doctoral degree in public management from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

Before the opening kickoff of the game, Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army Staff Sergeant David Bellavia, was welcomed onto the field during the coin toss to be recognized as the honorary game captain. The day before the game, Bellavia delivered a speech on the lessons of leadership during an afternoon session for the D’Aniello Speaker Series at the National Veterans Resource Center in the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building.

Other on-field celebrations acknowledging those who have served the nation and the campus community included the addition of Ben Schwartzwalder’s name to the Ring of Honor. Schwartzwalder served as a Captain in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division during the historic D-Day invasion of Normandy.

Schwartzwalder famously coached the Syracuse University men’s football team through some of the school’s most iconic years in football, including the school’s 1959 National Championship season. During that time he coached iconic University football greats like Jim Brown, Floyd Little and Ernie Davis.

In honor of Schwartzwalder’s service, the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs launched a new scholarship for student veterans and announced the first student veteran to receive the scholarship, U.S. Marine Corps veteran Brian McDonald, ’25, a student veteran at Falk College of Sport & Human Dynamics.

The game concluded with an impressive 29-16 win for Syracuse, but the military-appreciation festivities would continue through the next day when West Point’s band performed during a joint concert with Syracuse University’s Wind Ensemble at Crouse College’s Setnor Auditorium. Next year, Syracuse University will travel to Michie Stadium on West Point’s campus to take on Army in the second game of a four-game slate.

For more information on the university’s celebration of its military-connected heritage, please visit the .

West Point Band

The spirit of the Orange will unite with the precision of the United States Army’s oldest active-duty band, the West Point Band, for several events this weekend at the University, including a public concert with the University’s Wind Ensemble in Crouse College’s Setnor Auditorium Sunday, Sept. 24.

Established in 1817, the West Point Band is the Army’s oldest continuously operating unit at West Point, tracing its lineage to the field musicians assigned by General George Washington when he established the post in 1778. Since that time, the band has evolved into one of the most capable and versatile professional performing groups in the world. Through its 2,600 annual missions, the West Point Band continues to serve the nation as a piece of America’s living history.

First, on Saturday, Sept. 23, when the in the JMA Wireless Dome, the West Point Band and United States Military Academy��Cadet Spirit Band will play with the Syracuse University Marching Band as part of the Military Appreciation Day game.

During halftime, legendary Hall of Fame football coach Ben Schwartzwalder, a ��war hero who earned a Purple Heart, Silver Star and Bronze Star for his actions during World War II, will be inducted into the Syracuse Athletics Ring of Honor. Schwartzwalder led the Orange to the 1959 National Championship and coached some of the greatest players in football history, including Jim Brown, Ernie Davis and Floyd Little. Following the ceremony, the Syracuse University Marching Band and the West Point Band will play the West Point Band’s version of “Armed Forces Medley.”

Next, on Sunday, Sept. 24, the College of Visual and Performing Arts, in collaboration with the West Point Band, will host a series of masterclass sessions for Syracuse University students and local high school musicians to learn firsthand from the members of the West Point Band. Sessions will focus on woodwind and brass instruments.

Syracuse University Wind Ensemble

After the masterclass sessions, the during a concert in Setnor Auditorium. The performance will also be livestreamed. Please note, the livestream will only be available during the concert from 2 to 3 p.m.

Based in the��, the Wind Ensemble is the premier concert wind organization at Syracuse University. Bradley Ethington, director of bands at the Setnor School of Music and the director of Wind Ensemble, and Timothy Diem, director of the Marching Band, will co-conduct the Wind Ensemble and will be guest conductors for the West Point Band. Additionally, Lt. Col. Daniel Toven, commander and conductor of the West Point Band, will also guest conduct the Wind Ensemble in a piece.

“The members of the West Point Band are marvelous musicians and consummate professionals,” says Ethington. “We look forward to this outstanding collaboration with our students, which will be long remembered. It is a great honor to have them on our campus to perform with the SU bands.”

During the final piece of the concert, “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” two local musicians, William Boyd, former member of the West Point Band, and , a former faculty member in the Setnor School, a former member of the West Point Band and former principal trombone in the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, will join the performance.

Timothy Strong speaking about Visions Federal Credit Union’s program to support military-connected students. (Photos by Charlie Poag)

Military-connected students arriving for their first semester at Syracuse University typically have a myriad of needs and challenges that are vastly different from the traditional students they attend classes with. Understanding these unique issues, the hosts a new student orientation and resource exclusively for military-connected students each semester.

The orientation event this year was held inside the . The OVMA expanded the audience for the orientation beyond the growing population of student veterans to include those currently serving service members and their family members. “This semester we are welcoming 22 new residential undergraduate student veterans to campus, adding to the total of 478 veterans we currently have enrolled at Syracuse University. Additionally, we have more than 1,200 military-connected students, almost six percent of the enrolled student population, attending either full-time, part-time, in person, or online,” said Ron Novack, executive director of the OVMA and a retired U.S. Army colonel. “These students are joining a growing network of military-connected alumni at a university that has set a standard in higher education on providing opportunities for veterans and service members in their post-service lives.”

OVMA Executive Director, Ron Novack, welcomes the newest military-connected students to campus during the Military-Connected Student Orientation and Resource Fair.

In addition to the expanded audience, this year the OVMA welcomed representatives from to the orientation and resource fair. During the orientation, Visions Federal Credit Union’s Director of Branding and Public Relations, Timothy Strong, announced a new partnership with the OVMA to deliver more robust programs and services for military-connected students at Syracuse University. “We are proud to partner with Syracuse University’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs to support student veterans,” said Strong. “This impactful program is a natural fit for our mission of helping people achieve their financial goals. We appreciate the commitment and sacrifice of our veteran and military-connected communities and are committed to providing both with the resources they need to succeed.”

The program, funded by Visions Credit Union, will help support access to tutoring, upskilling and financial readiness resources in addition to enhancing existing career services and other programs offered by the OVMA. “We are very excited to have Visions Federal Credit Union as a corporate partner for the OVMA. This program will provide new academic programmatic support and services to the options offered to our student veterans and military-connected students,” said Novack. “I am looking forward to the impact this program will have for our military-connected students, as well as having Visions Federal Credit Union as a partner to support our students through their transition out of the military as well as their pursuit of academic and professional goals.”

Beth Kubala, executive director of the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic, and professor at the College of Law, speaks with a military-connected student during Military-Connected Student Orientation and Resource Fair.

After the orientation presentations on available programs and services, the incoming students and family members were able to attend a resource fair held in the Bisignano Grand Hall. More than 25 organizations from on and off campus attended the resource fair, most representing private or non-profit organizations focused specifically on veterans and military families.

Those military-connected students who missed the orientation and resource fair are highly encouraged to visit the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs to learn about exclusive services, programs and support for military-connected students at Syracuse University.

Tillman Scholar Luis “Lu” Weierbach L’24

Most of Weierbach’s early childhood was spent growing up in the Bronx and Washington Heights, both in New York City. The environment of inner-city vices and violence had a significant impact on his early outlook during childhood.

“My father wasn’t in the picture and my mom always worked hard to provide for me and my two younger sisters. She suffered from medical complications after giving birth to my youngest sister,” Weierbach says. “My mother eventually recovered, but we wound up losing most everything we owned while she healed.”

After moving around the city from place to place and trying to get back on their feet, Weierbach’s mother moved him and his sisters to Hoosick Falls in upstate New York, where family was available to help. The move required some adapting for Weierbach.

“My identity was very much tied to the city, where I found more diversity than I did in our new setting,” says Weierbach. “But, our move brought us closer to family, and through that community I was able to forge an identity.”

Weierbach was encouraged to try out for the wrestling team by one of his teachers who saw potential in him.

Weierbach with a fellow serviceman aboard a U.S. military helicopter.

“The sport of wrestling shaped my life in many ways. On a personal level it gave me more confidence in myself,” Weierbach says. “The wrestling community and the Hoosick F alls community supported my endeavors every step along the way and for that I am forever grateful.”

As a junior, Weierbach won a state championship in wrestling, the first for his high school, and the sport became his ticket to higher education.

The achievement caught the eye of several colleges and universities, but ultimately it was the U.S. Military Academy at West Point that caught Weierbach’s eye.

“I decided to go to a wrestling camp at West Point prior to my senior year of high school, and I was enamored by the campus. The wrestling program is storied, and the physical appearance of West Point is breathtaking,” says Weierbach. “There’s also an energy there, and I felt it. It felt like a place I could see myself, somewhere I belonged.”

Weierbach was accepted and studied pre-law. His academics ultimately became his priority and he opted to leave the wrestling mat in favor of the unique opportunities available to him.

Weierbach graduated from West Point in 2018 and accepted a commission into the U.S. Army as an infantry officer. Over the next year he would take part in various training and schools to prepare for the�� future, which would include deployments to Thailand and Korea as part of crucial bi-lateral training and security support operations with foreign allies.

The Road to Tillman

Weierbach with his mom and sisters at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

“I decided to apply for the Funded Legal Education Program, I knew I wanted to continue service, but I also knew it wouldn’t be in the infantry,” Weierbach says.

While stationed in Hawaii, Weierbach fell in love with his now wife, Dana, someone he’d known since his earlier days in Hoosick Falls. Weierbach applied to Syracuse University so he and his wife could both be close to family throughout the state of New York, and through research found out about the school’s commitment to military families and veterans.

“I knew that Syracuse was the best place for veterans, but I didn’t know how deep that ran. My wife and I were pleasantly surprised to get here and see the resources that have been put forward in that endeavor,” Weierbach says.

It wasn’t long after he started law school that he received an e-mail about the Tillman Foundation and the highly sought after scholarship provided to Tillman Scholars. Weierbach says he had apprehensions about applying after looking at the biographies of other scholars.

“When you see some of those biographies, you immediately think that you don’t fit that bill. Even after being accepted, I think I’m still dealing with that dissonance,” says Weierbach. “But I admire the foundation and its mission, and I believe in Pat Tillman’s legacy and the energy that these folks have shown the world … that’s something I want to be a part of.”

Weierbach wants to pursue a career in law to help advocate for underprivileged and underserved youth. Primarily, he wants to see more programs available for youth after school to keep them off the streets and in healthier communities of support.

“I think that, ideally, engaging with underserved youth begins before the courtroom with extracurricular sports. There are opportunities out there, like Beat the Streets, that aim to help give today’s youth a healthy outlet through the sport of wrestling,” Weierbach says.

A common step for most of Syracuse University’s Tillman Scholars is to seek out advice from the Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising, particularly from Jolynn Parker, director of CFSA.

