veterans 鈥� 麻豆频道University News Mon, 18 Aug 2025 17:57:11 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 D鈥橝niello IVMF Names Stacy Hawkins as Managing Director of Research and Evaluation /blog/2025/08/18/daniello-ivmf-names-stacy-hawkins-as-managing-director-of-research-and-evaluation/ Mon, 18 Aug 2025 17:57:11 +0000 /?p=216087 The (IVMF) is proud to announce the appointment of Stacy Hawkins as the new managing director of research and evaluation. A nationally respected behavioral research scientist, Hawkins brings more than 15 years of experience leading applied research focused on the health, resilience, and readiness of military service members, veterans, and their families.

A professional headshot of a woman with shoulder-length curly brown hair with gray highlights, wearing a light-colored blouse and smiling warmly at the camera against a neutral gray background.

Stacy Hawkins

Hawkins most recently served as chief of family research and principal investigator at Booz Allen Hamilton, where she led a multidisciplinary team producing technical reports, policy briefs and peer-reviewed publications used by military leaders and program designers. Prior to that, Hawkins served as a researcher at the University of Arizona and the RAND Corporation. Her publications have appeared in leading journals such as Family Process, Journal of Family Psychology, Military Behavioral Health and Evaluation Review.

A key part of her vision at IVMF is to expand the reach and impact of the institute鈥檚 research and evaluation agenda. That includes focusing on the most at-risk populations in the veteran community, growing partnerships and pursuing opportunities that build on IVMF鈥檚 interdisciplinary foundation.

鈥淚鈥檝e always been drawn to applied research. Even in graduate school, I knew I wanted my work to not only be high-quality, but to have a meaningful impact on real people,鈥� says Hawkins. 鈥淭he IVMF鈥檚 work is exceptional鈥擨鈥檝e followed it for years, especially on the research and evaluation side. I love bringing data, evidence and science into the conversation for policymakers and program leaders, giving them findings they can apply in ways that truly help.鈥�

Hawkins steps into the role at a pivotal moment for both the IVMF and the broader veteran community. The needs of transitioning service members, military spouses and veteran families are evolving. Questions around employment, mental health, family support and community reintegration require research that is timely, relevant and practical. Hawkins鈥� arrival strengthens the IVMF鈥檚 mission to meet those challenges through evidence-based solutions rooted in academic excellence and real-world application.

鈥溌槎蛊档繳niversity is proud to be an R1 institution where research drives national impact,鈥� says Ray Toenniessen, deputy executive director of the IVMF. 鈥淪tacy brings academic rigor and a deep understanding of the human experiences behind the data. Her expertise in the military and veteran community has already produced impactful work, and we look forward to her leadership in ensuring our research at the D鈥橝niello IVMF remains both relevant and actionable.鈥�

A champion of applied and community-centered research, Hawkins has spent her career focused on translating science into better programs and policies. She has led large-scale evaluation and research projects for the Department of Defense and other federal agencies, including studies on parental leave in the military, family program effectiveness and mental health outcomes for military-connected youth. Her work has influenced how the military approaches integrated prevention, social support systems and family readiness.

Hawkins holds both a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in psychology from Claremont Graduate University, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Azusa Pacific University. She has served as a keynote speaker at the Association of the United States Army and has presented her work to numerous military and academic audiences. Over her career, she has secured significant research funding and mentored emerging scholars across both academic and applied settings.

Her appointment also represents the continuation of the IVMF鈥檚 leadership in national veteran research. The institute regularly contributes to policy discussions and congressional testimony, providing data and insights on topics such as veteran employment, entrepreneurship, access to education and community reintegration. With the support of 麻豆频道University and its academic enterprise, the IVMF maintains one of the largest and most respected research portfolios focused on the military-connected population.

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College of Law鈥檚 Veterans Legal Clinic Receives Justice for Heroes Grant /blog/2025/07/22/college-of-laws-veterans-legal-clinic-receives-justice-for-heroes-grant/ Tue, 22 Jul 2025 19:55:52 +0000 /?p=215347 Four people are seated around a table in an office setting. The room has light-colored walls and wooden cabinets. On the right side of the image, there is a sign that reads "Military & Veterans Law Society" with an American flag graphic and "麻豆频道Law" written below it.

Three student lawyers with the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic within the College of Law meet with a veteran.

The College of Law鈥檚 聽(VLC) has been awarded a Justice for Heroes grant by the聽. This competitive grant provides funding for the VLC to deliver high-demand legal services to veterans in Central New York. The is one of just five law schools in New York state selected for this honor.

鈥淭his grant will enable the VLC to build upon its 10-year track record of delivering exceptional level services and representation to the veteran community and their families,鈥� says ,聽executive director of the Office of Clinical Legal Education, director of the VLC, teaching professor in the College of Law and a U.S. Army veteran.

鈥淭his grant program demonstrates New York state鈥檚 dedication to improving the lives of veterans and their ongoing support of law school outreach programs.鈥�

With this funding, the VLC will expand its legal support for local veterans and launch a new initiative to serve military-connected students, faculty and staff at the University鈥攁 first-of-its-kind effort in higher education. The grant will also strengthen the College of Law鈥檚 capacity to provide legal representation in areas such as U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health and disability benefits, while simultaneously training the next generation of veteran-focused legal advocates.

鈥淭he Veterans Legal Clinic exemplifies our commitment to experiential learning, community service, and public interest law,鈥� says Terence J. Lau L鈥�98, dean of the聽College of Law. 鈥淲e are proud of the clinic鈥檚 impact and grateful to the Department of Veterans鈥� Services for supporting this important work.鈥�

鈥淲orking in the VLC has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my law school journey,鈥� says Raul Rosique L鈥�27, a student attorney and U.S. Navy veteran. 鈥淭his grant will help ensure more veterans get the legal support they deserve, while giving students like me the chance to serve those who鈥檝e served our country.鈥�

The Veterans Legal Clinic represents veterans and their families in claims for VA benefits and military discharge upgrades. Student attorneys, under faculty supervision, gain hands-on experience with real clients, navigating federal agencies and honing their legal skills鈥攁ll while learning the value of pro bono service and engaging directly with military culture.

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Lender Center Researcher Studies Veterans鈥� Post-Service Lives, Global Conflict Dynamics /blog/2025/07/15/lender-center-researcher-studies-veterans-post-service-lives-global-conflict-dynamics/ Tue, 15 Jul 2025 15:52:16 +0000 /?p=213605 Person with long, wavy hair standing outdoors next to a stone wall, wearing a black top, black jacket, and patterned skirt; one hand on hip and the other resting on the wall. The background includes green bushes and a building with large windows.

Corri Zoli

鈥�91, G鈥�93, G鈥�04 was recently named a research associate of the . She applies social science, law and public policy perspectives to problems of warfare, governance in modern human conflicts and the role of international humanitarian law in managing conflict dynamics.

Zoli鈥檚 Lender Center project looks at how veterans navigate post-service life, how marginalized communities are impacted by conflict and how public policies can be made more fair, inclusive and humane. 鈥淣ational security is often framed in abstract or geopolitical terms, but it鈥檚 essentially about people and whose lives are protected, whose voices are heard and whose rights are upheld. I try to humanize conflict and security,鈥� she says.

We spoke with Zoli about the impact her research has for veterans and in matters of national security and public safety.

How does being at 麻豆频道University support and enhance your work?

麻豆频道University has longstanding commitments to public affairs, community engagement and military veterans, and a unique history that started with throwing open the doors to returning GIs following World War II. This private university has since become one of the most welcoming places in the country for veterans. Tolley was visionary鈥擨 think he knew veterans would transform the campus by sharing their knowledge and experiences, and they did. We say we have it in our DNA to support veterans, and it鈥檚 true. The and have put that into practice.

But the commitment is deeper. Lots of universities work on retraining veterans or on public affairs, but here, we ask fundamental questions about public service. We鈥檙e willing to go the extra mile to support the communities that are part of that research. We ask what can we all do together and how can we advance knowledge through community partnerships. We put effort and resources into what from veterans鈥� service and skills.

Similarly, the Lender Center recognizes that the university is best when it is grounded in its communities and its work is a two-way street. We鈥檙e not just gathering data, we鈥檙e welcoming community members as stakeholders and contributing partners. It鈥檚 wonderful to join so many Lender colleagues and students from across the University who share a passion for community, partnerships and the real-world impacts of our research.

Much of the research supported by the Lender Center is focused on the wealth gap in America. How does your work on veterans connect to that?

We are finding that military service is a unique way to mitigate the and many socioeconomic gaps. Thirty years of economic data on veterans and service members shows that other things being equal, veterans have a wage premium, so military service can be a way to increase your socioeconomic advantage in the U.S. It means that anyone who is underserved and/or economically disadvantaged without other opportunities may want to consider a military career or national public service.

person in a black suit teaching other people standing in front of a white screen with information on it

Zoli has taught seminars in the Warrior Scholars Veterans Project, a program at the University that empowers enlisted veterans and service members to excel in higher education.

What is a key takeaway from your study of veterans鈥� post-service experiences adapting to non-military life?

While the U.S. public veterans, we don鈥檛 really know them or their stories. We thank them for their service, but it鈥檚 otherwise superficial; it鈥檚 not like World War II, where everyone knew a veteran. We鈥檙e asking, “How do we as a country put effort and resources into getting to know the veterans in our midst, then tap their knowledge and feedback?”

How can veterans inform our approach to conflicts, security and safety?

Veterans have on-the-ground knowledge about how to address conflict and its root causes. They can provide strategic advice, but we don鈥檛 use them enough as resources for applied practical expertise. Post-9/11 vets can offer important feedback on issues of national and global security and military challenges, and on topics such as infrastructure development, given the many roads and buildings the U.S. built in Afghanistan and elsewhere. We would do well to get their input on government policies, public safety, modernizing and innovating our technologies, infrastructure development and building higher educational programs more inclusive of veterans.

What are some core findings from your research on national security?

Conflicts are much more complicated now than in the past, and many involve unconventional warfare鈥攏ew cyber weapons and drones, violent or political extremism and the creation and support of terrorist organizations below the state level by actors who are not responsive to their governments.

We lack policy tools to really fight these conflicts well. Our inability to manage the explosion of non-state conflict actors, for instance, creates enormous civilian harm and pockets of instability or ungoverned zones in many regions of the world. We can鈥檛 control international spaces, but we can offer support and best practices and make sure our own national laws and policies are consistent with and follow civil liberties norms and our constitution.

What does your research reveal about issues of public safety?

We need to do a bit more than we鈥檙e doing in terms of domestic safety and involve communities more in their own safety and security. We need to beef up infrastructure that protects public safety, including keeping roads and bridges and other infrastructure in good shape. We should be educating students at the K-12 levels in how they can play a role in public service and public safety and to consider public safety careers. We should make civic engagement and understanding, including our constitutional traditions and standards, well known to everybody.

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SCOTUS Win for Combat Veterans Backed by 麻豆频道Law Clinic /blog/2025/06/23/scotus-win-for-combat-veterans-backed-by-syracuse-law-clinic/ Mon, 23 Jun 2025 19:13:21 +0000 /?p=213140 The image depicts a meeting or discussion taking place in an office setting. Three people are seated around a desk. Two of them are facing away from the camera, while one person, who appears to be leading the discussion, is facing towards the camera. The desk is cluttered with various items, including a coffee cup, pens, and papers. In the background, there are shelves filled with books and other office supplies, as well as two computer monitors displaying documents or spreadsheets.

Beth Kubala (center) meets with two student lawyers with the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic.

On Thursday, June 12, the United States Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision in Soto v. United States, marking a significant victory for U.S. combat veterans seeking disability compensation.

The 9-0 opinion, authored by Justice Clarence Thomas, held that the six-year statute of limitations under the Barring Act does not apply to claims for Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC). The Court found that the CRSC statute includes its own internal settlement mechanism and therefore is not subject to the same limitations as other federal claims.

Seth M. Owens, a veterans health and disability law fellow and program manager of the LSV-H Program at 麻豆频道University College of Law鈥檚 Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic (VLC), along with several VLC students, played a major part in this win, along with other schools.

The National Law School Veterans Clinic Consortium submitted a Brief of Amicus Curiae on behalf of Veteran Soto鈥檚 position, and on behalf of all combat veterans who would qualify for special compensation under the CRSC statute. Counsel for the brief were Katie M. Becker, Esq. (University of Missouri Veterans Legal Clinic), Meghan E. Brooks, Esq. (University of South Carolina Veterans Legal Clinic), and 聽Owens.

鈥淐redit is due to the teams of students from three different law schools who each took a role in preparing this brief,鈥� says Owens. 鈥淚t is truly an honor to collaborate with such talented veterans law practitioners and have an opportunity to show our students how their advocacy can have a real-world impact on a large scale. They not only advocated for Veteran Soto to prevail in this case, but for the rights of all combat veterans to receive the full disability benefits they deserve under the law.鈥�

For media inquiries, please contact Vanessa Marquette, media relations specialist, at vrmarque@syr.edu

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Serving Those Who Served: The Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic /blog/2025/05/05/serving-those-who-served-the-betty-and-michael-d-wohl-veterans-legal-clinic/ Mon, 05 May 2025 19:46:05 +0000 /?p=209993 Four people are seated around a table in an office setting. The room has light-colored walls and wooden cabinets. On the right side of the image, there is a sign that reads "Military & Veterans Law Society" with an American flag graphic and "麻豆频道Law" written below it.

Three student lawyers with the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic meet with a local veteran.

Service members injured in active duty are entitled to receive disability benefits and associated medical care from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). But navigating the process can be intimidating.

A person with shoulder-length hair is wearing a black top. The background appears to be an indoor setting with blurred elements.

Beth Kubala

Thanks to the efforts of the (VLC) within the , hundreds of area veterans have received their benefits or successfully upgraded their military discharge through the pro bono, student-offered legal services since its founding in 2015.

鈥淥ur law students get a chance to get into the legal practice, taking everything they鈥檝e learned and put it into practice working on real cases with real clients with real challenges,鈥� says , executive director of the Office of Clinical Legal Education, director of the VLC, teaching professor in the College of Law and a U.S. Army veteran. 鈥淭his is a chance to make a tremendous difference, helping veterans get the VA medical care and the disability benefits they earned.鈥�

Collaborating With Community Service Partners

Veterans are referred to the VLC through organizations like the Onondaga County Veterans Service Agency, which provides a yearly grant to help facilitate the VLC鈥檚 efforts, and the 麻豆频道VA Medical Center. The community partner organizations will often refer veterans who have had their medical claims denied multiple times.

Knowing that new evidence is needed for the VA to consider reopening a claim, Kubala鈥檚 students study pages of military documents and health care records to learn everything they can about the tasks the client performed and the injuries or illnesses the veterans suffered while serving that contributed to their current health issues. Comprehensive medical exams are conducted to verify the disabilities being claimed.

A person with long, wavy dark hair is wearing an orange knit sweater and a pearl necklace. The background is a textured beige surface.

Annie Mancilla

鈥淭here鈥檚 a great collaboration between our teams,鈥� says Annie Mancilla, director of the Onondaga County Veterans Service Agency and an Army veteran. 鈥淲e know how to handle new and initial claims, and Beth鈥檚 team comes in, handles those trickier claims and succeeds at getting intricate cases adjudicated quickly and fairly.鈥�

When she was training as a veteran service officer, Mancilla says veterans service agencies partnering with clinics like the VLC were rare. She hopes the collaborative work on display in 麻豆频道can inspire other partnerships across the country between university-led student law clinics and veterans service agencies.

鈥淲e have to work together to help our veterans,鈥� Mancilla says. 鈥淭his partnership is so beneficial and we鈥檙e at the beginning of something special that is going to continue to grow and have a tremendous impact on our veterans.鈥�

Helping Veterans at Risk for Homelessness

Two years ago, the VLC received a聽, a first-of-its-kind grant opportunity from the VA to fund legal services providers. The VLC is one of just four University-affiliated veterans legal clinics to receive grant money.

Once a week, VLC students go over cases at the Altamont House, a facility that provides transitional housing to veterans facing homelessness. Kubala says this grant has enhanced and solidified the VLC鈥檚 partnership with the 麻豆频道VA while showing how the clinic can help those veterans receive access to health care and their benefits.

鈥淲e鈥檙e able to make such a significant difference in the lives of so many homeless veterans in and around Syracuse,鈥� Kubala says. 鈥淥ur students not only gain expertise while strengthening their legal skills, they gain confidence and a better ability to relate to others, and they understand how they can help others with their law degree.鈥�

The image depicts a meeting or discussion taking place in an office setting. Three people are seated around a desk. Two of them are facing away from the camera, while one person, who appears to be leading the discussion, is facing towards the camera. The desk is cluttered with various items, including a coffee cup, pens, and papers. In the background, there are shelves filled with books and other office supplies, as well as two computer monitors displaying documents or spreadsheets.

Beth Kubala (center) meets with two student lawyers in the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic.

Using Law Degrees to Do Good

VLC student lawyer Sarah Simon-Patches 鈥�24 took on the case of a veteran who filed his own claim with the VA after suffering medical hardships stemming from his time in the military.

A person with long, brown hair is wearing a dark blazer over a blue top and a pearl necklace. The background is plain and dark, contrasting with the person's attire.

Sarah Simon-Patches

Oftentimes, veterans who file their claims on their own don鈥檛 fully understand the criteria and can be denied a portion of their benefits. With a rating of only 20% of his disability benefits, the veteran, a self-employed mechanic from Kansas City, Missouri, was unable to return home to his sons, lost his job and experienced homelessness.

After Simon-Patches combed through the evidence to understand why the veteran fell short of the VA鈥檚 criteria, she successfully helped him obtain his full share of benefits and he has been reunited with his family.

鈥淚t felt like a huge relief. Here was someone who was experiencing homelessness, unemployed and anxious about his future being separated from his family and came to us for help,鈥� says Simon-Patches, who has a brother and grandfather who served in the military.

鈥淭he average veteran, especially our homeless veterans, would not have access to these resources otherwise,鈥� Simon-Patches says. 鈥淥ur clinic is well-equipped to successfully navigate this system and handle the different needs of our veterans.鈥�

Fighting to Make a Difference

Before Seth Owens enrolled in the College of Law, he spent 13 years as a physical therapist, treating many veterans and active-duty service members. He started in the VLC in the spring of 2023 and realized he was meant to be there.

A person wearing a brown blazer and a light blue dress shirt is sitting in front of a bookshelf. The background includes books and decorative items on the shelves.

Seth Owens

鈥淵ou have to bring this mindset to every interaction with a client that I鈥檓 going to know everything I can about your case,鈥� says Owens, the LSV-H program manager and a Veterans鈥� Health and Disability Law Fellow with the VLC. 鈥淧rofessor Kubala鈥檚 reputation for having an amazing clinical experience and producing students who do such a high quality of work is well known in the veterans鈥� community.鈥�

Simon-Patches was so inspired by the impact her work was making, she applied to and was accepted into the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General鈥檚 Corps, a government law organization that defends the Army and its soldiers in all military legal matters.

鈥淭his work has meant so much to me and this program wouldn鈥檛 be what it is without the work that Professor Kubala does,鈥� Simon-Patches says. 鈥淲e make a difference in the lives of our veterans and we want veterans to know we鈥檙e here for them as a resource.鈥�

鈥淚t amazes me every day the work that comes out of the clinic,鈥� Kubala says. 鈥淚 like to think that I inspire the next generation of veteran advocates. There are ways to use a law degree for the greater good, and this is one of those ways.鈥�

A classroom setting with a lecturer standing at the front, speaking to students who are seated and using laptops. The lecturer is positioned in front of a large projection screen. On the right side of the image, there is an orange banner that reads: "麻豆频道College. Be a champion with our innovative programs that will help you succeed."

Beth Kubala (center) leading a classroom discussion in the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

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Tradition and Triumph: University Honors ROTC Excellence at 108th Chancellor鈥檚 Review and Awards Ceremony /blog/2025/04/10/tradition-and-triumph-university-honors-rotc-excellence-at-108th-chancellors-review-and-awards-ceremony/ Thu, 10 Apr 2025 17:02:13 +0000 /?p=209134 A time-honored celebration of academic achievement, leadership and military history was on full display at the JMA Wireless Dome during the 108th Chancellor鈥檚 Review and Awards Ceremony on March 28.

A group of military personnel stand in formation on a field. In the foreground, there are four soldiers in camouflage uniforms standing at attention with their hands behind their backs. Behind them, more soldiers are lined up in rows. The background features a dark curtain and two digital screens displaying text.

Cadet leaders from the Army and Air Force ROTC Detachments stand before guests and reviewing officials prior to the 2025 Chancellor鈥檚 Review and Awards Ceremony. (Photo by Charlie Poag)

The annual tradition brought together students, faculty, staff, alumni and University stakeholders to recognize the accomplishments and success of cadets from 麻豆频道University鈥檚 Army and Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) programs.

The event is one of 麻豆频道University鈥檚 oldest traditions, originating in 1917 under the direction of then-Chancellor James R. Day. Among the cadets reviewed in that inaugural ceremony was future Chancellor William Pearson Tolley, who would later play a critical role in expanding access to higher education for veterans through his contributions to the Servicemen鈥檚 Readjustment Act of 1944, better known as the G.I. Bill.

This year鈥檚 ceremony featured a formal inspection of the troops by Chancellor Kent Syverud and the presentation of awards recognizing academic, leadership and civic excellence. Both University leadership and representatives from local Veteran Service Organizations were on hand to present awards to the deserving cadets.

A military ceremony takes place on a field. Two soldiers in camouflage uniforms are standing in the foreground; one is saluting while the other is holding a flagpole with a green flag. In the background, more soldiers are standing in formation, and several flags, including an American flag, are visible.

U.S. Air Force ROTC cadets render salutes and present their detachment guidon during the 2025 Chancellor鈥檚 Review and Awards Ceremony (Photo by Charlie Poag)

鈥淓very year the Army and Air Force ROTC cadets at 麻豆频道University make significant accomplishments and contributions which are important for us, as a campus community, to recognize and celebrate,鈥� said retired U.S. Army Col. Ron Novack, executive director of the . 鈥淪ome of these cadets are D1 athletes, others are heavily involved in civic and community projects on and off campus. They鈥檙e balancing an incredible workload and staying true to their commitment to become future commissioned officers in the U.S. military. If you look at the summary of accomplishments these cadets have made over the last year, it鈥檚 truly remarkable.鈥�

Among the highest honors presented were the General Edward C. Meyer Leadership Award and the Professor John A. and Dean Marion Meyer Scholar Award, given to top-performing cadets in the Army and Air Force ROTC respectively.

The General Edward C. Meyer Leadership Award was presented to U.S. Army ROTC Cadet Andrew Lopane for demonstrating exceptional officer potential and leadership. Lopane is enrolled at where he studies landscape architecture, and has also volunteered with 麻豆频道University Ambulance, a student organization that responds to more than 1,500 medical emergencies each year.

鈥淭he Chancellor鈥檚 Review is a longstanding tradition that honors the dedication, leadership and achievements of Army and Air Force ROTC cadets, reinforcing the University鈥檚 deep connection to military service,鈥� says U.S. Army Lt. Col. Matthew Coyne, professor of military science at 麻豆频道University and the commander of the Stalwart Battalion. 鈥淭hrough this event, cadets gain well-earned recognition for their hard work, motivation to excel, and a sense of pride in their commitment to serving the nation.鈥�

The Professor John A. and Dean Marion Meyer Scholar Award was presented to U.S. Air Force ROTC Cadet Charles Tang 鈥�25 for exemplary performance and inspirational leadership. Tang, who is studying political science at the , was also named a Dottle Scholar in 2023, and credits his time at 麻豆频道for shaping the person he is today.

a military ceremony takes place on a football field. Two soldiers in camouflage uniforms are shaking hands in the foreground, with one holding a ceremonial staff. In the background, there are more soldiers standing in formation.

Charles Tang 鈥�25 receives a U.S. Air Force Officer鈥檚 Sword for being selected as the Professor John A. and Dean Marion Meyer Scholar during the 2025 Chancellor鈥檚 Review and Awards Ceremony. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

鈥淔our years ago, I would not have ever imagined a career in the military. 麻豆频道University and the AFROTC program have made me confident in my ability to lead as a future officer in the US Air Force,” says Tang. “I have taken great pleasure in working with my peers to train and mentor our younger cadets, and I am grateful for this unique opportunity 麻豆频道has provided me with.鈥�

The ceremony closed with a Pass in Review, a military tradition symbolizing honor and respect, as the cadets marched in formation across the field in front of their families and university leaders.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Skarda, commander of Detachment 535, summed up the significance of the moment: 鈥溌槎蛊档繳niversity doesn鈥檛 just talk about supporting ROTC鈥攊t has demonstrated that commitment for 108 years in a tradition that even predates the Air Force itself. For our cadets, this event is more than a ceremony; it鈥檚 a powerful moment of pride and recognition that will stay with them for a lifetime.鈥�

To view a photo gallery of this year鈥檚 event, visit the .

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Rooted in Service: From Army Lawyer to Student Advocate /blog/2025/04/04/rooted-in-service-from-army-lawyer-to-student-advocate/ Fri, 04 Apr 2025 21:11:35 +0000 /?p=208936 The image shows a group of people, including two adults and two children, standing in front of a waterfall. The adults are carrying the children in backpack carriers. The background features a lush green forest and the cascading waterfall.

Jaime Jacobson G鈥�25 (second from the right) poses with her husband, Bernie (far left) and their two children.

After years of legal service in the U.S. Army, Jaime Jacobson G鈥�25 is continuing her commitment to public service through academia. Jacobson is currently a pursuing a master鈥檚 degree in higher education in the School of Education and draws a strong connection between her military experience and her future supporting college students.

Before commissioning into the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps (JAG Corps), Jacobson鈥檚 professional path was already rooted in advocacy.

鈥淚 did my undergraduate degree at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and worked for a few years as a case manager for a nonprofit agency, particularly helping victims of domestic abuse,鈥� says Jacobson.

That passion carried through into law school at Northeastern University in Boston, where she focused on legal assistance. The military came into view soon after through family influence.

鈥淚 have two cousins that were both in the Army,鈥� Jacobson says. 鈥淥ne was having some interesting legal issues, and he was describing his experiences with the legal assistance office, which initially got me looking at joining the service.鈥�

The defining moment, however, came after witnessing the military鈥檚 care during a family tragedy.

鈥淢y other cousin had a traumatic experience in the family, and I watched his unit sort of descend on his household and take care of everything for him and his wife,鈥� Jacobson recalls. 鈥淭hat kind of solidified it for me, if I was going to provide legal assistance then these are the people鈥his is the group that I really wanted to serve.鈥�

The image shows two individuals standing side by side, dressed in formal military uniforms. The individual on the left is wearing a black bow tie and has a name tag that reads "ANDERSON." The individual on the right has a name tag that reads "BLANAS" and is adorned with several colorful ribbons on the chest. They are standing in front of a set of closed doors with glass panels.

Jaime Jacobson G鈥�25 (right) with her husband, Bernie.