Weierbach says the support available helped him shape his thoughts from a hypothetical idea of what he wanted to do into a grounded course of action.

The application process for next year’s Tillman Scholarship will open again later this semester, those eligible military-connected students who are interested in applying are encouraged to attend informational sessions hosted by the , and to reach out to the to begin the process as soon as possible.

From left, Bill Rielly L’23, Amanda Higginson L’24, Natasha DeLeon L’25 and Katherine Quartaro 18, G’20, attended 2023 Pat’s Run as Syracuse University’s Tillman Scholars.

Amanda Higginson L’24, Natasha DeLeon L’25, Katherine Quartaro 18, G’20, and Bill Rielly L’23 joined 24 other Tillman Scholars from across the country to assist in leading approximately 1,000 participants each through the corral and through the 4.2-mile course of the event.

Tillman was a professional football player with the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals who, shortly after the events on Sept. 11, 2001, famously turned down a multimillion-dollar contract to serve in the military. After becoming a U.S. Army Ranger, Tillman deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

In 2004, Tillman was killed in action while supporting combat operations near the city of Khost. Several months after the world learned of Tillman’s death it was discovered the incident was due to a tragic friendly fire incident, instead of being due to enemy action as had been previously reported.

Tillman’s family and friends came together soon after his death to figure out a way to honor his legacy and started the first Pat’s Run in 2005. The first event brought approximately 5,000 runners together outside of Arizona State University’s Sun Devil Stadium.

Over the years since the event has seen an increasing number of participants each year, and its current attendance rate places it on par with larger runs like the Marine Corps Marathon, which brings in roughly 25,000 runners on average, and Chicago’s Hot Chocolate 5k, which sees more than 23,000 cross the finish line on average each year.

Retired U.S. Army Colonel Ron Novack, the executive director for Syracuse University’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, also participated in the run this year, along with Jolynn Parker, the director of the Center of Fellowship and Scholarship Advising. Both are regularly involved with the Tillman Scholarship selection process each year, Parker is regarded as a “must-see resource” for those interested in applying for the Tillman scholarship at Syracuse University, and Novack serves one of the national quarterfinal selection committees that review and selects the Tillman Scholars annually.

Jolynn Parker, director of the Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising (left), and Ron Novack, executive director for the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs at the 2023 Pat’s Run

“It was an honor to attend the Pat Tillman Foundation’s kickoff reception and participate in Pat’s Run in Tempe this year.�� It was particularly inspiring to meet so many Tillman Scholars and to hear from representatives of the foundation. They really are building the next generation of innovators and leaders,” says Parker, who also assists military-connected students interested in applying for a wide variety of scholarships and academic opportunities.

Syracuse University is one of 18 University Partners with the Tillman Foundation and typically has at least one military-connected student selected as a Tillman Scholar each year. In 2022, four students from Syracuse University were selected as Tillman Scholars: Bill Rielly, Natasha DeLeon, Amanda Higginson and Anthony Ornelaz G’23, the largest cohort from Syracuse University selected for the scholarship in a single year.

The 2023 Tillman Scholars will be announced in June. Those scholars will later attend the Tillman Foundation’s leadership institute in Chicago where they will meet with previous Tillman Scholars and participate in Pat’s Run the following year.

Those military-connected students interested in applying for the Tillman Scholarship are encouraged to reach out to the , and check for updates from the on upcoming application windows and criteria for submitting.

As far back as the Revolutionary War, women had fought for liberty and freedoms they themselves, as women, could not benefit from. Passing the integration act officially recognized women as a part of the military, but there were still heavy restrictions that limited their career opportunities.

In 2013, 65 years after integration, women were authorized to enter jobs placing them on the front lines—a place they were already serving in the decade prior of conflict in Afghanistan and Iraq.

In honor of the 75^th Anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, we proudly acknowledge and celebrate the contributions women from Syracuse University’s military-connected community have made through service. Several of them share their thoughts on the significance of, and their contributions to, the legacy of women in the military below.

Colleen Drum – U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

Drum served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a field radio operator from 2003-07. She says she joined for the adventure of seeing the world and to gain a sense of greater purpose. She now works as a program manager for the ’ (IVMF) Onward to Opportunity career training program.

Drum says that her military service taught her to be reliable, consistent and meticulous about planning. “I gained confidence in myself to know I can adapt and tackle anything that comes my way,” Drum says.

She says she’s proud to see the advancements women have made in the military, but also looks forward to seeing the positive accomplishments that will be made in the future.

“Women are powerful and by encouraging and empowering our strengths I believe the U.S. will continue to be the strongest military force in the world,” she says.

2^nd Lieutenant Liz Green – U.S. Air National Guard

Green is the executive director for with the College of Professional Studies. She recently completed the U.S. Air Force’s Officer Training School, having earlier in the year.

Her decision to join was influenced by her experiences with speaking about the University’s online programs for Air Force personnel at nearby Hancock Field.

“I spent a lot of time on the base, meeting with people like prospective students at least once a week. I had a connection with some of the wing leadership, so I was fortunate to have the opportunity to talk to them about the work I was doing,” says Green. “As that conversation meandered, they had an opportunity in public affairs they said would be a good fit, and the rest is history.”

Working in public affairs makes her aware of the issues facing the military today, including the ongoing effort for the inclusion of women within the military. Green says she’s already been exposed to some influential women, however.

“I am fortunate to have been inspired and supported by the women at my current unit, the 174^th Attack Wing, as well as the female trainees and instructors at Officer Training School. I hope to demonstrate even the tiniest bit of the leadership and resilience they have shown. It is through demonstrating such qualities that female service members can continue to empower positive change for the next generation,” says Green.

Kari Mickinkle ’11, G’20 – U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

Mickinkle is a school certifying official with the University’s . She supports military-connected students by handling the necessary administration between the University and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

From 2012-17, Mickinkle served in the U.S. Marine Corps, assigned to the military police. She says she joined looking for a sense of purpose she had not found in life, and thought doing something unexpected would help her find it.

Mickinkle says that while she has seen positive changes for women in the military, she wants to make sure that women are being given a seat at the table not just because of a “check-the-box” mentality, but because women have earned it.

Her time in the service was influenced by other women who went before her, and she recalls a particular mentor that taught her a lot about leadership.

“I had a female first sergeant who knew the appropriate times to educate versus going straight into chewing someone out,” says Mickinkle. She was impressed by the woman’s ability to make it clear she wasn’t someone to cross.

“To do that in an organization where you don’t see a lot of female leadership, especially on the enlisted side, was just awe-inspiring,” Mickinkle says.

Amanda Gritsavage LaLonde ’23 – U.S. Navy Veteran

LaLonde recently finished her undergraduate studies at Syracuse and was selected as a in 2022. She graduated from the College of Arts and Sciences with a bachelor’s of science in psychology and forensic science and now works as a program coordinator for the IVMF’s Community Navigator Pilot Program.

LaLonde served in the U.S. Navy from 2005-14 as a Machinist Mate Second Class in the Navy, she says one of the first lessons she learned during her nuclear engineering training has stuck with her.

“It was the 6 Ps: Prior Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance,” says LaLonde. She says it reminds her to plan ahead to keep disappointments at a minimum.

LaLonde’s great aunt, Alice Gritsavage, retired from the U.S. Army as a colonel and served as an inspiration for her decision to join the military.

“My great aunt served during World War II and the Korean War and was appointed by General Douglas MacArthur as Chief Nurse of the Far East Command,” says LaLonde. “She was able to obtain medical supplies and equipment when they were scarce during the war. She is also the first woman to have a VFW [Veterans of Foreign Wars] Korean War Veterans chapter named in her honor.”

During her time in the Navy, LaLonde says she experienced plenty of moments where being a woman resulted in her being passed up for advancement opportunities. Enlisted women were not able to serve on submarines until the year after she left the Navy.

“Women can now serve aboard submarines, In 2022 the first female executive officer of a submarine was appointed, as well as the first enlisted female chief of a submarine, serving as senior enlisted advisor to the commanding and executive officers,” says LaLonde. “These are huge milestones for women in the Navy, but there can certainly be more progress made.”

Patricia Piazza – U.S. Navy Veteran

Patricia Piazza served in the U.S. Navy from 1982-2002, retiring after 20 years of service as a Navy leadership facilitator. She is currently the Florida military community program manager for .

During her time in the Navy, Piazza found her passion for career development and training, something that continues to benefit her to this day as she helps service members navigate the complexities of transitioning out of military service.

Piazza served at a time when the military had placed a cap on how many women could serve, fearing substantial readiness issues if it allowed too many women into the ranks.

Known as the “Woman Pause” of the 1980s, the policy limited women’s representation in the military to 2% of the total armed forces, and each military branch was limited to a single commissioned officer at the 0-6 rate.

Piazza acknowledges that the military has advanced in opening doorways for women, but there is still work to be done.

“I think the military has made some progress since I was on active duty however, my daughter is now serving on active duty and she is still facing the same stereotypes and biases I did in equality and fairness on evaluations, billet options and career enhancement opportunities against her male counterparts within her command,” Piazza says.

Mast Sergeant Jennifer Renee Pluta G’15 – U.S. Army Reserve

Jennifer Pluta runs within the University’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA). She has served with the U.S. Army Reserve since 1999 and continues to serve as an Army Reserve career counselor.

Her overlap in career counseling helps her develop and maintain crucial relationships with the University’s hiring partners and companies actively seeking veterans for their workforce.

“I am privileged to serve as an Army Reserve career counselor, which has impacted my career at Syracuse University. This role has uniquely positioned me to understand the skills and experiences of student veterans, specifically having the ability to see how their experiences transfers into their desired career paths,” says Pluta.

She has observed extensive changes in the military and how restrictions have been lifted on women over the course of her career. She recalls how women like Lieutenant General Jody J. Daniels, the command general of the U.S. Army Reserve Command, navigated historically unforeseen challenges within today’s Army Reserve.

“Today’s Army is one that has opened up the doors of opportunity for female soldiers, opportunities that once were limited to male soldiers,” Pluta says.

As part of the initiative to make Syracuse the best place for veterans, the University routinely observes and recognizes significant anniversaries in military history, and celebrates the accomplishments of its military-connected community. For more information, visit the .

Located in the George W. Bush Presidential Center, the George W. Bush Institute is a nonpartisan policy organization focused on ensuring opportunity for all, strengthening democracy and advancing free societies.

Abner

Abner and Pluta will both meet the rest of this year’s 34-person cohort on July 11 when they travel to Dallas, Texas, for their first in-person session. While some of the program is designed for remote learning, the scholars will meet in person in Dallas three times, and then a final time in Washington, D.C., for their last in-person session.