A few years after accepting a direct commission into the Army JAG Corps, Jacobson found herself working in education as an instructor at the U.S. Army Military Police School in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

鈥淧art of my job was training military law enforcement officials, new investigators and special agents. I taught them about different things like the military justice system and criminal justice system, but being entrusted to help them along their journey and teach them was amazing,鈥� Jacobson says.

The experience certainly had an impact on her future goals. Despite her successful career, Jacobson and her husband would both make the decision to transition out of the military鈥搇argely due to the desire to focus on their new, growing family.

鈥淢y husband and I鈥攚e actually met at our officer basic course鈥攚ere dual military,鈥� says Jacobson. Like her, Jacobson鈥檚 husband served as a JAG officer in the Army. 鈥淚 got out just before I had my second child. For me, it was really about just needing to be in one location, so that was a part of my decision to leave the military.鈥�

As the pair transitioned out of the Army, her husband accepted a job at 麻豆频道University working with the Title IX office and has been working at the University for the last nine years.聽鈥淒efinitely a little shout out to the university, they really do a great job of hiring veterans,鈥� Jacobson says.

With her family settled in Syracuse, Jacobson began looking for her next chapter and higher education made perfect sense.

鈥淚 actually see a really strong connection between the work that I did in the military and the clientele that I got to serve, those sort of 18- to 24-year-old service members. I can see the connections between that work and the work here on college campuses,鈥� says Jacobson.

Many college students and military service members experience parallel challenges when being uprooted from family, placed within an unfamiliar community with an expectation to succeed. The solutions to help overcome those challenges have a lot of parallels too, and that鈥檚 where Jacobson credits her previous work with soldiers for being a foundation to support students in higher education.

鈥淭here鈥檚 a running joke amongst my cohort that I鈥檝e led many lives before coming here鈥攁nd they鈥檙e not wrong,鈥� Jacobson says.

Looking forward, Jacobson hopes to bring that same ethic of service to higher education. 鈥淚 want to be able to use a lot of the skills and experiences that I had in the military to improve the experiences of service members and be able to do that here at a college or university as well.鈥�

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How Robotic Rehabilitation Devices Transform People鈥檚 Lives /blog/2025/03/21/how-robotic-rehabilitation-devices-transform-peoples-lives/ Fri, 21 Mar 2025 17:47:21 +0000 /?p=208510 The image shows a person holding a mechanical device in what appears to be a laboratory or workshop setting. The device seems to be part of an engineering or robotics project, and the room contains various pieces of equipment and tools.

Evan Tulsky in the Bionics, Systems and Controls Lab (Photo by Alex Dunbar)

Observing his father鈥檚 work in physical therapy research and cognition tests, Evan Tulsky鈥檚 鈥�24 interest in robotics and rehabilitation took shape at a young age. He recognized the crucial role that rehabilitation devices play in transforming people鈥檚 lives, motivating him to pursue research in this field while attending the College of . This path would lead him to the Bionics, Systems and Controls (BSC) Lab, an interdisciplinary research space centered around robotics and rehabilitation.

鈥淚鈥檝e always been fascinated by the intersection of control systems, dynamics and rehabilitative devices,鈥� says Tulsky, a mechanical engineering graduate student. 鈥淚 was raised around research, and this was the best place for it. This is a really cool lab.鈥�

Led by Victor Duenas, assistant professor in mechanical and aerospace engineering, the BSC Lab focuses on individuals who have had strokes or other neurological conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord or nerves. Tulsky joined the lab as an undergraduate research assistant and is now pursuing his Ph.D., where he鈥檚 been building devices that support hip, foot and ankle movements.

Because the muscles and joints in the lower body work together, problems in one area can impact the others during movement. A robotic ankle-foot device and hip exoskeleton could help individuals with hip and knee issues since ankle pain can put stress on the hip and knee.

鈥淚f you鈥檙e working on an ankle and hip device, you鈥檙e working on the entire leg鈥攖hey鈥檙e interconnected,鈥� says Tulsky. 鈥淭he goal is to develop devices that support all three joints and different movements.鈥�

The lower limb exoskeleton鈥攁 wearable device that helps with walking, standing and other lower limb bodily functions鈥攊s the latest project in development in the BSC Lab, which Tulsky has been assisting with. This exoskeleton will give individuals with spinal cord injuries or strokes balance and flexibility, allowing them to rotate their legs naturally around their pelvis and hip area.

鈥淢ost exoskeletons don鈥檛 focus on foot placement and balance,鈥� Tulsky explains. 鈥淧eople with spinal cord injuries can鈥檛 land on their foot well. With this device, we鈥檙e trying to make motions as natural as possible and help people regain their confidence.鈥�

Tulsky鈥檚 graduate studies build upon his research in muscle activity, particularly electromyography (EMG). EMG measures the electrical activity of muscles and nerves and is a great way to assess the health of nerves and muscles that allow movement and other bodily functions. He would present a research paper on EMG and muscle activity in the ankle and foot at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Conference on Controls, Technology and Applications. The conference took place in England in 2024.

The BSC Lab conducts research in collaboration with the 麻豆频道Veterans Affairs Medical Center since the University has a well-established history with the veteran population. Tulsky has been honored as the Richard A. Bernard Scholar for his efforts in assisting the disabled population and received recognition for the best thesis in engineering.

鈥淢y journey is driven by a deep-seated passion to leverage technology for enhancing human health and quality of life,” Tulsky says. “I aspire to continue contributing to innovations that advance the field of rehabilitative robotics and empower individuals facing physical limitations.鈥�

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鈥楲asting Impact鈥�: Sergeants Major on Giving Back Through Instructional Design /blog/2025/03/04/lasting-impact-sergeants-major-on-giving-back-through-instructional-design/ Tue, 04 Mar 2025 20:42:32 +0000 /?p=208067 The image shows a group of people, some in military uniforms and others in civilian clothing, standing together outdoors. In the background, there's a building with a distinctive emblem on it. The sky is partly cloudy.

The latest cohort of students in the Instructional Design, Development, and Evaluation Fellowship Program, which is offered by the School of Education through the Sergeant Majors Academy at the Noncommissioned Officer Leadership Center of Excellence at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas.

In January 2025, instructional design, development and evaluation (IDDE) professors Moon-Heum Cho and Rob Pusch visited the latest cohort of students in the .

The program is offered by the School of Education through the (SGM-A) at the Noncommissioned Officer Leadership Center of Excellence (NCOLCOE), located at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas.

鈥淒uring our time there, we conducted three two-hour sessions and interacted with the military students,鈥� says Cho. 鈥淧rofessor Pusch covered content from his human performance technology course, while I focused on material from the evaluation course. We also sought the students鈥� feedback on how to improve their educational journey.鈥�

The academy鈥檚 relationship with the IDDE program began in 2019 when sergeants major were offered the opportunity to complete an聽. 麻豆频道was selected as SGM-A鈥檚 educational partner because of the high quality of the IDDE master鈥檚 program, as well as support offered from the聽, the聽, and the聽聽at the College of Professional Studies.

to learn about their military and educational journeys, why they chose the IDDE master鈥檚 degree program, and how they hope this credential will benefit their future.

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Rene Aleman

  • Native of Robstown, Texas
  • Date of Enlistment: 2000
A person smiles for a headshot while in their military uniform.

Rene Aleman

In addition to NCOLCOE, SGM Aleman鈥檚 many assignments include those in the U.S., an assignment to the Republic of Korea, and deployments to Iraq, Kuwait and Jordan.聽Aleman鈥檚 military education includes Basic, Advanced and Senior NCO courses; Recruiter School; Basic Instructor and First Sergeant courses; and the Global Combat Systems Army Warehouse Operations Course. He earned a bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary studies from the University of Texas-El Paso, an M.B.A. from Webster University and a doctorate in Business Administration with a cognate in project management.

鈥淪erving my country and the Army for more than 24 years has molded me into what I am today,鈥� Aleman says. 鈥淭he IDDE program provides me an opportunity to give back to the Army and to help mold the next generation of sergeants major. … I plan to apply my experience as an instructor to challenge future sergeants major to expand their thinking and open their minds to new ideas and technology.鈥�

Given his extensive military and civilian education, it鈥檚 no surprise to hear that Aleman has 鈥渃onsistently challenged鈥� himself throughout his career: 鈥淎s a recruiter, I promoted educational benefits, but I did not hold a degree. I sought out my first degree just to apply what I spoke about and 鈥榳alk the talk.’鈥�

Aleman then pursued higher educational goals 鈥渢o prove you can complete a doctoral degree while on active duty.鈥� Enrolling in the IDDE program continues that quest: 鈥淚 want to leverage the IDDE program to grow my understanding of technology and educate those around me. IDDE aligns with my long-term career goals as an educator, instructor, and mentor.鈥�

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Lourdes M. Barragan

  • Native of Abilene, Texas
  • Date of Enlistment: 2001
A military officer smiles while posing for a headshot in military uniform with the U.S. flag in the background.

Lourdes M. Barragan

SGM Barragan鈥檚 almost 24 years of service has included duty locations throughout the U.S., as well as two combat deployments to Iraq and an overseas assignment in Germany. In that time, she served the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) as a Drill Sergeant and Battalion Command Sergeant Major, as well as Forces Command (FORSCOM) and the Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM).

Barragan鈥檚 awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Military Intelligence Corps Knowlton award, signifying contributions to the Military Intelligence community and its soldiers. Barragan earned a bachelor’s of science degree from Excelsior University in 2018.

鈥淢y answer to why I joined the School of Education鈥檚 IDDE program might be slightly different than my peers,鈥� Barragan says. 鈥淭his program permits me to develop and continue my love for lifelong learning while allowing my fianc茅 and me to serve at NCOLCOE together.鈥�

The IDDE curriculum, which focuses on creating educational products across technological platforms, piqued Barragan鈥檚 interest: 鈥淚 appreciate the focus on practical skills and the use of educational technology to deliver high-quality instructional solutions.鈥� Barragan also notes that a friend recommended the program, saying 鈥渋t has good benefits post-military as well.鈥�

Like her Cohort 10 peers, Barragan says the IDDE master鈥檚 degree program 鈥済ives me another opportunity to give back.鈥�

鈥淚 will have the opportunity to teach future sergeants major once I complete my degree. I will be responsible for developing future curriculum, which would not have been possible without this program,鈥� Barragan says. 鈥淥ne word sums up my life and career: service. From the moment I joined, I have had unwavering support from my fellow soldiers who helped mold me into the person I am today. This degree allows me to serve at every key milestone of a soldier鈥檚 career and continue to support senior noncommissioned officers in their success.鈥� Barragan notes that the instructional design program will allow her continued investment in senior leaders, 鈥渆quipping them to continue to shape and guide the next generation of soldiers.鈥�

鈥淭he program has provided me with countless opportunities to bridge knowledge, skill, and attitude gaps and shape future curriculum,鈥� Barragan says. 鈥淭his program provides both government and private sectors paths towards success post-military and allows me to continue serving through education and self-development.鈥�

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Brady Ryan Davis

  • Native of Dallas, Texas
  • Date of Enlistment: 2000
A military officer poses for a headshot in uniform.

Brady Ryan Davis

After basic training, SGM Davis completed Advanced Individual Training, the U.S. Army Airborne School and the Ranger Indoctrination Program at Fort Benning, Georgia, before his assignment to Charlie Company, 3d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment as an anti-tank gunner.

Davis has served in multiple duty positions for the 75th Ranger Regiment, including as Headquarters and Headquarters Company First Sergeant. He deployed multiple times in support of the Global War on Terrorism and Operation Inherent Resolve, including as Command Sergeant Major for the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment. Following this assignment, Davis served as a Brigade Command Sergeant Major in the 82nd Airborne, deployed to Poland, and then as a Nominative Sergeant Major within the US Army Forces Command (FORSCOM).

Davis鈥� military education includes the Primary Leadership Development Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer and Maneuver Advanced Noncommissioned Officer courses, U.S. Army Airborne School, U.S. Army Ranger School, and Jumpmaster and Pathfinder courses. His bachelor鈥檚 degree is from Thomas Edison State University and his master鈥檚 degree is from the American Military University.

Davis describes his military career path as 鈥渘on-standard.鈥� Deployed 鈥減erpetually鈥� with the 75th Ranger Regiment from 2001 to 2016, his first change of station was at SGM-A, 鈥渨here I felt I would be an outcast as I did not know many 鈥榖asic Army things.鈥欌€�

However, Davis found he excelled in the academic environment, assisting fellow students and participating in traditional military activities he had only read about during 16 years of service: 鈥淭his left such a lasting impact on me that I was determined to find my way back to the Academy to continue mentoring and educating our future leaders.鈥�

鈥淭he opportunity to attend 麻豆频道University and hone my skills in instructional design seemed to fit well with my proficiencies and attributes,鈥� continues Davis. 鈥淚t allows me an opportunity to give back through my experience as a Nominative Level Sergeant Major with the additional skillset I will learn through my 麻豆频道education.鈥�

Davis says once he retires from the military, he hopes to continue service as a federal employee, 鈥渦tilizing the credentials I am receiving with my IDDE degree.鈥�

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Liela Shadmani

  • Native of Guam
  • Date of Enlistment: 2002
A military officer smiles while posing for a headshot in uniform. An American flag is in the background.

Liela Shadmani

After graduating basic combat training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, SGM Shadmani graduated the dental specialist course at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas. Her duty stations have included Fort Carson, Colorado; Fort Drum, New York; Fort Jackson; Fort Riley, Kansas; Baghdad; and South Korea.

In addition to serving as a dental specialist, Shadmani has been a dental and triage NCO, Platoon Sergeant, Small Group Leader with the 1st Infantry Division Warrior Leader Course and Team Lead NCO at the US Army Physical Fitness School. She also has served as First Sergeant with the Dental Health Activity at Fort Jackson and Fort Drum; First Sergeant at the 10th Mountain Division NCO Academy; and Clinical Operations SGM for the William Beaumont Army Medical Hospital.