The institute developed the first-of-its kind Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program to support individuals serving our nation’s veterans and military families. Particularly, the institute seeks those who are motivated to broaden their skillsets, knowledge and influence across the country in their individual efforts to support the military-connected communities they serve.

Abner is the Texas region program manager for Onward to Opportunity and works remotely from the San Antonio area. As the daughter of a U.S. Army soldier, the wife of a U.S. Navy veteran and mother of a U.S. Navy veteran, she brings valuable insight into the issues and challenges facing military families around the world.

Abner says her experience as a military spouse was frustrating at times. The lack of professional connections, or even the ability to develop such connections, was challenging for her. Like many professional spouses throughout the military, Abner didn’t feel welcome in the spouse groups, and she often avoided the social events hosted by her husband’s command. According to her, the Bush Center has rolled out the red carpet in accepting her to the cohort and supportive in her mission.

“I want to develop and cultivate a socially robust career development program that assists military spouses with identifying a meaningful career direction after active military service in a fun and connective way,” says Abner.

“I thank the IVMF leadership for believing in my ability to participate in VLP while maintaining the highest level of service for the Onward to Opportunity program in Texas,” she says. “I cannot wait to get started and I appreciate this opportunity to potentially build something that will bring value to our organization and for the military spouses we serve.”

Pluta

Pluta is the director of at the OVMA and a master sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserve, where she has overlapping duties as a career counselor for troops in her unit. By providing valuable career-related guidance to troops and veterans alike, she brings unique insight into the employment situation for the military-connected community.

Pluta has maintained a 100% employment rate for graduating student veterans at Syracuse University for more than five years, contributing heavily to what makes the University stand out among other institutions of higher education when it comes to providing services for student veterans.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be among those selected to attend the Class of 2023 George W. Bush Institute Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program this year. I look forward to the challenges and educational opportunities that come from attending and can’t wait to begin networking with other dedicated advocates within the veteran community,” Pluta says.

“The lessons I learn over the five months of this program will let me better serve our military-connected students here at Syracuse University, as well as the troops in my reserve unit, and I look forward to bringing that knowledge back to share with my colleagues,” she says.

More than 170 people have graduated from the Veteran Leadership Program, both veterans and nonveterans alike, and come from a wide variety of professional backgrounds. The IVMF has been fortunate to have representation in each of the program’s cohorts to date and looks forward to contributing subject matter experts to help in the development of this year’s cohort.

Jones, a U.S. Army veteran, is executive vice president tax counsel and chief veteran officer at Paramount Global overseeing all veteran-related initiatives for the multinational media company. Jones is also the board chair for Syracuse University’s . Fisher is managing partner of Fisher Brothers, one of the country’s most successful family-owned real estate development companies and chairman and CEO of Fisher House Foundation, carrying on the legacy of his great uncle, Zachary Fisher, overseeing a network of houses that serve as a home away from home for the families of service members and veterans being treated for illness or injury.

Reflecting on the recognition, Haynie acknowledged working alongside the dedicated team at the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families over the past 15 years. When starting as a professor at the Martin J. Whitman School of Management, Haynie created the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities program in 2007. He later established other training programs and subsequently founded the D’Aniello Institute which now operates 14 national programs serving 20,000 military-connected people each year and providing research and analytics for governmental entities, veteran nonprofits and large employers as well as driving policy work in Washington, D.C.

Pictured from left to right are Vice Chancellor J. Michael Haynie; Gerry Byrne, vice chairman of Penske Media; and alum Rich Jones ’92, G’95, L’95, executive vice president and chief veteran officer of Paramount Global, D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families Advisory Board member and board chair of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs.

“I’m honored and truly humbled to be recognized by the Nation’s Finest Foundation, and to be included among such distinguished company. Over the past 15 years, I’ve been privileged by the opportunity to work with tremendous teammates at the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families,” says Haynie, who served in the U.S. Air Force for 14 years prior to joining the University.

“This award says more about that team than it does about me, and is a means to celebrate their talents, their passion, and their commitment to the work we do together on behalf of our nation’s veterans and their families,” Haynie says.

The Nation’s Finest Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting America’s military veterans and their families, takes a comprehensive approach to housing, health and employment, helping them achieve self-sufficiency and reach their full potential. To ensure a fair selection process, the foundation assembled a blue-ribbon panel to review nominations from across the nation and ultimately chose the 50 recipients who would be honored as one of the Nation’s Finest 50.

For more information and the list of the Nation’s Finest 50, visit the .

Military-connected students pose for a group photo at the end of the 2023 Student Veteran Commencement ceremony. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

The ��welcomed the campus community to the on May 12, for a day of celebrating the academic achievements of graduating military-connected students.

The day started with an early morning at the Student Veterans Commencement Ceremony. Approximately 216 military-connected students graduated from their academic programs in 2023, or will graduate over the coming summer months, earning undergraduate, graduate, law and doctoral degrees, as well as completing advanced certification programs from the University’s thirteen schools and colleges.

Military-connected students include those who are physically here on campus and those taking classes virtually from the comfort of home or forward-deployed positions throughout the world. Many are also members of the Student Veterans Organization at Syracuse University, the official student organization registered with Student Activities on campus, and the University’s official chapter of the Student Veterans of America.

John Nipper ’23, President of the Syracuse University Student Veterans Organization.

Graduating senior John Nipper, a U.S. Navy veteran who was recently elected as President of the SVO, spoke during the ceremony about the unique experiences student veterans face in pursuing academic goals through higher education and how the college experience differs for military-connected students. “Our time at Syracuse University has not only provided us with the knowledge and skills to excel in our chosen fields, but it has also offered us the opportunity to forge lifelong friendships, engage in thought-provoking discourse, and broaden our horizons,” says Nipper, who will return to campus next semester to pursue a master’s degree in public administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. “We are not merely University graduates but ambassadors for the power of education and its transformative impact on our lives. Let us use our newfound knowledge to advocate for change, inspire future generations, and build bridges of understanding and compassion,” Nipper says.

Dr. Kwuan Paruchabutr ‘01

The keynote speaker for the ceremony was Dr. Kwuan Paruchabutr ’01, a U.S. Army veteran and an assistant professor at the Uniformed Services University. Dr. Paruchabutr is also the president-elect for the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health. “Life is about constant reinvention. I have had to continuously learn, unlearn and re-learn. It’s about the journey, not the destination,” says Paruchabutr, who graduated from Syracuse University’s School of Nursing in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. “You have all overcome challenges and shown incredible dedication, for that you should be proud. As you move forward in your careers and lives, remember the lessons you have learned and never forget the impact you can have on the world.”

During the ceremony, student veterans were awarded the red, white and blue honor cords to wear with their graduation regalia at the University’s Commencement Ceremony, or their individual school or college’s convocation celebrations. The cord is given in honor of their military service and acknowledgment of their academic achievement. Additionally, student veterans have the option to wear a stole which distinctly identifies those graduating students who have served in the military.

Phil Benedict G’23

Among the student veterans graduating this year, Phil Benedict, who served in both the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy Reserve, earned a master’s degree in teaching and curriculum from the School of Education. Benedict works for Syracuse University Facilities Services as a building supervisor, and also teaches a women’s self-defense class and is the head coach for the Syracuse University boxing team.

After a brief reception following the ceremony, the K.G. Tan Auditorium doors opened back up to welcome guests to the Army and Air Force Commissioning Celebration. The University’s U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force ROTC detachments held individual commissioning ceremonies later in the day, where cadets took the Oath of Office and were pinned as Second Lieutenants in their respective branches.

J. Michael Haynie, Syracuse University Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation

Syracuse University’s Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation, J. Michael Haynie, served as a part of the official party for the ceremony and during his opening remarks addressed the growing military-civilian divide that exists within the United States. “Each of you being commissioned today will join the profession of arms at a time in history when the majority of American citizens do not know you, do not understand the full weight of the burden that you will carry, or truly comprehend the price that some of you may be asked to pay,” says Haynie. “Those people who do not know you, those people who do not understand the price of service, are not in this room. They certainly are not among the leadership of this University.”

Later in the day the U.S. Army ROTC, the Stalwart Battalion, and the U.S. Air Force ROTC, Detachment 353, held separate ceremonies to formally commission the new Lieutenants. The graduating cadets took the Oath of Office and were pinned with their new rank as Second Lieutenants with family and friends on hand. Many of the new Lieutenants received their first salute during the ceremony, rendered by friends and family who either had served or currently are serving. The Stalwart Battalion commissioned twenty-three new officers for the U.S. Army, and Detachment 353 commissioned nine new officers for the U.S. Air Force.

The Office of Veteran and Military Affairs proudly celebrates the accomplishments of these graduating military-connected students and invites the campus community to and celebrations from throughout the day. Additionally, those interested in learning more about Syracuse University’s commitment to being the “Best Place for Veterans” are encouraged to visit Syracuse University’s .

Dwayne Murray

In 1992, Dwayne Murray ’97 was studying sociology through the ��while enjoying a semester abroad in London, when the first flew onto his radar. He seized the opportunity to take a couple of classes being offered by visiting iSchool Professor Jeffrey Katzer and found the coursework to be surprisingly well-aligned with his interests and career ambitions. Murray remembers a project assignment that had him endeavoring to bring the NBA to London. Using the precursor to the modern-day social media industry, he had to sell the scheme to all of the “stakeholders” in England’s capital city. Murray appreciated the process of hypothesizing the upsides and uses of social media, way before its current ubiquity, and predicting how to use it to get the city amped up about the idea. That exercise, among many of the other lessons derived from Katzer, inspired Murray to fully pursue a degree from the iSchool when he returned to Syracuse. By that time, having nearly completed his B.A. in sociology, Murray doubled down and dedicated himself to finishing with a B.S. in information studies as well.

Murray’s deep appreciation for some of the core tenets he took away from the iSchool is evident when he says, “They talked me through being willing to take risks, and taking chances on ideas and being innovative. And not just to take chances, but how to present them to people that might not be interested initially. The iSchool prepared me to be��innovative and to��think innovative, and that innovation starts with trying to solve a problem. A problem generates innovation. A problem innovates change.” Throughout his education and career, Murray has repeatedly relied on this approach for identifying and solving problems, and he’s grateful that those lessons sank into his psyche at the time they did.

After getting back from London, and setting his sights on finishing school with a dual major and great experiences, Murray started to think more seriously about what he was going to do after graduation. He was excited about the field of information studies, but he saw a path towards self-development and employability using his fresh iSchool education, combined with a “hard-nosed” education. Murray was presented with a four-year stint in the U.S. Army, that turned into 25 years of an exciting, challenging and rewarding military career.