In addition to a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and master’s degree in sports and health, Shadmani holds a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from Liberty University. Her military education includes courses for Sergeant Major, Master Resilience Facilitator and Trainer and Master Fitness Trainer.

鈥淢y overarching goal is to create meaningful changes within the U.S. Department of Education as a second career,鈥� says Shadmani. 鈥淏ut for now, I鈥檓 focused on being an asset across the military. I鈥檝e seen firsthand the critical role education plays in shaping effective leaders and teams.鈥�

In her previous roles as an instructor, Shadmani has had 鈥渢he opportunity to shape young leaders and help them understand the importance of self-efficacy.鈥�

鈥淭he more I immerse myself in education within the Army, the more I see gaps that need to be addressed,鈥� she says 鈥淚 want to be a part of filling those gaps by empowering soldiers and leaders with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed鈥攇iving them the confidence and sense of worth to tackle any challenge they face.鈥�

Shadmani says SOE鈥檚 IDDE program is helping her gain the tools she needs to make a lasting impact on leadership development within the Army and beyond: 鈥淚鈥檓 excited to continue this journey and bring what I learn into my future endeavors.鈥�

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Maxwell Joins Initiative to Support Military Veterans in Public Service /blog/2025/02/03/maxwell-joins-initiative-to-support-military-veterans-in-public-service/ Mon, 03 Feb 2025 14:27:28 +0000 /?p=207282 The Maxwell School has partnered with the Volcker Alliance and We the Veterans for a new initiative that seeks to expand and create career pathways and public service roles for military veterans.

Maxwell is one of 12 schools of public service to join the initiative, called , as part of the Deans Summit, a collaborative network chaired by Dean David M. Van Slyke.

鈥淭he Volcker Alliance鈥檚 Deans Summit is committed to removing barriers and creating pathways to ensure that our veterans access higher education, especially if their goal is to continue their public service,鈥� says Van Slyke.

麻豆频道University and the Maxwell School have clearly stated academic goals to serve veterans and their military connected families and ensure that their academic success leads to professional success, the dean says, adding, 鈥淲e are grateful for their service and believe their experiences and commitment to public service enhances the classroom environment and strengthens our democratic institutions.鈥�

Staff from each participating campus will recruit military-connected students into master鈥檚 degree programs and provide support and guidance to encourage retention and degree attainment. The initiative will also provide students with cross-campus fellowship experience for network building and professional development.

Maxwell is especially well-positioned for the partnership with its master of public administration program, which can be completed in one year and is top-ranked by peer institutions, as well as the myriad resources and opportunities provided by 麻豆频道University through its D鈥橝niello Institute for Veterans and Military Families.

What鈥檚 more, through its Executive Education programming and collaborations with organizations such as the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), Maxwell is poised for another emphasis of the partnership: placement in local government internships and high-need jobs that deepen the military-to-civilian service pipeline.

Dan Nelson鈥�04 M.P.A., director of accelerated learning and global engagement and head of Maxwell鈥檚 state and local initiative, says Service to Service aligns with efforts already underway to empower veterans and military personnel to pursue careers in local government in partnership with ICMA. 鈥淲e are also proactively collaborating with various states to strengthen recruitment initiatives, ensuring that those who have served our country have excellent opportunities to contribute to their communities, he adds.

The is a nonprofit organization founded in 2013 by former Federal Reserve Board chairman and revered economist Paul A. Volcker, who served on the Maxwell School Advisory Board from 2001 until his death in 2019.

Other Maxwell partnerships with the Volcker Alliance include the 麻豆频道University Next Generation Leadership Corps, nicknamed SU NextGen, which offers a two-course internship, special events and mentorship focused on civic engagement to undergraduates campuswide.

is a nonprofit created by veterans and military family members that works with government, tech and academia to launch research-backed initiatives and engage with the over 16 million veterans and their family members.

The Service to Service initiative aims to enroll an inaugural cohort of graduate students for Fall 2025. Interested individuals should complete .

鈥揃y Michael Kelly

 

 

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University Ranked No. 3 for Best Online Bachelor鈥檚 Programs for Veterans of Private Universities for Three Consecutive Years /blog/2025/01/29/university-ranked-no-3-for-best-online-bachelors-programs-for-veterans-of-private-universities-for-three-consecutive-years/ Wed, 29 Jan 2025 20:59:33 +0000 /?p=207186 U.S. News and World Report rankings

麻豆频道University ranks No. 3 in Best for Veterans for Online Bachelor鈥檚 Programs of private universities for three consecutive years, according to U.S. News and World Report鈥檚 2025 Best Online Programs rankings.

麻豆频道University additionally ranked No. 7 for Best Online Bachelor鈥檚 Programs of private universities, and the AACSB-accredited , a partnership between the College of Professional Studies and the Whitman School of Management, ranked No. 1 in Best Online Bachelor鈥檚 in Business Programs of private universities.

鈥淭he rankings are a testament to the excellence of the College of Professional Studies staff and faculty鈥攐f consistently and without fail delivering online programs of exceedingly high quality with a differentiated level of student support,鈥� says Michael Frasciello, dean of the College of Professional Studies. 鈥淥ur third consecutive year ranked No. 3 for Best Online Bachelor鈥檚 Programs for Veterans of private universities similarly demonstrates our unwavering commitment to establishing 麻豆频道University as an unrivaled 鈥榖est place’ for veterans and military-connected students.鈥�

These rankings are attributed to the University鈥檚 innovative degree and certificate programs developed for online learning by best-in-class faculty and instructional design and course development teams.

The College of Professional Studies is raising the bar for what it means to be an online learner by prioritizing student success through high-touch admissions, advising and financial aid counseling. Students gain the prestige and rigor of earning a degree from a top-tier R1 research institution with flexible, part-time online programs taught by University faculty.

To learn more about continuing online education, visit .

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Call for Submissions for the 2025 Veterans Writing Award /blog/2025/01/27/call-for-submissions-for-the-2025-veterans-writing-award/ Mon, 27 Jan 2025 23:35:45 +0000 /?p=207110 麻豆频道University Press, in cooperation with the D鈥橝niello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), is accepting manuscripts for consideration for the 2025 Veterans Writing Award. Submissions should be sent to vwasubmissions@syr.edu by Feb. 15, 2025.

The award includes a $1,000 cash prize and a publication contract with 麻豆频道Uni颅versity Press. Manuscripts of high merit not selected for the final award may receive honorable mention.

The Veterans Writing Award was established in 2019 to recognize the contributions of veterans to the literary arts, shine a light on the multivalent veteran experience and provide a platform for unrecognized military writers.

Unpublished, full-length manuscripts are accepted for consideration. This biennial contest alternates between fiction and nonfiction each award cycle, with the 2025 award open to novels and short story collections.

The award is open to U.S. veter颅ans and active-duty personnel in any branch of the U.S. military and their immediate fam颅ily members. This includes spouses, domestic partners, siblings, parents and children. Women veteran writers, veterans of color, Native American veterans, LGBTQ veterans and those who identify as having a disability are encouraged to submit.

Although work submitted for the contest need not be about direct military experience, original voices and fresh perspectives are sought that will expand and challenge readers鈥� understanding of the lives of veterans and their families. Posthumous submissions are eligible.

Finalists will be read by writer and veteran of the United States Marine Corps Maurice Decaul, and the winning entry will be announced in November of 2025.

Complete rules and submission guidelines can be found on the .

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D鈥橝niello Institute for Veterans and Military Families’ Ray Toenniessen Named 2025 Presidential Leadership Scholar /blog/2025/01/17/daniello-institute-for-veterans-and-military-families-ray-toenniessen-named-2025-presidential-leadership-scholar/ Fri, 17 Jan 2025 22:27:11 +0000 /?p=206869 Ray Toenniessen ’06, a U.S. Army veteran and the newly appointed Deputy Executive Director of the (IVMF), has been named one of 57 Scholars who will form the Presidential Leadership Scholars鈥� (PLS) 10th annual class. For the past decade, PLS has brought together more than 500 diverse, established leaders to collaborate and make a difference in the world as they learn about leadership through the lens of the presidential experiences of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Lyndon B. Johnson.

The class was selected after a rigorous application and review process. Scholars were chosen based on their leadership growth potential and the strength of their personal leadership projects aimed at addressing a critical challenge or need in a community, profession or organization.

A man smiles while posing for a headshot.

Ray Toenniessen

鈥淚 am honored to be selected as a Presidential Leadership Scholar,鈥� Toenniessen says. 鈥淭his is a tremendous opportunity to learn from outstanding leaders across different sectors, exchange fresh ideas and collaborate on solutions to some of our country鈥檚 most pressing challenges. I鈥檓 eager to bring the knowledge and network gained through this program back to our work here at the D鈥橝niello IVMF, where we can continue driving meaningful impact for our nation’s service members, veterans and their families.鈥�

Toenniessen, who served four years as a commissioned officer in the Army, leads more than 100 employees at the D鈥橝niello IVMF, both on campus and across the nation. He advances the Institute鈥檚 16 national training programs and community services, its research and evaluation capabilities, its coalition for veteran-owned businesses and employers, the alumni and engagement network and the D鈥橝niello Institute鈥檚 policy work in Washington D.C.

Toenniessen’s work with the IVMF began upon his return to his alma mater in 2010 after transitioning out of the military, and he became the first national program manager of the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans. In his time with the IVMF, he has been instrumental in the development and growth of the organization鈥檚 programs and services, which have impacted more than 230,000 service members, veterans and military family members.

鈥溌槎蛊档繳niversity and the D鈥橝niello IVMF are proud of Ray Toenniessen鈥檚 selection as a 2025 Presidential Leadership Scholar,” says , vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and the executive director of the IVMF.聽鈥淭hroughout his career, Ray has consistently advanced the interests of veterans and military families. We look forward to Ray鈥檚 continued leadership and significant contributions that only will be enhanced by his PLS experience.鈥�

Throughout the program, Toenniessen and the other scholars will travel to each participating presidential center to learn from former presidents, key former administration officials, business and civic leaders and leading academics. They will study and put into practice varying approaches to leadership and exchange ideas to help strengthen their impact.

Scholars have consistently reported remarkable growth in skills, responsibilities and opportunities for impact since the program began in 2015, including 96% of scholars reporting an improvement in how confidently they can lead social change, and 97% reporting they are inspired to accomplish more since beginning the program.

The 2025 program will begin on Jan. 29.

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From Marine to Mentor: Jackson Capenos Champions Veteran Success at 麻豆频道University /blog/2024/12/20/from-marine-to-mentor-jackson-capenos-champions-veteran-success-at-syracuse-university/ Fri, 20 Dec 2024 16:42:03 +0000 /?p=206443 For Jackson Capenos, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and the University鈥檚 newest school certifying official with the Office of Veteran Success, life has been a journey shaped by resilience, hard work and an unwavering commitment to service.

head shot

Jackson Capenos

Hailing from Central New York in a small town just north of Syracuse, Jackson grew up immersed in a close-knit community. His early life revolved around family, sports and work. Whether chopping wood or doing landscaping work with his grandfather, or taking part in football, track and the band at his high school, Capenos cultivated a strong work ethic that would guide him through life鈥檚 challenges.

鈥淚 grew up in Penneville and went to Phoenix High School; it鈥檚 one of those towns with a gas station and a few churches, not a lot going on. I just spent a lot of time either working for my grandfather, which was just like landscaping and chopping down trees,鈥� says Capenos. 鈥淚 did a lot of athletic stuff, played football since I was 5 years old and also did track and field, and even wrestled for a couple of years.鈥�

A Family Legacy of Service

The call to serve came early. Inspired by a family legacy of military service among his two grandfathers and uncle鈥攕panning the Army, Navy and Air Force, Jackson felt compelled to join the Marines, drawn by the camaraderie and the elite reputation. His grandfather, who Capenos credits with helping to raise him, gave him the most persuasive guidance when Capenos was torn between enlisting after high school or going off to college like a lot of other students.

鈥淗e told me I had two options. I could go to school for a few years and see how that goes, then by the time I was 27 or so it would be harder to join the military, if at all. Or I could go into the military, do my time, but then go to college afterwards and at least it would be paid for,鈥� Capenos says.

During his time in the Marines, Jackson served as an amphibious assault vehicle crewman, a now-discontinued military occupational specialty, but an experience that taught him a lot about taking care of others and attention to detail.

The amphibious assault vehicle (AAV), or 鈥淎mtrack鈥� as it was commonly called, was a lightly armored tracked vehicle that carried infantry Marines from ship to shore on contested beaches. In 2020, eight Marines and a sailor tragically lost their lives during a training incident when their AAV flooded with water, sinking off the coast of California before the service members could escape.

Capenos鈥� role in the AAV was ensuring the Marines in the back were safe, and that included highly detailed inspections of the AAV before the Marines ever boarded it. Every seal, every hinge, every valve was thoroughly checked to ensure the armored vehicle would keep the crew afloat.

head shot of person in military uniform

Jackson Capenos

After being medically separated in 2014, Jackson faced the challenge of transitioning to civilian life. He pursued higher education, earning a degree in psychology from SUNY Oswego, with a focus on military and veteran mental health. His academic path underscored his passion for understanding the struggles veterans face during transitions and finding ways to support them.

After graduating, Capenos moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, for work. With his wife joining him, the pair started to make a new life for themselves and started to settle into the local community. Then COVID hit.