For Murray, the Army fit perfectly into his background in sociology and information studies, his passion for travel that his trip to London ignited, and his curiosity about the discipline of military life. He was also interested in a wide variety of jobs, wanted to learn new skills and find ways of putting his own unique combination of skills to good use. Across his career he worked in cyber security, information technology, tactical and strategic satellite communications; he’s done “everything that Verizon can do, and more.” But it wasn’t all just pressing keys and clicks behind a computer desk, Murray was also trained to crawl through manholes and work in the mud. He got the physical and mental training he was looking for to complement his technical skill set, and he was exposed to all of the leadership training that comes with the territory.

One of the most rewarding jobs that Murray had in the Army was when he worked for the U.S. Cyber Command. His title was cyber battle captain and he was tasked with managing an operations team through any cyber crisis that may come up throughout their shift. These 24-hour operations were fast-paced, critical to the fight, and existed on a whole new battleground with fast-moving front lines. He was responsible for everything from providing cyber defense and protection of government agencies and NGOs, to developing and executing offensive strategies and operations in a never-ending campaign to stay ahead of adversaries.

Other than his introduction to Katzer and the iSchool while he was in London, Murray most credits his fellow students and friends from the University with inspiring him in his educational purpose, as well as his general ambitions moving forward in life. His close friends Jason Mills and Anthony Percival – who founded ��(Black and Latinx Information Science and Technology Society) with Myra (Linen) Miller and Lisa Lyndsay in 1992 – were instrumental in Murray’s personal growth and helped to align and validate his own value system. He believes that he was fortunate enough to have attended Syracuse University during one of its many golden eras.

BLISTS, which has since grown from a small group of IST students and friends, into a robust and well-respected organization, seeks “to educate students about careers in information science and technology, provide computer literacy support, and help students build strong corporate and alumni networks.” In those early days, Murray, who was a diligent student, a track and field athlete, and involved in many other organizations, was also around during the forming of BLISTS and he looks forward to being involved with them at this stage in his life and with his additional perspective as an educator. Murray is also passionate about his involvement with ��(CBT), which is a tri-annual reunion of black and latinx alumni, who come together to network and socialize, but also to mix it up with current students to help them explore their career possibilities.

Murray’s impressive resume tells the story of a motivated and inquisitive person, who continues to push himself forward into challenging roles and opportunities for the sake of learning and growing as an individual, but also to help those around him do the same. He has two bachelor’s degrees, two master’s degrees, he’s worked in several positions in the Army, for the National Security Agency, United States Cyber Command, and was the lead professor and department chair of Military Science at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University. Murray now serves as the deputy director in the .

In his position now, Murray’s goal is to make as many real connections as he can with students, staff and all 1,500+ individuals involved in the relationship between the University that he loves so dearly, and the Army – which provided him with his first career and a lifetime’s worth of experiences. His current job checks all of his boxes. He’s a Syracuse University graduate, student-athlete, veteran, first-generation college student, a city kid from the Bronx and much more. Murray has great respect for every student at Syracuse. Not just for getting accepted, but for showing up every day and grinding, being innovative and competing. With genuine passion, Murray says “I just want to spread Orange joy. My achilles heel is the threat of taking on too much, because I want to help everybody.”

The Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Endowed Florence Scholarship is named after U.S. Navy veteran Daniel D’Aniello ’68, H’20 and his wife. D’Aniello studied abroad in Florence, Italy, when he was a student at Syracuse, and seized the opportunity to ensure other military-connected students at his alma mater could also benefit from studying overseas.

The scholarship recipients will receive substantial financial support over the semester. Not only will their tuition be covered for the semester, but the scholarship also provides funding for travel expenses to and from Italy, cost of living in the country, as well as a personal stipend to ensure the students can enjoy the local culture.

While the G.I. Bill has been through several iterations since it’s inception in 1944, each with substantial improvements, it currently does not provide the opportunity for recipients to study abroad. There are limited programs that offer the ability to study abroad, like the which is offered through the U.S. Department of State. The uncertainty of receiving a scholarship through those programs can result in a lot of last-minute changes that can cause substantial hardship for the student.

The first four military-connected students at Syracuse University who will receive this extraordinary scholarship opportunity are:

Marisa Ashworth ’24

Ashworth is a junior majoring in cybersecurity administration in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. She served on active duty in the U.S. Coast Guard for 11 years and currently serves in the Coast Guard Reserve. Ashworth plans to continue her education after graduation and intends to focus on either earning a master’s degree in cybersecurity or a law degree with a focus on policy and law related to technology.

“I am looking forward to the study abroad experience in Florence, Italy, as it will be an excellent opportunity to learn about Italian culture and education. In addition, I am excited to immerse myself and my family in the Italian way of life and broaden my perspective on the world,” Ashworth says.

Abigail Fitzpatrick ’26

Fitzpatrick is a first-year student studying both political science in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and College of Arts and Sciences and citizenship and civic engagement in the Maxwell School. Originally from Monterey, California, Fitzpatrick is the daughter of a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served for 20 years and currently teaches at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey. She plans to continue her education after graduation by pursuing a graduate degree or going to law school.

“I look forward to exploring Florence’s culture, especially the food and rich history. I am also excited about forming close bonds with the other students in the program and taking the exciting classes offered in Florence. I chose Syracuse because of the fantastic opportunities provided by the Maxwell School, which have allowed me to find my place in a smaller community of students and faculty while having all the benefits of a large university,” Fitzpatrick says.

Brenda Osorio ’25

Osorio is a first-generation college student and sophomore majoring in policy studies in the Maxwell School and College of Arts and Sciences. She plans to work as an international policy consultant after graduation and plans to pursue a master’s degree in international relations in the future. Both of Osorio’s parents served in the military, one in the the U.S. Marine Corps and one in the U.S. Army.�� Osorio served as president of the Student Association at Jefferson Community College prior to transferring to Syracuse University.

“Syracuse University has given me access to so many different opportunities, whether through the military community or other communities within Syracuse. It has helped me build so many different connections and relationships that have been invaluable. Studying abroad in Florence will help me learn about the politics of the European Union, Italian politics and immigration in Europe, as well as first-hand experience of the impact of international policy on the Italian people,” Osorio says.

Myra Wong ’24

Wong is the daughter of dual-military parents, both her father and mother served in the U.S. Army. She is currently a junior pursuing a dual major in public relations in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and political science in the Maxwell School and College of Arts and Sciences. Her goal after graduation is to work with a national nonprofit organization, where she hopes to use her communication skills to help the vulnerable members of society.

“Working with people who are not from Syracuse and not from the United States will give me more experience working with diverse groups and cultures. From what I have heard from friends, the work culture outside of the U.S. is very different, and I am excited to see this for myself,” Wong says.

Those students interested in taking advantage of studying overseas for a semester are encouraged to learn what programs are available through . Those eligible students interested in applying for the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Endowed Florence Scholarship are encouraged to attend future information sessions hosted by the .

Sebastian Junger poses with military-connected students from the Military Visual Journalism program at S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.

Among some of the most prolific writers of the last century, a handful experienced the hardship of telling the stories of war. John Steinbeck, Martha Gellhorn, Jack London and Ernest Hemingway; all covered the harrowing and dangerous world that exists on the front lines of combat. Award-winning documentary filmmaker, journalist and author Sebastian Junger covered the dangerous frontier environment of Afghanistan’s civil war before the arrival of U.S. forces in late 2001 and embedded with U.S. forces in some of the most remote locations in the war-torn nation afterward.

Junger was recently on campus to serve as the guest speaker for the opening reception of “The All-Volunteer Force at 50: Higher Education and America’s Volunteer Military” summit at the National Veterans Resource Center. Prior to the speaking engagement that evening, Junger spent time with the military-connected community on campus during a private event at the .

Junger speaks to a full room inside Newhouse 3 during a presentation for the Military Visual Journalism students at Newhouse.

One of the key groups within the audience was students from . The 10-month course is restricted to Department of Defense (DoD) mid-career communications professionals who, typically, are among the top performers among their peers. The program’s application is considered highly competitive due to the program’s prestigious history of producing award-winning storytellers within the Department of Defense, and it is not uncommon for the MVJ class to have a few students who, like Junger, have experienced telling the stories from the frontlines of conflict zones.

“The MVJ program takes some of the Department of Defense’s best and brightest communicators and puts them through two intense semesters that build upon their storytelling abilities and hones them into highly effective communicators. When they leave here, they are turning around and using those skills and lessons in a real-world environment that most of us will never experience,” said Nancy Austin, the deputy director of the Military Visual Journalism Program at Newhouse. “They typically receive instruction from professors who have amassed extraordinary experience in the civilian world, so it’s not often they get to learn from those who have done the job from a war zone while they are here.”

Junger reflected on how he hadn’t initially set out to become a war correspondent, his intent had been to simply write about dangerous jobs and the people who did them. His first book, “The Perfect Storm,” was about the tragic loss of a fishing crew from New England, which was later turned into a Hollywood movie with the same name. He would later make his way to Afghanistan to report on the Civil War that ravaged the nation after the 1989 Soviet Union withdrawal. After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, Junger began to shift his focus to the arrival of U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

Junger speaks with a military-connected student after his presentation with Military Visual Journalism students at S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.

“A lot of militaries in the world, they don’t want journalists near anything they’re doing, they’re completely suppressive with their information. The fact that the U.S. military is mandated to have journalists with them, both military and civilian, is one of the things that makes this democratic country extraordinary,” says Junger.

With some members of the audience having previously experienced combat, Junger touched on some of the hardships that come with reporting on traumatic events in war-torn environments. While the memories of explosions and shootouts fade over the years, according to Junger, the memories of those negatively impacted by the atrocities never lose their grasp.

“What I’ve found is this: I’ve been in danger many times, and those experiences were temporarily upsetting. My reaction to them dissipated over time, but what never dissipated was the trauma of seeing the harm done to others,” Junger says. “There’s something about the human capacity for compassion and empathy, it’s devastating. That stuff has to be covered, but the people who are doing that important work will be traumatized for the rest of their lives.”

Being a war correspondent has obvious risks, the DoD has lost more than 130 communications professionals since World War I. In fact, the first woman Marine Corps officer to be killed in action in Iraq was a public affairs officer, Major Megan McClung, in 2006. The military’s combat correspondents, public affairs officers, photojournalists and combat photographers embed with front-line units to inform combat commanders, as well as the American public, with first-hand accounts of the military’s operations.