鈥淲e were living near Fort Carson, I became a football coach and was an educational assistant for students with developmental disabilities, so I became really ingrained in my community out there,鈥� says Capenos. 鈥淥nce COVID hit, my wife and I couldn鈥檛 afford to live out there anymore, so we were forced to move back to New York. The day we moved back we found out we were pregnant with our son, and I immediately took the next job that I could.鈥�

His journey eventually led him to 麻豆频道University, where he found his calling as a liaison for student veterans navigating their education benefits. 鈥淲hen I was transitioning, I didn鈥檛 have much support,鈥� Jackson says. 鈥淣ow, I get to be that person for others. To help them navigate the process, talk through challenges and connect them with the resources they need.鈥�

Ensuring Veterans Success

Today, Jackson鈥檚 role is more than a job鈥攊t鈥檚 a mission. He ensures veterans feel supported as they navigate the complexities of higher education, their education benefits and life after military service. His own story of resilience and dedication serves as an inspiration to the students he works with.

鈥淭here are so many parts with education benefits depending on which program the student is using. When you鈥檙e going through that educational process you don鈥檛 always know all the details like how the monthly housing allowance works with the G.I. Bill,鈥� says Capenos. 鈥淎s I鈥檝e been going through my training, I鈥檝e learned that there鈥檚 so many things I never knew about. So, I feel like the important thing about my role here at 麻豆频道University is helping to give the student a peace of mind that they鈥檙e taken care of.聽 Here, the student comes first.鈥�

Capenos, along with the other school certifying officials and administrators working with the , are available to answer questions any student may have about the educational benefits.

In addition to doing presentations for student veterans and keeping them informed about updates to their benefits, the University鈥檚 school certifying officials urge military-connected students to seek them out before making any significant changes to their academic plans to ensure they鈥檒l have the coverage they鈥檙e expecting.

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Veterans Day Spotlight: Student Veterans at 麻豆频道University /blog/2024/11/11/veterans-day-spotlight-student-veterans-at-syracuse-university/ Mon, 11 Nov 2024 20:01:54 +0000 /?p=205277 Every day might be Veterans Day at 麻豆频道University, but on the official holiday, the (OVMA) is highlighting a group of student veterans who are critical to the growing community of military-connected students on campus.

The Executive Board for 麻豆频道University鈥檚 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聽student veterans.

Leonel 鈥淟eo鈥� Aviles 鈥�26 鈥� U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
School of Information Studies

A man smiles while wearing his military uniform.

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 麻豆频道University. Originally from Florida, Aviles found 麻豆频道University through the Warrior-Scholar Project and credits the University鈥檚 admissions staff, along with OVMA’s staff with why he ultimately decided to enroll at Syracuse.

鈥淭he 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,鈥� says Aviles. 鈥淚 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.鈥�

Derick Ramos G鈥�26 鈥� U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
College of Arts and Sciences

A man smiles while wearing his cap and gown.

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 麻豆频道University was because of the competitive academic programs available, particularly for doctoral studies.

鈥淲hen transitioning from the service we may believe that we are behind in some instances compared to other students attending college after high school,鈥� says Ramos, 鈥淜eep your head down and work hard, your dreams and goals will come true. Always remember the words of Winnie the Pooh, 鈥榊ou鈥檙e braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.鈥欌€�

Jurgen Baeza 鈥�26 鈥� U.S. Navy Veteran
College of Engineering and Computer Science

A man poses for a headshot outside.

Jurgen Baeza

Baeza discovered 麻豆频道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鈥檚 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.

鈥淎s 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,鈥� Baeza says.

Savion Pollard 鈥�26 鈥� U.S. Navy Veteran
College of Engineering and Computer Science

A man smiles for a headshot.

Savion Pollard

Pollard served in the Navy for eight years working on board nuclear submarines as a nuclear electronics technician. His time at 麻豆频道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聽from President Joseph R. Biden L鈥�68.

鈥淚 chose to come to 麻豆频道University because it brought me closer to family, and because of its proclamation as the 鈥楤est Place for Vets,鈥欌€� says Pollard, who is currently studying electrical engineering with a minor in computer science. 鈥淚鈥檝e grown to love the campus community, the 麻豆频道city community and the deep connection between the two.鈥�

Pollard has been a member of the SVO鈥檚 executive board for a few years and says his biggest advice for new military-connected students is to 鈥渂uy 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,鈥� Pollard says.

Tojyea 鈥淭J鈥� Matally 鈥�27 鈥� U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
College of Visual and Performing Arts

A man smiles while posing for a headshot.

Tojyea 鈥淭J鈥� 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 麻豆频道University because of its reputation for providing educational opportunities for veterans and military families.

鈥淚 chose to attend 麻豆频道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,鈥� Matally says.

His advice to other student veterans is to 鈥渂e honest with your limitations and strengths, and enjoy your new transition. It鈥檚 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,鈥� Matally says.

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

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How the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs Helps Veteran and Military-Connected Students Pursue Their Higher Ed Goals (Podcast) /blog/2024/11/07/how-the-office-of-veteran-and-military-affairs-helps-veteran-and-military-connected-students-pursue-their-higher-ed-goals-podcast/ Thu, 07 Nov 2024 19:51:50 +0000 /?p=205182 An orange microphone and the text Cuse Conversations is at the top left, and an Orange block S is at the top right. Next to a smiling man's headshot is the text Dwayne Murray 97, Deputy Director, Office of Veteran and Military Affairs.

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 麻豆频道University apart as a best place for veterans and shares his love for working with veterans and military-connected students.

麻豆频道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 鈥�97 is living out his dream job as the OVMA鈥檚 deputy director, and he鈥檚 proud of the work the organization does through its programs and initiatives while serving as the University鈥檚 central hub for veteran and military-connected students.

A man smiles for a headshot while wearing an Orange tie.

Dwayne Murray

鈥淭he OVMA sets our veteran and military-connected students with an opportunity to go through the entire life cycle of being connected to 麻豆频道University, from being recruited to when they graduate with their degrees,鈥� Murray says. 鈥淲e provide student success opportunities, immersion trips, job readiness activities and an outstanding 100% job placement rate thanks to our career services office.鈥�

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.

鈥淭o 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,鈥� Murray says. 鈥淚t’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鈥檝e learned and experiences I鈥檝e had with our campus community.鈥�

On this 鈥溾€機use Conversation,鈥� Murray discusses the impact the OVMA has had on campus and around the world, explores what sets 麻豆频道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 鈥渂aked into our DNA as a University,鈥� including the advent of the Student Army Training Corps, which was the forerunner to the Army ROTC. 麻豆频道University was also home to one of the first Air Force ROTC programs on a college campus in the nation.

Four people smile while posing for a group photo at a tailgate.

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鈥�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.
A man smiles while posing for a photo in his U.S. Army uniform.

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 麻豆频道University in June 2022.

Add it all up and Murray says it鈥檚 easy to see why Military Times consistently ranks 麻豆频道University among the 鈥渂est place for veterans鈥� among private universities.

鈥淲e are fully committed to enhancing the opportunities for our students, and these efforts have led to a global impact,鈥� Murray says. 鈥淲e 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鈥檚 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.鈥�

National Veterans and Military Families Month

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

Dwayne鈥檚 wife, Alison Murray 鈥�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.

鈥淎lison 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,鈥� Dwayne says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an amazing feeling knowing we share this strong connection with our alma mater.鈥�

A wife and husband pose for a photo while sitting on a bench at 麻豆频道University.

Alison and Dwayne Murray.

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College of Law to Hold VALOR Day for CNY Veterans, Service Members and Families /blog/2024/10/17/syracuse-law-to-hold-valor-day-for-cny-veterans-service-members-and-families-2/ Thu, 17 Oct 2024 15:55:01 +0000 /?p=204408 The will hold its Veterans鈥� Advocacy, Law and Outreach (VALOR) Day event on Saturday, Nov. 9 from 9 a.m. to noon in the Center of Progress Building at the New York State Fairgrounds.

Exterior shot of Dineen Hall with the College of Law.

Local attorneys will dispense free legal advice to veterans during the College of Law’s Veterans鈥� Advocacy, Law and Outreach (VALOR) Day event on Saturday, Nov. 9.

Hosted by the , Volunteer Lawyers Project of CNY, Inc., and Hancock Estabrook LLP, Valor Day will take place during the CNY Veterans Expo and will provide a variety of free legal services to local veterans.

Local attorneys will be available to discuss the following services: Simple wills, powers of attorney, advance medical directives, family law, veterans law, tenant鈥檚 rights, debt, real estate and immigration.

Legal consultations are by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, please before Nov. 7.

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Hitting the High Notes: Navy Band Northeast Performance Highlights Navy Week Festivities (Video) /blog/2024/09/10/hitting-the-high-notes-navy-band-northeast-performance-highlights-navy-week-festivities-video/ Tue, 10 Sep 2024 18:54:15 +0000 /?p=202876 When you think of military music, you may imagine the sounds of a rousing march. But as Navy Week sailed into Syracuse, the Navy Band Northeast showed students that they’re about much more than just “Anchors Aweigh.” On Aug. 28, two of the band’s ensembles entertained students at Setnor Auditorium at Crouse College with a variety of classical and jazz pieces. Members even led students in a singalong chorus of the pop anthem “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”

The goal was to show students one of the many options that are available when they graduate. “Some students may not know that you can have an actual career as a musician in the military, but many, many people do,” said Brad Ethington, director of University bands and professor of music.

Ainsley Brouse G’26, who is pursuing a master’s degree in wind conducting in the , says the extent of what military bands do was new to her when she came to college. “I think if I had seen that younger, before college, I think it would’ve made music seem more accessible and more achievable that there is not just one path you can go down, but there’s many, many paths that you can go down,” Brouse said.

After their performance, the musicians answered questions from students about what it means to be in a military band and to be a professional musician more generally. “Anytime you can interact with the very best people in your profession in any way, whether it’s just hearing a performance, getting to ask questions, meeting them, that’s only going to be a positive thing and provide benefits,” Ethington said.

Check out other highlights from Navy Week below.

person in uniform standing with a group of students

Lt. Conor Sullivan ’15, G’18, L’18, fourth from left, spoke with students at the College of Law about opportunities in the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps. (Photo by Beth Kubala)

U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Josh Jackson (left) and Assistant Secretary of the Navy Franklin Parker (center) pose with Chancellor Kent Syverud (right). The two senior Navy leaders took part in a roundtable discussion with the Chancellor as part of Navy Week 麻豆频道to discuss enhancing partnerships between the military branches and higher education, to offer better opportunities for tomorrow鈥檚 leaders. (Photo by Charlie Poag)

people playing musical instruments on stage

Members of the U.S. Navy Band Northeast perform for College of Visual and Performing Arts students in the Setnor Auditorium in Crouse College during Navy Week Syracuse. (Photo by Charlie Poag)

person playing the drums

A member of the U.S. Navy Band Northeast performs for College of Visual and Performing Arts students in the Setnor Auditorium in Crouse College during Navy Week Syracuse. (Photo by Charlie Poag)

person in uniform speaking to a group of people in a classroom

U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Josh Jackson (right) visited with students in the military visual journalism program in the Newhouse School.

person at podium speaking in front of people seated at tables

Misty Fox, director of entrepreneurship and small business with the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, speaks during the 鈥淒oing Business With the Department of Navy鈥� event, co-hosted by APEX Accelerators National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D鈥橝niello Building. (Photo by Charlie Poag)

group of people standing on football turf in JMA Wireless Dome

U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Josh Jackson, second from right, was honored as the Hometown Hero during the 麻豆频道football season opener Aug. 31 vs. Ohio in the JMA Wireless Dome. (Photo by Charlie Poag)

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Retired Air Force Special Tactics Officer and ROTC Alum Jeff Wilkinson 鈥�89 Shares Lessons in Leadership and Preparation /blog/2024/09/09/retired-air-force-special-tactics-officer-and-rotc-alum-jeff-wilkinson-89-shares-lessons-in-leadership-and-preparation/ Mon, 09 Sep 2024 20:11:29 +0000 /?p=203017 military portrait of Jeff Wilkinson in front of an American flag

Jeff Wilkinson

Across the U.S. Department of Defense, there are approximately 650 commissioned flag officers, known as generals or admirals. Achieving this rank is a testament to a service member鈥檚 dedication, knowledge, leadership and ability to effect change.

For retired U.S. Air Force (USAF) Brigadier General Jeff Wilkinson 鈥�89 the path to becoming a flag officer, and the first ever combat rescue officer to be promoted to the rank of general across the USAF, began at 麻豆频道University as an Air Force ROTC cadet.

Wilkinson, who served primarily in Air Force Special Tactics, didn鈥檛 initially see himself rising through the ranks. However, a call to service has guided him throughout his career.

鈥淕rowing up, I was interested in the outdoors, adventures as a Boy Scout, military air shows, museums and that sort of thing. I got serious in high school while figuring out how to pay for school and what I wanted to do,鈥� says Wilkinson, a Buffalo, New York, native who was drawn to 麻豆频道University through his passion for music and playing the saxophone.

鈥淚 started pursuing scholarships. I applied for and received an Air Force scholarship and decided I wanted to be an officer and lead. It was a pathway that allowed me to attend 麻豆频道and be part of its excellent programs,鈥� Wilkinson says.

Music played a significant role in attracting Wilkinson to Syracuse, but his undergraduate studies in mathematics and military science delivered opportunities that laid the foundation for his career. Following the loss of his Zeta Psi fraternity brother, Alex Lowenstein, along with 34 fellow students during the 1988 Pan Am Flight 103 bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland, Wilkinson decided he wanted to make a difference fighting international terrorism.

One of his ROTC instructors suggested he consider the Air Force鈥檚 special operations career field. Unlike many military occupations available to him upon graduation, Special Tactics required an application and passing qualifications.

selfie of two people in 麻豆频道gear at a game

Wilkinson represents his alma mater at a sporting event.

鈥淭here are a limited number of officers in the field, so you have to apply for it, and it鈥檚 really hard to make it through the training pipeline,鈥� Wilkinson says. 鈥淭he washout rate is high. My class started with about 68 people, and six of us graduated. It鈥檚 a hard path, but it鈥檚 where I was meant to be.鈥�

The Air Force鈥檚 Special Tactics community is primarily composed of two roles: Combat Control Team (CCT) and Pararescue (PJ). Combat controllers provide global reach opening remote austere air hubs in hostile territory along with strike capabilities delivering airpower on enemy positions, while pararescuemen offer critical medical care while embedded with other units or by entering contested areas to rescue downed aircrew or wounded service members.

Over 32 years in the Air Force, Wilkinson served on active duty, in the reserve and in the Kentucky Air National Guard as a Special Tactics officer. His service took him across the nation and around the world, supporting operations like Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq.

As he rose from second lieutenant to brigadier general, Wilkinson credits his success to the fundamentals he learned as an ROTC cadet. In the spring of 2024, he returned to 麻豆频道University to share his career insights with ROTC cadets of Detachment 535 before their graduation. As the guest speaker, he shared three key takeaways:

1. Trust in your training.

Wilkinson shared the story of U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Bart Decker, his combat control instructor who later deployed to Afghanistan as part of the initial response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The Special Forces detachments initially deployed required immense flexibility, even adjusting to traveling on horseback through rugged terrain鈥攁 skill long forgotten in military tactics since the early 1940s.

鈥淭he foundations and processes started here in ROTC prepare you to lead in unimaginable scenarios. With a positive attitude, disciplined study and agility of thought, you will succeed. Agile thinking is encouraged in the Air Force and needed for tomorrow鈥檚 wars,鈥� Wilkinson says.

2. Seek advice from your subordinates and be thoughtful in your decisions.

Wilkinson urged the graduating cadets to listen to the noncommissioned officers (NCOs), who often train new officers in their field’s technical expertise. He recalled advice from a senior officer that Wilkinson still considers among the best he鈥檚 received.聽鈥淗e told me that my new rank and certifications gave me the authority to make decisions that, if wrong, could result in the injury or death of my Airmen or, at a minimum, violations that could land me in jail. So, I better be thoughtful in my decisions and listen to my NCOs. Seek their experience and perspective when making decisions,鈥� Wilkinson says.

3. Don鈥檛 wait to make a difference.

Wilkinson, now a senior aerospace science instructor for a high school Junior ROTC detachment in Summerville, South Carolina, has extensive experience mentoring future leaders. He urged young leaders to address issues and find solutions when the moment arises.

He recounted his time leading pararescuemen on a humanitarian response deployment to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. His team of highly trained specialists took four to five hours to search a site, while a nearby FEMA team with rescue dogs cleared an area in 45 minutes.

鈥淲ith persistence, our team established the first rescue dog combat capability in the entire Department of Defense, assigned to the Kentucky Air National Guard. The capability came into existence thanks to the earnest efforts of a dedicated staff sergeant and his flight commander, and now it鈥檚 available to the broader Air Force,鈥� Wilkinson says.

麻豆频道University鈥檚 list of military-connected alumni who reach the prestigious flag officer ranks continues to grow, showcasing the dedication to service that the university instills in its ROTC cadets. As Wilkinson says, however, it鈥檚 not the rank that matters in the end, it鈥檚 the willingness to step forward and serve.

鈥淵ou stand at the forefront of our citizens, willing to be part of something greater than yourself,鈥� says Wilkinson. 鈥淭he American way of life, and American freedoms, are valuable. There鈥檚 always greater opportunities for people who produce results.鈥�

For more information on the University鈥檚 commitment to preparing tomorrow鈥檚 military leaders, visit the to learn about the opportunities available through ROTC.

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Veteran Suicide Prevention Summit Coming to 麻豆频道University /blog/2024/09/05/veteran-suicide-prevention-summit-coming-to-syracuse-university/ Thu, 05 Sep 2024 18:42:45 +0000 /?p=202941 Graphic with text that says SPEd Talk Suicide Prevention Education Mental Health Summit

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (V.A.), the U.S. veteran population has decreased by almost 25% over the past two decades. Despite this decline, veterans continue to account for a significant percentage of suicides. In 2021, more than 16% of those who committed suicide in the United States were veterans despite making up less than 8% of the population.

On Wednesday, Sept. 18, the campus community is invited to the K.G. Tan Auditorium in the National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC) for the Suicide Prevention Education Talk (SPEd Talk) Mental Health Summit. The event is hosted by the 麻豆频道V.A. Medical Center and 麻豆频道University鈥檚 D鈥橝niello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF).

Headshot of person smiling

Mike Waldron

The summit will feature a keynote address by U.S. Marine Corps veteran Mike Waldron, founder and executive director of 23rd Veteran, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans. Waldron launched the organization after overcoming his own trauma from military service and aims to provide unique mental health support for other veterans coping with similar challenges.

Waldron, a graduate of the IVMF鈥檚 Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans program, has been a featured guest speaker on the topic of suicide prevention before. He spoke at the NVRC last year on the topic and continues to be a passionate supporter for veterans struggling with mental health complications due to their time in military service.

鈥淭he idea came from my personal experience, so my business is related to my military service. I served in combat in 2003, and it was about four or five years later I fell into some pretty severe symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. I was struggling with panic attacks every day, multiple times a day. A lot of social anxiety, a lot of nightmares, couldn’t sleep, and I had a really hard time working. I wasn’t sleeping most of the night, and life was just a really big struggle for about four or five years there,鈥� says Waldron. 鈥淭hen I stumbled on something that worked for me, something that pulled me out of it.鈥�

A panel discussion will follow, featuring:

  • Karen Heisig, director of the Greater Central New York Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
  • Leah Piorkowski, licensed mental health counselor with the 麻豆频道VA Medical Center
  • Kyle Thomas, peer specialist with the Health Care for Homeless Veterans program of the 麻豆频道VA Medical Center

Organizations dedicated to supporting veterans and combating suicide in the community will also be present for a resource fair before and after the discussion. The resource fair and reception will take place in the NVRC lobby. The event begins at 3:30 p.m., with the resource fair concluding at 6:30 p.m.

To learn more about this event or to register, visit .

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Passion for Service Led Jennifer Pluta G鈥�15 to Help Military-Connected Community /blog/2024/08/12/passion-for-service-led-jennifer-pluta-g15-to-help-military-connected-community/ Mon, 12 Aug 2024 13:13:17 +0000 /?p=202047 A woman smiles for a headshot with the accompanying text staff spotlight, Jennifer Pluta, director of veteran career services.

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

A woman smiles while posing for a headshot.

Jennifer Pluta

鈥淚’ve always had a desire to go into the service. I鈥檓 so honored to have had this experience and I can鈥檛 believe I鈥檓 now at 25 years of military service,鈥� says Pluta, director of Veteran Career Services in the , who also led the University鈥檚 Veterans Affinity Group for faculty and staff.

鈥淚 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.鈥�

By encouraging student veterans to discover more about the potential employment opportunities available to them, Pluta鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 happy to play in making 麻豆频道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鈥檚 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鈥檛 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鈥檛 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鈥檚 always been so rewarding helping my fellow soldiers. I鈥檓 lucky that I can do something I鈥檓 passionate about while helping others achieve their goals. It鈥檚 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鈥檚 such a rewarding feeling when they understand that employers are interested in their skills and what they bring to the workforce. That鈥檚 the reward, when they realize what鈥檚 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鈥檚 going to be 20 years for me with 麻豆频道University next year. I鈥檓 passionate about empowering our veterans and military-connected students with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed with their professional goals. I鈥檝e had the best time and made some of the most amazing connections by helping the people I鈥檝e served with.

How does your role with career services impact the University鈥檚 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鈥檓 really happy I鈥檝e been able to contribute.

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鈥機use Vet Fest to Be Held at College of Law Sept. 6 /blog/2024/08/06/cuse-vet-fest-to-be-held-at-college-of-law-sept-6/ Tue, 06 Aug 2024 17:41:34 +0000 /?p=201854 The 鈥機use Vet Fest, a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) 麻豆频道VA Medical Center and the College of Law鈥檚 Military and Veterans Law Society (MVLS), will be held on Friday, Sept. 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Dineen Hall鈥檚 Levey Atrium.

The is free and open to all Syracuse-area veterans, including 麻豆频道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鈥檚 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.

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80 Years of the GI Bill: Vice Chancellor on Its Lasting Impact /blog/2024/06/16/80-years-of-the-gi-bill-vice-chancellor-on-its-lasting-impact/ Mon, 17 Jun 2024 01:57:29 +0000 /?p=200705 June 22, 2024, will mark the 80th anniversary of the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, commonly known as the GI Bill of Rights. This landmark legislation has provided millions of WWII veterans and subsequent generations with access to college education and more.

In the video, 麻豆频道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 .

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Faculty Share Perspectives on Mental Health /blog/2024/05/06/faculty-share-perspectives-on-mental-health/ Mon, 06 May 2024 20:45:36 +0000 /?p=199701 Did you know experience serious mental illness each year? If you’re working on a story for Mental Health Awareness Month, our 麻豆频道University faculty experts are available for interviews. Please see their names, background, and thoughts about this month’s recognition below. If you’d like to schedule an interview, please reach out to Vanessa Marquette, media relations specialist, at vrmarque@syr.edu. You also can use their comments as is and link to this webpage for reference.

, is an associate professor in the Department of Public Administration and International Affairs at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and a senior research associate in the Center for Policy Research. Her expertise includes suicide prevention, and she is currently conducting multiple studies aimed at identifying and mitigating the barriers to mental health help-seeking. She writes: “As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s crucial to recognize that individuals with severe mental health conditions may not seek help or treatment, even among college students who typically exhibit lower levels of stigma associated with mental health treatment. Our recent survey of 麻豆频道University students suggests that approximately 33% are experiencing moderate to severe depressive symptoms, with about 13%聽reporting suicidal ideation. However, only slightly more than half of those with these serious conditions sought treatment, either on- or off-campus, in the past 12 months. Given that our students have full health insurance coverage and good access to care, the low rate could be attributed to perceived stigma; quite a few of our students responded that others would think less of someone who has received mental health treatment. Mental Health Awareness Month provides an excellent opportunity to reach out to those struggling with mental health issues and assure them that seeking help is entirely acceptable.”

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, is an assistant teaching professor at 麻豆频道University’s Falk College. He teaches courses in human sexuality, cultural diversity, and relationship therapy with LGBTQ clients. . He writes: “Mental health is a conversation that we all should be having; this month gives us a moment to reflect on those around us who may need additional support. For example, the LGBTQ community experiences higher rates of mental health needs. This is driven from the compounded impact of minority stress, or external discrimination which leads to psychological distress. This year a record number of anti-lgbt bills () have been introduced across the nation. This disheartening statistic highlights the overt discrimination and resulting fear for many. As the need for support increases, therapists should increase their accessibility to this community through LGBTQ-affirming therapy, offering support and validation of their lived experiences.”

Kenneth J. Mar, is an associate teaching professor of social work at 麻豆频道University’s Falk College. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a mental health therapist, family advocacy officer in charge, and as manager of the alcohol and drug prevention and treatment program. . He writes: “Addressing the mental health challenges and suicide risks within the military demands a multi-pronged and proactive strategy. This approach should include enhancing mental health services, bolstering support for families, and advocating for a sustainable work-life balance. Such a balance would help soldiers understand the significance and impact of their work on the lives of American civilians, underscoring its meaningfulness. Confronting systemic issues is a critical step towards fostering a healthier, more resilient, and operationally effective military force. By committing to these measures, we can offer robust support to our soldiers, contributing significantly to the establishment of a fortified and capable military entity.”

Headshot photo of Associate Professor Matthew Mulvaney, associate professor at the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, is a聽parenting researcher who joined the Falk College in 2012 following a series of faculty appointments, including a Fulbright fellowship in Cyprus. In both teaching and research, he seeks to understand the principles by which parents and families support optimal child development. He has a broad interest in working to enhance teaching in the developmental sciences. He writes: “In terms of parenting and mental health, one of the most current topics is the work outlined by Jonathan Haidt in his newly-released book ‘The Anxious Generation’ In that work he is basically arguing that an over controlling, overprotective approach to parenting that also encompasses funneling kids into using phones and other media is what is responsible for the growth in mental health challenges. The idea is that parents are overly concerned about the physical harms that might happen to their children so they keep them away from free unsupervised play. Through free unsupervised play, children learn to feel more confident and less anxious- and also spend less time with phones. So this overprotectiveness based on anxiety about potential harms leads them to actually experience high rates of anxiety because they are less prepared to deal with the challenges of adolescence.”

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IVMF Awarded $3.5M Grant From Google to Train Veterans, Military-Connected Spouses on Cybersecurity and AI /blog/2024/04/26/ivmf-awarded-3-5m-grant-from-google-to-train-veterans-military-connected-spouses-on-cybersecurity-and-ai/ Fri, 26 Apr 2024 17:22:04 +0000 /?p=199383 rows of people sitting in an audience

Attendees at a press conference learned about a new initiative from Google that would provide funding for free access to specific Google coursework. The D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) will receive $3.5 million. J. Michael Haynie, third from right, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and the executive director of the IVMF, spoke at the press conference in Washington, D.C.

麻豆频道University鈥檚 (IVMF) received a $3.5 million grant from Google to help train our nation鈥檚 transitioning service members, veterans and military-connected spouses on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence topics.

The funding, part of Google鈥檚 $75 million AI Opportunity Fund, will provide free access to Google鈥檚 AI Essentials Course and the Google cybersecurity certificate to ) participants. The IVMF is one of the fund鈥檚 first recipients.

鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to partner with Google on this new initiative, which will help make AI training universally accessible throughout the country. With this new Google AI Essentials Course, we are confident that we can arm veterans and military spouses with the training and skills necessary to begin to leverage the technology and put it to use in their career,鈥� said , vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and the executive director of the IVMF, at a press conference today in Washington, D.C.

Over the next three years, the goal is to train transitioning service members, veterans and military-connected spouses on how to best leverage and incorporate AI into their daily lives.

鈥淎I offers significant opportunities to accelerate economic growth, particularly if people have access to the right resources and training,鈥� said James Manyika, senior vice president for research, technology and society at Google. 鈥淕oogle.org鈥檚 new AI Opportunity Fund and Google鈥檚 AI Essentials Course are important next steps in our commitment to ensure everyone, everywhere can access AI training. No single employer or policymaker will be able to modernize workforce programs on their own鈥攚e are committed to collaborating across industry, civil society and government to ensure the opportunities created by new technologies are available to everyone.鈥�

Haynie said the IVMF team provides training, education and technical assistance to more than 20,000 service members, veterans and military-connected family members annually. Recently, Haynie said one of the most asked about questions from the veteran community involved ways to learn more about AI and its everyday uses.

This grant from Google addresses both a specific need for veterans and a specific gap in training nationwide, as only half of workers have access to sufficient AI training opportunities, according to the .

A man delivers remarks while standing at a podium. The Google logo is on the left portion of the background.

J. Michael Haynie

鈥淲e鈥檝e found that military veterans are eager to embrace the technology in their professional life to increase productivity, whether while running their own small business or working for one of America鈥檚 employers. We were working to find the right answer for them, but with an increasingly crowded marketplace of resources and training it was difficult to identify the right opportunity鈥nter our friends at Google. This training will have a lasting impact on veterans and military spouses,鈥� Haynie said of , which has supported IVMF with its efforts of preparing transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses to bring their skills to civilian careers since 2013.

According to Google, its online AI Essentials course, taught by the tech giant鈥檚 industry experts, will train people to use generative AI effectively in their day-to-day work. Participants will receive practical, hands-on experience with AI鈥攊ncluding best practices and how to responsibly use AI鈥攁nd those who complete the course will earn a certificate from Google to share with their network and with potential employers. The course normally costs $49 per person, but thanks to this grant, IVMF participants can learn these skills at no cost.

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Victory for Veterans: Law Expert Reacts to Supreme Court Decision /blog/2024/04/17/victory-for-veterans-law-expert-reacts-to-supreme-court-decision/ Wed, 17 Apr 2024 19:39:02 +0000 /?p=199018 The Supreme Court of a decorated veteran of the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq after a lengthy legal battle with the government regarding 12 months of G.I. Bill educational benefits. Retired Lt. Col. , teaching professor and executive director of 麻豆频道University College of Law鈥檚 Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic, shared her thoughts below on the decision. If you鈥檇 like to schedule an interview with her, please reach out to Vanessa Marquette, media relations specialist, at vrmarque@syr.edu.

Beth Kubala in front of a brown background.Kubala writes: 鈥淗ere at 麻豆频道University, we pride ourselves on being the 鈥淏est Place for Veterans,鈥� especially when it comes to Syracuse鈥檚 support to veterans who utilize their VA Education Benefits to pursue their educational goals.聽 Today, the Supreme Court ruled that an Army Veteran may use educational benefits that he earned under both the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill.聽 The decision is a win for Veterans and allows them to receive the full extent of the benefits they earned.聽 No veteran should be penalized for their continued service by having to choose one benefit when they earned two.聽 Here at the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal clinic we have cases involving education benefits and I鈥檓 thrilled to see the Court find that service members who accrue these benefits may use them as they choose.鈥�

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Staff Members Recognized for Showing Support to Veterans and Military Families /blog/2024/04/06/staff-members-recognized-for-showing-support-to-veterans-and-military-families/ Sat, 06 Apr 2024 12:07:08 +0000 /?p=198505 Not only does the saying 鈥渋t takes a village鈥� apply to raising children, but it also applies to supporting veterans and their families before, during and after their deployments. With 麻豆频道recognized as being a Best Place for Veterans, it comes as no surprise that staff members at the University have been recognized for supporting military members and their families.

Vanessa Marquette G鈥�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鈥�19 was recognized by the National Infantry Association (NIA) with the Shield of Sparta 鈥� Heroine of the Infantry award after her husband鈥檚 most recent deployment in Africa. This honor is awarded to a spouse who has contributed significantly to the infantry. The NIA鈥檚 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鈥檚 way.

Two people dressed up in formal cloths standing together smiling

Ryan and Vanessa Marquette

Marquette鈥檚 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鈥�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鈥檚 dedication鈥攁nd her own understanding of the sacrifices that families make鈥攗ltimately 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鈥�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鈥� deployments, Ryan鈥檚 previous deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa, and through her previous work at the D鈥橝niello 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鈥攁nd 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

Two people standing together smiling with one person holding an award

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鈥攐ften unintentionally鈥攗nsympathetic toward military spouses who request accommodations to their work schedule so that the service member鈥檚 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

鈥淒aryl and Vanessa embody what it takes for 麻豆频道University to be the Best Place for Veterans,鈥� says Mike Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation. 鈥淭hey are consistent supporters of our military-connected students and employees and use their professional talents to tell this important pillar of our university鈥檚 story. Staff play a large role in our University鈥檚 work on behalf of veterans and military families, and I am proud of Daryl and Vanessa for setting a stellar example for our community.鈥�

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.

鈥淗aving 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,鈥� says Ellen Mbuqe, executive director of media relations. 鈥淪urprising 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.鈥�

Three people standing together smiling

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

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Soaring Over Barriers: Cindy Boyd G鈥�04 Reflects on Navigating an Aeronautical Career /blog/2024/03/19/soaring-over-barriers-cindy-boyd-g04-reflects-on-navigating-an-aeronautical-career/ Tue, 19 Mar 2024 21:33:55 +0000 /?p=197979 Despite the Hollywood portrayal of combat aviation as a glamorous and glitzy environment, military aviators operate in highly perilous conditions, facing challenges that many civilian pilots wouldn’t dare encounter. Nevertheless, the inherent risks do not deter numerous young men and women who aspire to become military aviators, with some even seeking the job for the allure of potential danger.

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Cindy Boyd

For Cindy Boyd G鈥�04, the journey toward becoming a military aviator was motivated by a desire to be at the forefront of engineering. She originally showed little to no interest in the military while growing up in Northeast Pennsylvania.

As a self-described scrapper and daughter of a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Boyd initially did not view the military as a viable option until a cousin introduced her to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. However, early on, people began suggesting she pursue an alternative path.

“Even though I was a straight-A student coming out of high school, a member of the National Honor Society, and all of that stuff, I was told it was highly unlikely that I was going to get into West Point,” Boyd says. Despite having a stellar academic record, she was advised to have a backup plan for West Point simply because she was a woman.

The prestigious military academy was still in the process of adjusting to the reality of being a co-educational institution. In 1980 the first group of women graduated from West Point and, like other military academies throughout the ’80s and ’90s, change to accommodate women was begrudgingly slow.

鈥淚 was accepted into the class of ’92, and the first year was a struggle because I had a lot of making up to do. The high school I came from didn鈥檛 have a strong STEM program, and I had to catch up to my peers,” says Boyd. “The beautiful thing about West Point is once they invest in you, they have the leaders and the instructional staff there to help you overcome those setbacks.鈥�

Boyd attributes her success to her parents, who instilled in her the drive and determination that played a significant role in overcoming challenges. Out of approximately 1,500 first-year cadets, or “plebes,” Boyd remembers around 150 being women, a number that dwindled to approximately 95 by the time she graduated in 1992 with a degree in engineering.

Upon graduation, Boyd was commissioned into the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant. Having secured one of 16 highly sought-after aviation branch assignments, she underwent rigorous flight training to become a UH-60 Black Hawk pilot. At that time, being a woman and a military aviator was a significant accomplishment. However, Boyd’s determination and grit propelled her to continually seek out the next big challenge, and years later she would become one of the very few women in the military at the time to command a company.

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Cindy Boyd G鈥�04 flying a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk

“In the early ’90s, there weren’t many women in officer roles, even fewer who were in charge, so you get a lot of visibility. You’re going to have your naysayers,鈥� says Boyd, who served as the commanding officer of a combat aviation unit at Fort Bragg, now known as Fort Liberty, in North Carolina. “I had a lot of people who did not invest in my success, but I had to find a way to overcome it.”

Boyd reminisces about the immense pride she felt in commanding troops, and while leading troops is a pinnacle of achievement for most military leaders, Boyd says she had other goals that were out of reach in the Army. She began shaping what she wanted her post-service life to look like.

鈥淲hen I was in the military, I really wanted to become a maintenance test pilot, but as a commissioned officer that wasn鈥檛 really endorsed,鈥� says Boyd. 鈥淚t was one of those things where, just like back in the ’80s when people told me I would never get into West Point鈥� when people say that, that鈥檚 when I go and do it.鈥�

Civilian life did not curb Boyd’s trailblazing determination. A position with Carrier Corporation brought her to Central New York after leaving the Army. Soon after she leveraged her military and engineering networks in the region;聽 she became one of the first women hired by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation as a test pilot.

“Back in the day, there was a woman who helped Igor Sikorsky; she’s really considered to be their first woman test pilot. But it had been 80 years since they had another one, and so they hired me,” says Boyd. “I had the engineering degree, the military background and the flying qualifications. I think they brought me in with a little bit of risk, but they figured they could train me, and I loved it.”

As a test pilot for Sikorsky, which produced the UH-60 helicopter she flew in the Army, Boyd developed an interest in the business aspect of engineering. Although she could have settled for her day-to-day work as a test pilot, her curiosity drove her to apply to the , where she pursued a master’s degree in business administration.

three people standing on a mountain

Cindy Boyd G鈥�04 with her husband, daughter and family dog enjoying the Adirondacks.

“麻豆频道was perfect because of the quality of the instruction, the professors, and of course because it was in my backyard. Working with the program managers at Sikorsky, I saw the value in making good, solid business decisions, and I wanted to understand that world a lot better because I didn’t see myself flying for the next 30 to 40 years,” says Boyd.

After completing the MBA program at Whitman, Boyd initially took a position with nearby Lockheed Martin as a contract manager, later transitioning into program management. Today, she continues to work today as a senior manager in program management, focusing on the company’s development of U.S. Navy airborne radar programs.

Boyd resides with her husband and daughter on a plot of farmland outside of Syracuse. She acknowledges the barriers placed before her simply for being a woman working in environments where men had traditionally barred women from entry, but still encourages young women to seek out mentors, both women and men, who will provide honest feedback.

“Looking back at it now, having been through a lot more leadership experience, I think I would have reached out and networked more with not only my peers but with my senior leadership to get their mentorship,” says Boyd. “That was a real gap in my life experience back then, and I value it now more than ever.”

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Falk College, Cabana Form Innovative Partnership to Aid Military Veterans 聽 /blog/2024/02/29/falk-college-cabana-form-innovative-partnership-to-aid-military-veterans/ Thu, 29 Feb 2024 17:05:12 +0000 /?p=197154 and are U.S. military veterans who have dedicated their lives to helping active military members, veterans and their families.

Together, they have created a new and innovative partnership starting this spring that will greatly benefit veterans as well as students from the in the .

Nick Armstrong and Ken Marfilius.

Nick Armstrong (left) and Ken Marfilius

Marfilius, a U.S. Air Force veteran and assistant dean of online education and associate teaching professor in the School of Social Work, and Amstrong, a U.S. Army veteran and head of public sector at , teamed with Cabana co-founder and CEO to form a partnership that will integrate their immersive group support technology into the School of Social Work鈥檚 curriculum and tap into the combined strengths and capabilities of both organizations.

“Our collaboration with Ken and Falk leverages our immersive support technology platform, Cabana, and combines it with 麻豆频道University鈥檚 academic excellence and its nationally recognized commitment to veterans,鈥� Armstrong says. 鈥淥ur plan includes hands-on initiatives such as internships, collaborative education and joint research. These efforts will bring our partnership to fruition and strengthen our shared commitment to serving military communities.鈥�

As 麻豆频道University鈥檚 first Post 9/11 GI Bill recipient, Armstrong earned an M.P.A. and Ph.D. from the . He spent nine years at Syracuse鈥檚 before joining Cabana, which builds innovative technology solutions that provide guided mental health support for employers, health care workers and military professionals.

Marfilius, who received a bachelor鈥檚 degree in psychology from 麻豆频道and M.S.W. and D.S.W. degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, developed the first military mental health course at the Falk College, serves as Falk鈥檚 student veteran liaison, and led the creation of the partnership between Falk and the University鈥檚 College of Law that helps聽 veterans access the legal services they need.

So, when Armstrong reached out to Marfilius to discuss ways in which they could partner around the services Cabana provides to military populations, Marfilius jumped right in and started working with Armstrong and Black on the framework for their collaboration.

鈥淚 believe the partnership between Cabana and the Falk College is innovative in social work education and mental wellness,鈥� Marfilius says. 鈥淚t offers the ability to integrate real-world internships and cutting-edge tele-mental health training into our curriculum. We can prepare our graduate students for the future of social work, ensuring they are not only skilled but also technologically adept.鈥�

Cabana partnership with School of Social Work.

Cabana鈥檚 immersive group support technology for clients includes a video component (center), a chat feature (right) and the functionality to be anonymous and mute your microphone within the group setting (left).

Here are the highlights of this unique partnership:

  • Cabana Internship. Cabana will host one graduate student intern from the School of Social Work to support ongoing peer group support operations and psychoeducational content development. The intern will work under the supervision of Cabana鈥檚 head of mental wellness for a minimum of 500 hours.
  • Tele-Mental Health Training and Education Support. Cabana will collaborate with the Falk College faculty to embed its immersive group support technology into ongoing coursework and curricula to foster training and preparation of future social work professionals.