Gregory Heisler, a Distinguished Professor of Photography at S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, take a portrait of Junger after a presentation for Newhouse’s Military Visual Journalism students.

Civilian correspondents and journalists on the front lines are not immune from the harm and danger, either. Aside from Junger’s own personal experiences, he spoke briefly about losing fellow photojournalist, and friend, Tim Hetherington. Hetherington co-directed the award-winning documentary “Restrepo,” with Junger, and was later killed in 2011 while covering the Libyan civil war. In 2013, Junger directed the memorial documentary “Which Way is the Front Line From Here? The Life and Death of Tim Hetherington,” to tell the story of a man who lost his life telling stories of, and for, other people.

Newhouse has trained the military’s top communications professionals for almost six decades now. The U.S. Navy, recognizing the need for additional training for their storytellers, established the program in 1963 and the other branches of the military were quick to take advantage of the educational opportunity. Over the years the program has evolved to include specializations in different communications disciplines. A motion media track was added in 1993. Adapting to the changing technology and capabilities with communication today, the school offers a track in graphic design as well as the photojournalism and broadcast journalism track.

For more information on the Military Visual Journalism program, and Syracuse University’s historic commitment to service members, veterans, and their families, please visit the .

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.”

Demonstrating its across the nation and making good on its promise to be the , Syracuse University will co-host a first-of-its-kind summit addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing veterans and the long-term sustainability of an all-volunteer armed services.

Hosted collaboratively by Syracuse and the University of Tennessee, the summit is being held during the 50th anniversary of the end of the military draft and the birth of America’s all-volunteer force—and at a time when both the military and higher education face significant challenges, including recruitment and enrollment, respectively.

The summit, titled “The All-Volunteer Force at 50: Higher Education and America’s Volunteer Military,” will be held Wednesday, April 19, and Thursday, April 20, at the , home to the (IVMF) and the (OVMA).

The two universities, both leaders on issues impacting military-connected students, will welcome more than two dozen collegiate presidents and chancellors, as well as senior government leaders and private sector partners, to campus to discuss how institutions of higher education and government can enhance collaboration and introduce innovative partnerships positioned to bolster access to in-service and post-service educational opportunities for military-connected learners.

“Syracuse University’s commitment to veterans, military-connected students and their families has long been woven into the fabric of this institution,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “That commitment dates back as far as World War I in the early years of ROTC programs, and continued in 1944 when former Chancellor William Tolley assisted with drafting the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, now known as the G.I. Bill, This summit as an extension of this commitment, and an opportunity to work with our peer institutions to find solutions to the challenges ahead. Our goal must always be to create and empower and ensure opportunities for the military community.”

Highlights of the summit will be keynote addresses delivered by several renowned military and military-connected leaders, including award-winning journalist, director and best-selling author Sebastian Junger and senior officials from the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs.

The summit will also offer facilitated breakout discussions around such themes as building a continuum of human capital, empowering military-connected populations in higher education, and the workforce of the future.

Thursday’s session will begin with a fireside chat, “All-Volunteer Force at 50: Past, Present and Future,” featuring , University Professor and Phanstiel Chair in Leadership in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and Bernard D. Rostker G’66, G’70, senior fellow with the RAND Corporation. Additional discussion topics include the implications of the impending ‘’ on both the volunteer military and higher education and also a conversation focused on the role of education in preparing individuals and communities for the workforce of the future.

The April 19-20 convening will set the conditions for actionable next steps and subsequent engagement between higher education and the federal government, positioned to advance educational opportunities for veterans and military-connected students.

“We are at a moment in our nation’s history when both colleges and universities, as well as the American’s volunteer military force, shared challenges,” says Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation J. Michael Haynie, founder and executive director of the IVMF, who wrote on this topic in a . “It is imperative to have thoughtful dialogue about what’s at stake so that we can begin to identify real solutions that will collectively benefit the next generation of Americans motivated to both learn and serve; institutions of higher learning; and the safety and security of our nation.”

Under Chancellor Syverud, veteran and military-connected enrollment has increased at Syracuse University over 500% since 2014. The IVMF, which has served over 192,000 service members, veterans and military family members worldwide since its founding in 2011, includes a , a trusted national resource working to advance the policy and practice of supporting veterans and their families.

Additionally, the University’s OVMA is home to one of the longest-running Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) programs in the nation, the Office of Veteran Success and other support programs for veterans.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private research university that advances knowledge across disciplines to drive breakthrough discoveries and breakout leadership. Our collection of 13 schools and colleges with over 200 customizable majors close the gap between education and action, so students can take on the world. In and beyond the classroom, we connect people, perspectives and practices to solve interconnected challenges with interdisciplinary approaches. Together, we’re a powerful community that moves ideas, individuals and impact beyond what’s possible.

U.S. Army Lt.Col. Matthew Coyne, Chancellor Kent Syverud, and U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ryan Lippert prepare to present individual awards at the 106th Chancellor’s Review.

When Syracuse University’s fourth Chancellor, James R. Day, reviewed the University’s Cadet Corps on May 4, 1917, he started what would become an annual tradition for the University’s future military leaders.

On March 31, 2023, both Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) units from the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force assembled inside the JMA Wireless Dome for the 106^th Chancellor’s Review to carry on that tradition.

Chancellor Kent Syverud, the University’s 12^th Chancellor who called upon the campus community to make Syracuse University the best place for veterans, conducted the pass and review of cadets, escorted by U.S. Army Lt. Col. Matthew Coyne and U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ryan Lippert, the ranking members of the respective ROTC units.

Chancellor Syverud highlighted the accomplishments of the University’s ROTC units over the last year. Both the Army and Air Force ROTC will commission 32 officers later this spring. Additionally, the U.S. Army Stalwart Battalion has four distinguished military graduates who will commission in the top 10% of the U.S. Army’s 2023 year group, including Cadet Sarah Sharpe ’23, who came in first out of 802 cadets commissioning into the U.S. Army Reserve.

Syracuse University Army & Air Force ROTC Cadets prepare to be individually awarded for their performance during the 2023 Academic Year at the 106th Chancellor’s Review.

The U.S. Air Force ROTC Detachment 535 will commission nine active-duty officers in the spring, including three who are from the detachment’s crosstown universities at SUNY Oswego, SUNY Polytechnic Institute and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

“I’m so proud of the 140 cadets here today who continue our proud tradition of support to those who volunteer to serve,” said Chancellor Syverud during his remarks to the assembled cadets. “Congratulations on your service, leadership and academic excellence. And I’m grateful to our nine partner schools joining us today.”

The annual Chancellor’s Review is also a time to celebrate the accomplishments of the University’s ROTC cadets through a presentation of awards issued by the University and off-campus organizations.

Lt. Col. Lippert presented the Professor of Aerospace Studies Scholastic Achievement Award to cadets Adam Landry, Emily Weaver, Charles Tang and Emma Corby. The award is presented to the Air Force cadet with the highest overall academic average for each class.

OVMA Executive Director Col. Ron Novack (U.S. Army, Ret.), presents U.S. Air Force ROTC Cadet Aizhan Moore ’25 with the OVMA Commitment to Service Award.

The U.S. Air Force ROTC Detachment awarded the McClune Scholar Award, presented by Kelly Rodoski ’92,�� senior communications manager and Lockerbie Scholars liaison. The award is presented to an Air Force cadet who is in the top half of their class academically, displays outstanding spirit and a positive attitude, and a commitment to international understanding and cooperation. This year’s recipient was Cadet Hunter Burns.

For the U.S. Army Stalwart Battalion, Lt. Col. Coyne presented the Distinguished Military Graduate Awards to members of the graduating class who have maintained a distinguished military student status throughout their time in ROTC and are in the top 20 percent of the national accessions order of merit list. The award was presented to Cadets Jason DiNapoli, Nolan McNeill, Benjamin Rabin and Sarah Sharpe.

Chancellor Kent Syverud congratulates U.S. Army ROTC Cadet Alex Musau ’24 for receiving the Veterans of Foreign Wars Award.

Lt. Col. Coyne also presented the Department of the Army Superior Cadet Award, which recognizes a cadet in the top 25 percent of their class academically, who demonstrates outstanding leadership and has strong officer potential. This year’s recipients are Army Cadets Jason DiNapoli, Richard Bruschi, John Harbaugh and Nicholas Robinson.

A complete list of the awards presented during this year’s Chancellor’s Review, along with additional photos, can be found on the . Those interested in learning more about the university’s ROTC detachments are encouraged to visit .

Paul Dottle, who served as an enlisted soldier in the U.S. Army Reserves during the mid-80’s, established the scholarship while serving as the chair for the OVMA’s advisory board. While Dottle was growing up, his father served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army. The experience of growing up in the military culture, and having served himself, left Dottle with a desire to give back to a community he held so much respect for.

The scholarship allows the to recognize deserving cadets within their programs, and many of the university’s graduates have gone on to become part of the university’s list of notable veteran alumni for their accomplishments after graduating from Syracuse University. The scholarship is meant for those who have not already received a full ROTC scholarship and is designed to offset the cost of finishing their degree.

For 2023, the recipients of the Dottle Family ROTC Cadet Scholarship are:

Hunter Burns ’25 – Air Force ROTC

Hunter Burns ’25

Burns is pursuing a degree in aerospace engineering from the . He says one of his more memorable experiences at Syracuse University was being a member of the Color Guard for the Syracuse University vs Duke University men’s basketball game in 2022.

“I decided to join Air Force ROTC because I wanted to serve in the military, that’s something I am passionate about. I also wanted to go to college and get a degree, so this was the decision that made the most sense for me. After graduation, I plan on entering active duty as an officer in the Air Force.”

James Hrdy ’26 – Air Force ROTC

James Hrdy ’26

Hrdy is studying bioengineering at the College of Engineering and Computer Science. He plans on commissioning as an officer in the U.S. Air Force and would like to pursue available options to attend medical school after graduation.

“I will never forget when Syracuse hosted the 2022 Battle of New York. Detachments from across New York stayed for two nights in the JMA Wireless Dome while participating in a wide range of activities. I got to meet other people with different aspirations from different schools, and I was able to explore the Dome at night.”

Benjamin Johnson ’24 – Air Force ROTC

Benjamin Johnson ’24

Johnson, who grew up with a father in the U.S. Coast Guard, is studying computer engineering at the College of Engineering and Computer Science. He says the wanted to come to Syracuse University because of the school’s reputation for academic excellence, and its unwavering support for military-connected students.

“My overall experience at Syracuse University has been nothing short of amazing. The University has provided me with numerous opportunities to learn and grow, both academically and personally. After Syracuse, I plan to pursue a career in the United States Space Force as a developmental engineer.”

Aizhan Moore ’26 – Air Force ROTC

Aizhan Moore ’26

Moore is enrolled at the College of Engineering and Computer Science, where she studies bioengineering. Her father, a Vietnam War veteran who served in the U.S. Navy, inspired Aizhan to serve in the military, which is why she’s in ROTC today.

“My most memorable experience as a cadet so far has been the Battle of New York. It was a really cool experience, and I had a great time meeting new people. I hope that joining the Air Force might also be a way for me to travel and learn more about the United States, as well as other countries around the world.”��

Suleiman Salim ’25 – Army ROTC

Suleiman Salim ’25

Salim is an economics student at the . His intent is to attend law school at Syracuse University, and one of his most memorable experiences as an ROTC cade was completing his first 12-mile conditioning hike with a ruck sack.

“I joined ROTC for the opportunity to better myself and push myself past both my mental and physical limits.”

Charles Tang ’24 – Air Force ROTC

Charles Tang ’24

Tang, a political science student at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, says he wants to attend law school after graduation, with the intention of ultimately becoming a judge advocate officer in the U.S. Air Force.

“Participating in the AFROTC program has shaped me into a developing leader by continually introducing new challenges. The program has drastically impacted the trajectory of my life goals, where I never imagined the possibility of serving in the military prior to college.”

Joshua Tapia ’24 – Army ROTC

Joshua Tapia ’24

Tapia, a junior with the , studies biology and grew up in nearby Baldwinsville, New York. Tapia also works as a martial arts instructor, teaching Kenpo, and has an internship focused on marketing, resource management, accountability, personnel scheduling and task delegation.

“After graduating I plan to commission as an officer and pursue my career moving forward, I hope to get a job in Air Defense Artillery. I’m incredibly grateful for this scholarship, as it has allowed me to continue to support myself and my family whilst focusing on my education and classwork.”

Emily Weaver ’24 – Air Force ROTC

Emily Weaver ’24

Weaver is a Cadet Lieutenant Colonel and the Deputy Group Commander for Syracuse University’s Air Force ROTC Detachment 535, making her the second cadet in command. She is dual majoring in earth science and forensic science with the College of Arts and Sciences.

“I’m extremely grateful that I was selected for the Dottle scholarship. It’s a testament to the fact that the University and its alumni, especially Mr. Dottle, truly care about the military connected students. Coming to Syracuse, it’s not the cheapest, it’s a nice university to go to and that obviously comes with the cost. The fact that he’s willing to provide monetary support for all my endeavors, whether it’s academic, military, or even something like pursuing my private pilot’s license. It means a lot to know they really value, and are investing, in my future as an officer in the military.”

For more information on scholarships and academic opportunities provided through the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, please visit their website at .

Kelsey Dornfeld portrait from the Alexia Fall Workshop.

While growing up outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota, indications that Kelsey Dornfeld’s future would lead to military service were non-existent. Even though she had a grandfather who fought during World War II, she didn’t have much exposure to the military throughout her childhood, and she says most of her hobbies and interests were what most would consider typical for a young girl. “I grew up in Bloomington and had an average childhood. I was a ‘girly-girl,’” says Dornfeld, who is currently serving as a communications strategy and operations chief in the U.S. Marine Corps. “I did dance, theater, choir and tennis. I wasn’t really interested in the gym and stuff like that.”

In her junior year of high school, she started to look at what her post-graduation options were, and military service became more appealing. She says she wanted to pursue higher education, but the cost was prohibitive. An older sibling went through college the traditional route, and she witnessed their struggle with money throughout those years. She says she didn’t want to experience that struggle herself and started looking at the military as a more viable option. “I knew I wanted to help people, and I knew that I wasn’t going to be able to pay for college on my own,” says Dornfeld, a military-connected student at . “Out of all the branches, I thought the Marines would give me the best preparation and training.” She is currently in the second semester of the at Newhouse, a 10-month program that trains mass communications specialists from across the Department of Defense.

U.S. Marine Corps SSgt. Kelsey Dornfeld on deployment in the Philippines.

Acceptance to the year-long program is notoriously competitive, the service members selected to attend the program are typically some of the top performers in their respective military branches. While it’s a challenging program, it is also considered prestigious due to the invaluable education graduates walk away with after two semesters at Newhouse. “I didn’t think I was that good of a photographer coming here, but after doing more photography shoots, and working with my professors, I’ve definitely become more confident in my skills,” says Dornfeld. She recalls having struggled with imposter syndrome before coming to Syracuse, but last semester she participated in the Alexia Fall Workshop at Newhouse, and the experience of working with the caliber of coaches helped guide her through her photo story, “.” Dornfeld says the program has been rewarding so far, if for no other reason than to focus on topics or subjects she wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to write about, or photograph, in the military. Some of the photojournalism projects she’s worked on have even been nostalgic, which she says has been personally rewarding. “We’re so indoctrinated with taking photos in the military, and there are specific things the military is looking for in photography that these professors have taught us to look beyond,” says Dornfeld. “The photos here don’t have to be masculine and powerful; they can be softer and show a different side of people.”

SSgt. Kelsey Dornfeld (Left) posing with other Military Visual Journalism students, and Otto, at a basketball game in the JMA Wireless Dome.

In her regular military duties, Dornfeld is part of the small occupational field called Communications Strategy & Operations (COMSTRAT). According to the Marine Corps, it is a communication activity that provides timely, accurate information which informs and educates about the missions, organization, capabilities, needs, activities and performance of the Marine Corps as an instrument of national defense. “The great thing about my job is that you get to see everything, you get to see the bigger picture. The young Marine who is driving a truck only knows to show up at a certain time, drive from point A to point B. They usually don’t know the bigger picture of what’s going on. We’re very lucky in COMSTRAT to know the full picture because of our role,” says Dornfeld.

Even though Dornfeld has enjoyed her success working in communications, she says her long-term career goals are more focused on teaching children rather than photojournalism. “I figured out during my second or third year in the Marine Corps that I found a lot of joy in teaching fellow Marines. It’s rewarding when you see that ‘ah-ha!’ moment in their eyes when they learn something new,” says Dornfeld. “I also love children, and being an elementary school teacher would combine working with kids and teaching them the foundations they’ll use the rest of their lives.”

Dornfel’s time in service has given her plenty of experience to share with future students. She has been stationed on the other side of the world in Okinawa, Japan, and in places you wouldn’t normally find Marines, like Albuquerque, New Mexico.

U.S. Marine Corps SSgt Kelsey Dornfeld during a unit formation.

After graduating from the MVJ program in May, Dornfeld said she’s being sent to work out of the Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia. She’s primarily looking forward to taking the knowledge she’s gained here and sharing it with the next generation of COMSTRAT Marines who will take her place in the future. “It’s been very eye-opening. Since I was 18, I’ve been told how to act, you know, how Marines act. Coming here, you’re told you can do whatever you want, you can be whoever you want. I’ve been able to rediscover things I loved in high school, and pursue things I’m interested in,” says Dornfeld. “It’s been nice to feel free to be me, and not necessarily who the Marine Corps wants me to be.”

Syracuse University student veterans pose for a group photo on the first day of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs’ career immersion trip to Atlanta, Georgia.

Among the mass exodus of students leaving campus for spring break, eight student veterans from Syracuse University spent three days in Atlanta, Georgia. While their fellow classmates were in pursuit of leisure and relaxation during the time off from classes, these student veterans attended a career immersion trip hosted by the .

Over the course of the trip, the students visited with representatives from some of the largest and most well-known businesses across a variety of industries throughout the Atlanta metro area. The OVMA Director of Veteran Career Services, Jennifer Pluta, organizes the trips twice a year, and military-connected students enrolled at Syracuse University can take advantage of the opportunity free of charge.

While on tour of the corporate headquarters for Delta Airlines, the students stop to take a group photo in a hot air balloon basket.

“These trips not only afford the student veterans an opportunity to speak with those who already made the career change transition from their military career to the corporate world, but it gives them an invaluable advantage with a chance to get their foot in the door after graduation,” says Pluta, who is also a Master Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserve, where she serves as a senior command career counselor. “They’re meeting with leaders at these companies, and most of the time they’re receiving pitches about why they, as veterans, should consider working at these companies. As these students graduate and move into the labor market, they’re going to have a strong advantage over their competition.”

This trip marks the first time OVMA has organized a career immersion trip to Atlanta. Past trips have included places like New York City, Los Angeles and the nation’s capital in Washington, D.C. Atlanta, being a southern economic hub, is home to a variety of leading organizations like the Coca-Cola Company, United Parcel Services, Delta Airlines and Fiserv. While the city and the companies may change, the purpose of the trips are all the same–supporting Veteran Career Services’ goal of 100% job placement for Syracuse University’s student veterans.

“This trip was about growing confidence in the transferability of my knowledge, skills and abilities to the civilian workforce,” said Colleen Tripp, a part-time graduate student in instructional design, development and evaluation with the School of Education. “As a 17-year member of the New York Air National Guard, this trip allowed me to visualize myself working in a variety of post-military positions and how I could potentially contribute in a meaningful way after my military career,” says Tripp.

The group visits the Amazon Web Service office.

Tripp, who currently serves with the 174^th Medical Group in Syracuse, N.Y., said one of the key takeaways from the week was discovering that she wants to continue working with veterans and service members in her post-military career. One of the highlights of the trip for Tripp was visiting the Warrior Alliance, a non-profit organization that focuses on providing support services to transitioning servicemembers.

“Each organization I met with had a different culture and battle rhythm, yet each company valued their employees and made huge efforts to take care of the whole person, not just the mission at hand,” says Tripp.

While each immersion trip is different, based on the availability of companies in the geographic area, the student veterans were able to visit and speak with the following companies while in Atlanta:

• Amazon Web Services
• Chic-Fil-A
• Delta Airlines
• Ernst & Young, LLP
• Fiserv
• Tyler Perry Studios
• Warrior Alliance

During the trip, the student veterans visited State Farm Arena, and later were able to enjoy watching the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks play against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

“I think my favorite part was the trip to Delta. Since I’m majoring in mechanical engineering, I was intrigued by their engineering department and how everyone there felt like a family. It was a fantastic company and hopefully, in the future, I’ll be able to intern for them,” said Jurgen Baeza, a U.S. Navy veteran who is currently enrolled as a first-year student with the College of Arts and Sciences.

“My goal for this trip was to see what sort of job opportunities are out there for veterans, and also to learn what the process was like for companies recruiting veterans after their time in service,” says Baeza.

Each year there’s also an opportunity for the student veterans to visit tourist and cultural sites, which is part of the immersive experience of the career immersion trips. In Atlanta, the students were treated to a game with the Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta’s professional NBA team, along with a tour of their home stadium, the State Farm Arena.

The OVMA’s next immersion trip will take place in the Fall semester of 2023. Those military-connected students who are interested in attending should visit to stay up to date on the latest opportunities available to them at Syracuse University.

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 .

Sean Stumpf

Born in the Bronx, Sean Stumpf ’07, often watched planes take off and land at nearby LaGuardia Airport.

That childhood fascination sparked a lifelong passion for aviation that fueled his determination to become a pilot. Today, Stumpf is the one doing the takeoffs and landings, but instead of a commercial airliner he flies the C-130J, also known as the Super Hercules, in the United States Air Force.

The C-130 is one of the most versatile aircraft in the world that has been in service since the ’50s and flies missions supporting every branch of the military as well as various civil organizations operating in austere environments.

In high school, Stumpf played baseball and football but also participated in track and field, primarily running in the 200-meter, 400-meter and 800-meter races and various relays. Stumpf recalls that in his senior year of high school, he experienced competing in the Dome firsthand, an experience that would become familiar to him in front of family and friends while in college.

“I was a state finalist in track and field my senior year of high school. The state finals were in the Dome that year,” says Stumpf, who serves as the chief of safety for the 317th Airlift Wing at Dyess Air Force Base. “My sister was a student at Syracuse University when I got my first taste of the campus and its beauty though,” Stumpf recalled.

Stumpf was in the Dome when the Syracuse University football team crushed Rutgers University in a blowout 42-0 game. The overall experience left an impression on him and years later, when it came time to apply to college, Syracuse was among his top three choices. He says he was looking for a university where he could study aerospace engineering, participate in Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) and run track.

“I was so conflicted because all my choices had so much to offer. One morning, my dad woke me up early and told me to get in the car, that we were going on a four-hour drive,” says Stumpf. “We arrived on campus for our own tour and bumped into some ROTC cadets. It was an absolutely gorgeous day and the campus just felt like my new home. A few days later Carmelo Anthony and the men’s basketball team brought home the national title and I was sold.”

Of course, being a full-time college student is time-consuming all on its own. Add on the rigorous schedule for ROTC as well as being a student-athlete and free time becomes almost non-existent. Stumpf’s schedule those first few years started early, long before the sun came up, and ending long after it went down.

“I get tired just thinking about it,” Stumpf says. “Mornings were devoted to ROTC, followed by a day’s worth of aerospace engineering degree requisites, track practice, homework, then bed. Eventually I had to prioritize these things and, since I was not a strong athlete, my degree and ROTC took lead, so I left the team after a couple of years.”

Stumpf graduated from Syracuse and accepted a commission in the USAF as a second lieutenant. Most of his first few years were spent going through the training process to become a C-130 pilot. Initially, he served as a navigator on a C-130 but a few short years later he was selected to become a pilot—a dream he had chased since childhood.

“Since I was young I had always wanted to fly airplanes. They flew over my house all the time to land at LaGuardia,” Stumpf says. “Yes, I’m biased, but being a C-130 crewmember is the greatest job in the Air Force. The missions are always changing, our tactics and problem-solving abilities are always being tested.”

Stumpf has returned to his alma mater a few times since graduating, mostly for athletic or alumni events, but also to speak with current cadets with Air Force ROTC Detachment 535. He returned a few years ago, after becoming an officer, to visit with the ROTC cadets and answer their questions about life in the U.S. Air Force after graduation.

Sharing his knowledge with cadets is one thing, but Stumpf returned earlier this year to give back in an entirely different way that the cadets are sure to remember.

“My fellow pilot, a Syracuse native, and I thought it would be an incredible opportunity for the cadets to get a live look at the C-130J and its dynamic mission,” Stumpf says.

Some people can go years in the military without ever stepping foot on a C-130, much less having the opportunity to fly in one. Getting on a military aircraft, participating in a flight and speaking with the pilots afterward is a rare opportunity, especially for ROTC cadets. The opportunity for this experience was primarily due to Stumpf’s passion for supporting the Air Force ROTC detachment at Syracuse.

With 16 years of service to date, Stumpf plans to finish out his career and retire from the Air Force one day. An exact date isn’t on his mind at the moment, but he is about to reach a major milestone in his military career in early February.

“I’ll reach the pinnacle in a couple of weeks. In February, I will become the squadron commander for the 40th Airlift Squadron, the ‘Screaming Eagles,’ at Dyess Air Force Base,” says Stumpf. “I’m truly humbled to be given this opportunity. I’ll be working for approximately 150 people who’ve volunteered to serve their country; looking after their well-being, professional development, training, and deployment readiness.”

Those interested in learning more about the opportunities available through the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at Syracuse University are encouraged to visit the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs .

The Student Veterans of America 15th Annual National Conference serves as an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of student veterans and their advocates in higher education and afford opportunities to speak with veteran-inclusive companies and advocacy organizations.

A group of 14 military-connected students were in Florida earlier this month at the Walt Disney World Resort to attend the Student Veterans of America 15th Annual National Conference (NATCON). Additionally, eight staff members from the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs and the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families attended the conference, which boasts the largest gathering for the military-connected community within higher education.

The students were mostly from the Student Veterans Organization, the University’s official student association focused on support, advocacy and camaraderie for the campus military-connected community.

The conference serves as an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of student veterans and their advocates in higher education, but the schedule-packed days also afford opportunities to speak with veteran-inclusive companies and advocacy organizations, and even express their support or concern for future legislation impacting the military community.

Cadets from the University’s two Reserve Officer Training Corps detachments were also given the opportunity to take part in the unique student experience. As future military officers, they received exposure to the broad range of programs and services that will be available to them and their future subordinates upon separation from the military.

“Student Veterans of America’s National Conference kicks off a new year for student veterans, military-connected students, survivors and those who support them, and provides a unique opportunity for employers looking to empower this incredibly talented population,” says Student Veterans of America National President and CEO Jared Lyon. “This year’s 15th Annual celebration marks a legacy of leadership, opportunity and service that will reverberate for years to come.”

To attend NATCON, the students applied for one of the conference tickets the OVMA provides each year. Thanks to donations to the Veterans Legacy Fund, the OVMA covers the cost of conference registration, airfare and lodging for a certain number of Syracuse University students each year.

Many military-connected students attend NATCON to speak to a banquet hall full of companies looking to hire veterans, veteran services organizations educating about their services and advocacy groups seeking input on current legislation for policies impacting veterans. For those students who are members of the SVO’s executive board, going to NATCON also includes an opportunity to gain valuable lessons on running a students veteran organization on campus.

“A big moment for me was during one of the breakout sessions. I realized before looking onward to after graduating from Maxwell and Whitman next year that there are several ways in which I can serve my community right here in Syracuse, beyond the SVO or being an EMT,” says Anthony Ruscitto G’22, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and the president of Syracuse University’s SVO.

“The best aspect of the conference this year was the student veterans and staff we took though. Each of us are different in ways beyond just our service branch. We all had different career goals and background but definitely grew a lot closer and learned more about each other over the week. I’d recommend every SU student veteran apply to go every year, if possible,” Ruscitto says.

In addition to being the SVO’s president, Ruscitto, a graduate student with the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, was among the eight finalists in the running for Student Veteran of the Year this year. While a student from Loyola University walked away with the top honors this year, Ruscitto did have a unique opportunity that most college students would never experience.

Anthony Ruscitto

“The most significant and certainly most exciting moment was being able to address the entire conference and formally introduce Denis McDonough, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs,” says Ruscitto. “It was a humbling and very rewarding experience to be recognized, I can’t believe where I am today after looking back at the last four years.”

Ruscitto and other student veterans also sat down with the U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona to discuss the challenges facing veterans in higher education. Student veterans at Syracuse University enjoy a high level of support, due largely to Chancellor Kent Syverud declaring that supporting veterans would be a University initiative during his inaugural address. The University is often used as an example on best practices for educating veterans.

“Speaking as a second-year Ph.D. student at Maxwell, I can confirm that Syracuse University is a truly remarkable place for veterans,” said Lyon, who in addition to being the SVA’s president is also pursuing a doctoral degree in social science with the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. “So, it was no surprise that one of Syracuse University’s very own, Anthony Ruscitto, was honored as a Student Veteran of the Year finalist at the SVA Honors Luncheon, amongst so many exceptional student veterans present.”

One of the reasons NATCON draws such a large attendance each year is the opportunity to learn about the latest programs and resources available for student veterans and the military-community.

Members from the D’Aniello Institute’s Research and Data Analytics team presented their latest findings and publications directly to the audience their research impacts the most, while representatives from the OVMA shared their knowledge and experience with other chapters through presentations and guided discussions.

Syracuse University staff members who participated in the conference were Melissa Bird, IVMF, project manager, entrepreneurship; Linda Rougeau Euto, IVMF, associate director, research and evaluation; Misty Fox, IVMF, director of entrepreneurship and small business; Rosalinda Vasquez-Maury, IVMF, director of applied research and analytics; Ron Novack (retired U.S. Army colonel), Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, executive director; Jennifer Pluta, Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, director of Veteran Career Services; Grace Swinnerton, IVMF, visiting librarian; and Mirza Tihic, Martin J. Whitman School of Management, adjunct professor of entrepreneurship

Novack is no stranger to NATCON, and over the years he has contributed his extensive knowledge on how SVA chapters can make their fundraising efforts more effective. He’s not only seen firsthand how much the event has grown in size over the years, but he’s also been a part of making Syracuse University’s presence at NATCON so impactful.

“Syracuse University has historically enjoyed a large presence at NATCON every year because we have been in the veterans education space for decades,” says Novack.�� “Schools that are just getting started with their student veterans initiatives look to us and seek out our knowledge, and our experience. We stand out because our university stands behind us, and that’s what makes Syracuse the Best place for Veterans.”

The 16th Annual NATCON is scheduled to take place in Nashville, Tennessee, from Jan. 4-6, 2024. Military-connected students interested in attending NATCON should sign up for OVMA’s newsletter to stay informed on application deadlines and information sessions. Those interested in supporting student veterans at Syracuse University should visit the Veteran Legacy Fund, and help continue Syracuse University’s tradition of service to veterans and military students.

“Student veterans often face unique financial circumstances while enrolled in college, especially those who are in demanding academic programs that do not allow enough time for a part-time job, or for those who are going home to a spouse and possibly children,” says Dwayne Murray ’97, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel and deputy director of the OVMA. “We’re grateful for the generosity of the donors who make these scholarships possible, and appreciate the support it allows us to give our military-connected students on their journey to joining our Orange Alumni family.”

The scholarships and their recipients for the Fall 2022 academic year are:

OVMA Undergraduate Scholarship

Jack Pullano

U.S. Air Force Veteran
Sophomore, Health and Exercise Science, Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamic

• Pullano serves as the public affairs coordinator for the Student Veterans Organization and is a member of the Orange Barbell Club.
• Originally from Hopkinton, New York, he aims to stay in Central New York after graduation on his path to becoming a physical therapist.

“My goal after Syracuse University is to attend SUNY Upstate as a member of its Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. I hope to one day work for the Veterans Affairs Hospital as a physical therapist so I can continue to give back to the veteran community,” says Pullano.

OVMA Family Member Scholarship

Andrew Holland

Military-Connected Student (Dual-Military Dependent)
Graduate Student, Museum Studies, College of Visual and Performing Arts

• Both of his parents served in the military: his mother retired as a colonel in the U.S. Army in 2014, and
  his father retired from the U.S. Air Force as a major in 1995.

“After Syracuse University, my goal is to work at a museum like the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., or the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio,” says Holland. “This scholarship will help me cover the cost of my university health care plan, and it will cover the cost of rent for a few months.”

Mautino Family Scholarship

Savion Pollard

U.S. Navy Veteran
Sophomore, Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science

• Pollard volunteers his time extensively outside of the classroom as the treasurer of the Student Veterans Organization and as a youth mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
• During U.S. President Joe Biden’s visit to Syracuse for the Micron announcement, it was also announced that Pollard would be the very first local hire for Micron.

“Long term, I wish to work as a math tutor for underrepresented communities. Being a black male in STEM, I have the desire to stress the importance of math and science to little kids from communities like the one I came from,” says Pollard. “This scholarship will help lighten a financial burden, which will allow me to be more engaged in school and be a more successful student.”

Flanik Family Scholarship for Student Veterans

Curtis Cline

U.S. Army Veteran
Sophomore, Aerospace Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science

• Cline served more than a decade in the U.S. Army working with Apache helicopters, including three combat tours.
• He envisions a future career in aeronautics with a focus on engineering and development.

While on active duty and assigned to nearby Fort Drum, Cline was introduced to Syracuse University while one of his children had an appointment at nearby Golisano Children’s Hospital. “When I went exploring for food I discovered the campus and I immediately decided that was where I wanted to attend,” says Cline. “The area, the people, the architecture and school pride won me over immediately. This scholarship will alleviate the stress and financial burdens placed upon my family while I am a full-time student.”

Richardson Family Scholarship for Military Family Members and Dependents

Morgan Ellis

Military-Connected Student (Military Dependent)
Senior, Health and Exercise Science (major), Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics

• Ellis grew up in nearby Seneca Falls, New York. Her father is still serving in the U.S. Army after more than 28 years and is currently deployed overseas.
• Ellis was introduced to Syracuse University as a child and it has been her dream school ever since.
• Her future academic goals include medical school and eventually work for the Veterans Affairs hospital as a doctor.

“I currently work as a nursing assistant on a medical surgery unit at a local hospital and I absolutely love it,” says Ellis. “I have about 10 to 12 years of school ahead of me and medical school comes with a hefty price tag. Receiving this scholarship now will put me in a better situation financially going forward and will have a continuous positive impact for me, which I am truly grateful.”

Wilder J. Leavitt and Mary P. Morningstar Scholarship for Military-Connected Students

Kamileh Rivera

Military-Connected Student (Military Dependent)
Senior, Neuroscience and Biology, College of Arts and Sciences

• Rivera’s father served in the U.S. Army for more than 30 years. After growing up in Puerto Rico, Syracuse University was something entirely different from Rivera’s childhood and she wanted something different and unique.
• Rivera volunteers her time and is involved with campus organizations like the Syracuse Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Upskill Education.

“Syracuse has allowed me to pursue my dream degrees and find new passions I didn’t know I had. I plan on getting a master’s in public health and, later on, attend medical school to become a doctor,” says Rivera. “Back home in Puerto Rico, we have a great deficit in medical professionals, my goal is to go home and give back to the community that saw me grow up. This donor-funded scholarship will relieve financial hardships on my family and I, and it’s rewarding to know someone believes in my education.”

Mason Weber

U.S. Navy Veteran
Junior, Aerospace Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science

• Originally from Kingsburg, California, Weber served for six years as a hospital corpsman.
• Weber hopes to graduate from Syracuse University, gain a career with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and one day work on the development of a lunar base for NASA.
• Weber is involved in several engineering and aerospace honor societies, including serving as the vice president of Sigma Gamma Tau.

“The scholarship will allow me to be able to spend less time working and more time focusing on my studies, as well as with my daughter and fiancé. I appreciate the support of Syracuse University veterans and the help alleviating some of the stresses that come along with being a full-time student,” says Weber.

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.

Student veterans visited LinkedIn’s office during a career immersion trip to New York City.

The career immersion trip aims to offer this opportunity to military-connected students at least once a semester, except for during the pandemic. Transportation and lodging are provided at no cost to the students, including airfare for those who are taking classes remotely with the College of Professional Studies online programs.

“The goal of the trip is to expose student veterans to the geographic area, make valuable connections with industry leaders and learn about available internship or job opportunities,” says Jennifer Pluta, director of Veteran Career Services for the OVMA. “The students gain insight into how their majors and interests connect to different fields and industries, and for some, it’s their first time visiting the city.”

Fiserv, Bloomberg and LinkedIn were among the corporations that hosted the students this semester, inviting them in for panel discussions, tours and showcasing their veteran hiring initiatives. The student veterans receive a behind-the-scenes view of the inner workings and career pathways within the organizations during the visit, and in some cases treated to panel discussions with current employees at the company who are veterans themselves.

Pluta, who aside from her position at the University, is also a master sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserve and serves as a senior command career counselor, leverages the vast University alumni network to secure lucrative opportunities for the University’s student veterans. In return, those corporations are gaining access to a talented pool of veterans who are bringing invaluable experience to the workplace after departing campus with their degrees in hand.

“I’ve been hoping to land a career in NYC since I started school here in 2019,” says Ryan Yon ’23, who is studying data analytics and policy studies in the School of Information Studies and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. “It was nice being able to see the city for the first time with other student veterans. I got to make some real connections with employers and alumni. I also landed some interviews with the companies I was most interested in.”

Student veterans attending a post traditional student alumni event at the Lubin House in New York City.

Yon, a U.S. Army veteran, was also able to visit the University’s Joseph I. Lubin House for the Post-Traditional Alumni and Student Reception. He and the other student veterans were able to meet members of the city’s Orange alumni network. As part of the reception, Yon and his fellow student veterans heard from John Wallace ’96 of the New York Knicks as he discussed his journey from Syracuse to pro basketball and the influence of the Orange network had on his career success.

Another student veteran on the trip, Jennifer Aquino ’23, had originally gone so she could speak to other student veterans about the opportunities they have available to them at the University. As a senior studying linguistics in the College of Arts and Sciences,, she didn’t initially think there would be a lot of opportunities for her at the companies they were visiting.

“I was amazed, I thought these companies would be more for the students with other majors, not mine,” says Aquino, who also served as a linguist in the U.S. Navy for 14 years. “They made me feel welcome, they showed that there were positions for someone like me at their company.”

The OVMA is able to sponsor the career immersion trips thanks to the generosity of donors to the Veteran Legacy Fund, allowing them to provide the opportunities like this at no-cost for student veterans. New York City isn’t the only location the students are exposed to on these trips, the OVMA has provided similar opportunities in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, California. Next semester, in the spring of 2023, the OVMA will take student veterans to Atlanta, Georgia, home to such companies as The Home Depot, UPS and The Coca-Cola Company, among many others.

Student veterans who are interested in taking advantage of the career immersion trip to Atlanta are encouraged to apply early, as the trips are typically reserved for a selected number of students. Announcements about the application period and requirements will go out through e-mail, social media and the OVMA’s website.

The Syracuse University invites the campus community to the at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building for the observance of the Syracuse University Veterans Day ceremony 2022.

The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 11, and last for approximately one hour. The ceremony will be held in the K.G. Tan Auditorium, followed by a reception in the Bisignano Grand Hall inside the NVRC.

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Kari Mickinkle ’11, G’22 will open the ceremony and serve as the emcee. Mickinkle is a school-certifying official with the Office of Veteran Success.

Student-veteran Anthony Ruscitto ’22, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and the president of Syracuse University Student Veterans Organization, will speak about his personal experience as a military-connected student on campus as well as the history of Syracuse University’s commitment to veterans and military-connected students. Ruscitto is currently a graduate student at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs pursuing a master’s degree in public administration.

Dwayne Murray ’97, who retired from the U.S. Army as a lieutenant colonel, serves as the deputy director of OVMA. As an alumnus, he has seen the dramatic transformation on campus from the University’s initiative to be the “Best Place for Veterans.” Murray will speak about the history of Veterans Day and the national importance of honoring those who have served in defense of the nation.

Chancellor Kent Syverud will deliver remarks as well as introduce the keynote speaker for the ceremony. This year, U.S. Navy retired Rear Adm. Danelle Barret G’04 will be the guest speaker.

Barrett’s military career spanned more than 30 years and included numerous leadership and command positions, as well as operational assignments throughout the world. Originally from Buffalo, New York, she now handles a portfolio of activities for consulting, public speaking and writing, as well as serving on several corporate boards. Her book, “Rock the Boat: Embrace Change, Encourage Innovation and Be a Successful Leader” was featured as an Amazon Best Seller in business leadership training, business mentoring and coaching, and management skills.

As an admiral in the Navy, Barrett served as director of current operations at U.S. Cyber Command, and as the Navy Cyber Security Division director and deputy chief information officer on the chief of Naval Operations staff. In her last position in the U.S. Navy, she led the Navy’s strategic development and execution of digital and cyber security efforts, enterprise information technology improvements, and cloud policy and governance for 700,000 personnel across a global network.

An innovator, she implemented visionary digital transformation to modernize with unprecedented speed, significantly improving Navy information warfare capabilities. Her numerous operational assignments included deployments to Iraq, on an aircraft carrier supporting operations in Afghanistan, and to Haiti providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief after the 2010 earthquake.

Those wishing to attend are asked to .�� The NVRC has limited accessible parking spaces available for those who require parking accommodations; those who plan on attending are asked to email kslantry@syr.edu if they require access to one of the available parking spaces. All others are requested to find parking available around campus .

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��.