鈥淭he tele-behavioral health landscape is evolving rapidly, demanding practitioner and client adaptability to virtual environments,鈥� Armstrong says. 鈥淥ur partnership infuses Falk’s curriculum with leading-edge tools via Cabana鈥檚 underlying technology platform, better preparing students for client engagements through digital platforms.

鈥淢oreover, Falk students, equipped with an advanced tier of military cultural competence, will enhance our clients鈥� experiences鈥攁nd their future clients鈥攚ith more relatable, informed support that builds trust and overcomes stigma,鈥� Armstrong says.

  • Military and Veteran Virtual Peer Groups. Cabana will work with Falk faculty and its alumni network to assist ongoing virtual peer support groups for military and veterans starting this spring.

鈥淭his collaboration aligns with the 麻豆频道University mission to be the best place for vets, and it uniquely positions us to offer specialized support to our military and veteran communities,鈥� Marfilius says. 鈥淭hrough virtual peer support groups and the development of tailored psychoeducational content, we are providing them with the essential mental health support they deserve.鈥�

  • Military and Veteran Psychoeducational Content Development. Cabana will work with Falk College faculty to review and evaluate Cabana content as a third-party reviewer.

鈥淓ngaging with industry partners allows us to bring practical, real-world experiences into our academic environment,鈥� Marfilius says. 鈥淭his partnership brings vast possibilities for research collaborations and advancement in peer interventions and group psychoeducation.鈥�

  • CEU/Education Credits. Falk College faculty will provide feedback, evaluate and, where appropriate, certify Cabana groups and content to satisfy New York State CEU (continuing education unit) requirements for well-being hours.
  • Research Collaborations. As opportunities arise for Cabana and the Falk College, the two entities agree to evaluate research collaborations and grant opportunities surrounding peer interventions, group psychoeducation and other forms of mental health support.

鈥淭his collaboration aims to address the critical national shortage of mental health professionals, leveraging technology to extend reach and overcome barriers to access, especially for underserved populations,鈥� Armstrong says. 鈥淚t’s not just about serving more; it’s about serving smarter and cultivating a workforce ready for the challenges of today’s and tomorrow’s mental health landscape.鈥�

Social work students interested in getting involved in this partnership should email Marfilius at kjmarfil@syr.edu, or School of Social Work Director of Field Education Tracy Walker at ttwalker@syr.edu. Graduate students interested in the internship will go through an interview process with the School of Social Work and Cabana, and the intern will receive a modest stipend.

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Veteran Eric Watson’s ’91 Journey From Marine Corps Aviator to Information Technology Manager /blog/2024/02/27/veteran-eric-watsons-91-journey-from-marine-corps-aviator-to-information-technology-manager/ Tue, 27 Feb 2024 13:31:19 +0000 /?p=197160 Eric Watson 鈥�91 wasn鈥檛 envisioning himself as a U.S. Marine Corps aviator when he first came to 麻豆频道University. The Washington D.C., native originally intended on studying computer science, but as is the case with many college students, Watson realized his actual interests weren鈥檛 aligned with his studies. During his time as an undergraduate, he says he learned a lot more about himself and the value of community while on campus.

A man poses for a headshot with the American flag in the background.

Eric Watson

鈥淥ne of the biggest things I learned during my time at 麻豆频道is association with my fraternity brothers,鈥� says Watson, who was a member of Omega Psi Phi. 鈥淭hey helped me understand how to be a part of a group, or a team, and how to work collectively with others.鈥�

Watson had grown up as a traditional latchkey kid and being the only child of a single mother had made him fiercely independent. At an early age, Watson learned to cook for himself, care for himself, and take care of things around the house while his mother worked two, sometimes three jobs to pay the bills.

Watson says his mother鈥檚 determination still serves as a guiding beacon and that her work ethic continues to be an influence on him today.

鈥淎t the end of the day, I didn鈥檛 even graduate with a computer science degree. I was just into the philosophical aspect of computer science,鈥� says Watson, who graduated with a degree in philosophy from the with a minor in math. 鈥淭he philosophy behind all of it, and how it works in the background was intriguing to me, but the actual X鈥檚 and O鈥檚 of the operations of making things happen was just not my cup of tea at the time.鈥�

As a young man, another thing that intrigued him was the prospect of doing something exciting after graduation. Watson was in the Schine Student Center while a U.S. Marine Corps selection officer had a table display set up featuring a video of the various military aircraft used by the Marine Corps. The thought of flying seemed cool, and after speaking with the recruiter about how to become a pilot, Watson’s intrigue became focused on a goal.

The fact that the Marine Corps was the only branch that offered a guaranteed flight option was the most appealing aspect to Watson, who reported to Officer Candidate School at Marine Corps Base Quantico in April 1992. If Watson had joined another branch, there was a chance he would have been ed in another job, something Watson didn鈥檛 care for.

After two years of flight training in Pensacola, Florida, Watson became a certified AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter pilot. The Cobra is a lightweight, nimble attack helicopter that provides close air support for Marine Corps ground forces. Cobra pilots are often forward deployed, meaning the Marines they support from the air are also the same Marines they eat meals with. When Watson spoke to ground units on the radio while he was in the air above them, it wasn鈥檛 a stranger鈥檚 voice speaking back to him, and Watson’s voice was often a welcome relief for his fellow Marines on the ground.

Watson bounced around between flying and serving in staff positions as a commissioned officer. A few promotions later, Watson wound up switching platforms to fly the UC-35 Cessna Citation, a small business jet the Marine Corps uses for passenger and cargo transport. Watson flew the Citation around the world, in and out of places like Qatar, Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Jordan among others.

鈥淔lying was great, I could still fly today but it would take the money away from my kids鈥� activities,鈥� says Watson, who with his wife, Tammie, has raised four children; Erykah, Taneya, Eric, and Teyana, ranging in age from 15 to 27.

鈥淚 think, for me, it was just being exposed to the different cultures around the world and being able to go different places and see different things that I never would have experienced had I not been in the Marine Corps.鈥�

Upon retirement, Watson transitioned within the Department of Defense from the U.S. Marine Corps to the Defense Health Agency. It was here he combined his interest in computers and technology with his background in managing operations as a Marine Corps officer as an information technology project manager.

鈥淚 think anything we do in our staff jobs as Marines is, in some way, shape, or form, associated with some type of project, it鈥檚 very project-oriented work and that was a natural progression for me and my career if I wasn鈥檛 going to fly,鈥� says Watson, who earned his project management professional (PMP) certificate and became an Information Technology (IT) project manager after his military service.

Watson still works as a project manager in IT, but just like in his Marine Corps days, he鈥檚 focused on protecting people. Watson now works for the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau, protecting consumers from predatory practices by banks, credit lenders and credit reporting companies alike. While not the same as flying attack helicopters and business jets, Watson says he leans on his military experience to find success in his current career.

鈥淢y military background definitely helps with the leadership and the prioritization of work. It helps in that it lets me maintain a level head in different situations and scenarios,鈥� says Watson.

Living in Maryland, Watson now enjoys the opportunity to connect with other 麻豆频道University alumni in addition to his fraternity brothers and fellow veterans in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area. Special events on campus bring him back from time to time, but technology helps him stay connected to his friends too.

鈥淵ou lose contact with a few people over the years, but then there鈥檚 a mechanism to reach back out and get back in contact with things like Facebook and social media,鈥� says Watson. 鈥淚 had a blast while I was at 麻豆频道University, but it鈥檚 always been the people that I鈥檝e had a blast with while I was there, and still have fun with today.鈥�

The connection to campus has encouraged Watson to give back to the community that had a distinct impact on his life. To support the , which provides critical financial assistance, leadership training, and alumni mentors for underrepresented students at 麻豆频道University, Watson established the Our Time Has Come Eric R. Watson Family Scholarship. Watson鈥檚 scholarship will contribute to those efforts with a preference towards military-connected students.

For more information on supporting the Our Time Has Come Eric R. Watson Family Scholarship, or to learn more about programs to support underrepresented students at 麻豆频道University, please visit the .

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Generosity of Soldiers Inspired Benetta Dousuah G’25 to Enlist in the Army /blog/2024/02/26/generosity-of-soldiers-inspired-benetta-dousuah-g25-to-enlist-in-the-army/ Mon, 26 Feb 2024 20:26:53 +0000 /?p=197148 U.S. Army veteran Benetta Dousuah G鈥�25, currently a graduate student in the , vividly recalls her family’s escape from Liberia during the back-to-back civil wars that ravaged the nation between 1989 and 2003. Initially seeking refuge in a camp in Ghana, it took almost a decade before they secured the opportunity to immigrate to the United States.

Three members of the military smile while posing for headshots.

U.S. Army veteran Benetta Dousuah G鈥�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.

鈥淎fter 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,鈥� 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鈥檚 logistical units often play a vital role in humanitarian operations, particularly in remote areas with limited infrastructure.

A woman and her daughter pose for a photo alongside a dolphin.

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

鈥淲e were deployed to Indiana to help with the Afghan refugee resettlement process,鈥� 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.

鈥淚 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,鈥� 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.

Six soldiers pose for a photo in Washington, DC

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

鈥淥ur mental health is not taken as seriously as it should be. If I鈥檓 experiencing social anxiety I may not be comfortable in the situation, but that鈥檚 not how people see it,鈥� says Dousuah. 鈥淭hey just label us as angry, and it puts a lot of pressure on us when it comes to our mental health.鈥�

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.

鈥淲hile my concentration is on the clinical side of social work, I鈥檝e also been able to take AIP (Advanced Integrated Practice) classes, which are more policy-related in a way,鈥� says Dousuah. 鈥淢y classes are helping me implement what I鈥檓 learning into the idea of building the school.鈥�

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

鈥淭he 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鈥檝e been through. It鈥檚 helped me understand the whole holistic aspect of connecting veterans to resources, some of which I knew nothing about before,鈥� says Dousuah.

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

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Music City Welcomes 16th Annual Conference for Student Veterans /blog/2024/01/18/music-city-welcomes-16th-annual-conference-for-student-veterans/ Thu, 18 Jan 2024 22:41:04 +0000 /?p=195742 Before the start of the spring semester, members of 麻豆频道University’s military-connected community, including students, faculty and staff, journeyed to Tennessee for the 16th Annual Student Veterans of America (SVA) National Conference (NATCON).

people standing up banner that says welcome

More than 20 people from the University鈥檚 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 鈥�22, G鈥�23, who serves as the president of the Student Veterans Organization, the event proved to be an outstanding success.

鈥淭he conference provided a plethora of sensational job opportunities and unparalleled networking experiences with industry giants such as EY, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and more,鈥� 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, 麻豆频道University is well-represented by faculty and staff at NATCON each year. The D鈥橝niello 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. 鈥淚t was a profound opportunity to highlight the critical research conducted here at 麻豆频道University. It鈥檚 a testament to our commitment to enhancing the lives of veterans through education and entrepreneurship,” Maury says.

people doing a presentation in front of tables of peopleMaury, 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.

鈥淩epresenting 麻豆频道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,鈥� says Dwayne Murray, the OVMA鈥檚 deputy director and a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel.

Murray also participated in presentations with the IVMF鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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.

row of people standing outside

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 麻豆频道University enjoyed an evening at the Grand Ole Opry house, where they were treated to performances by various musicians, including 麻豆频道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 麻豆频道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 麻豆频道University that will continue to make it 鈥渢he best place for veterans.鈥�

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Center for Health Behavior Research and Innovation Unites Investigators Across Disciplines to Improve Health and Well-Being /blog/2023/12/05/center-for-health-behavior-research-and-innovation-unites-investigators-across-disciplines-to-improve-health-and-well-being/ Tue, 05 Dec 2023 18:00:18 +0000 /?p=194716 studio portrait of Joseph Ditre

Joseph Ditre

The (A&S) is pleased to announce the opening of the Center for Health Behavior Research and Innovation (CHBRI). The center will promote and support innovative health behavior research, training and community outreach endeavors across disciplines in A&S and will work with other University research centers that study behavioral health.

The center鈥檚 inaugural director is聽, professor of psychology. A faculty member at 麻豆频道University since 2012, Ditre鈥檚 program of translational clinical research involves basic and applied work in the areas of health psychology and behavioral medicine, with an emphasis on the intersection of substance use and chronic pain.

A Collaborative Approach

As director of CHBRI, Ditre will help promote connections among faculty that extend beyond departments and colleges. These partnerships will allow researchers to better understand and address the complex impact of individual and group actions, behaviors and decisions on physical and mental health, disease development and management, and overall well-being.

Signature areas of focus include behavioral determinants of health such as substance use, diet, exercise and sleep; the interplay of psychosocial factors like stress, resilience, trauma, cognition and affective processes; the application of emerging technologies such as biometric monitoring, mobile intervention delivery and virtual reality; and the adaptation and integration of personalized treatments.

Biopsychosocial and behavioral factors influence all states of health, disease and human thriving, and 麻豆频道University is well-positioned to make additional important contributions to the field by leveraging shared expertise.

鈥擩oseph Ditre

According to Ditre, the center will support collaboration among faculty whose work spans the translational spectrum of health behavior research, from human laboratory studies to the development and subsequent implementation of innovative assessment and intervention approaches.

CHBRI has three areas of emphasis:

  • Research and Collaboration
    CHBRI will cultivate cross-university interdisciplinary research collaborations among faculty, students and community partners from diverse fields including psychology, medicine, sociology, epidemiology, public health and policy. By working closely with local and national organizations and health care systems, CHBRI aims to increase opportunities for faculty and students to secure funding and conduct high impact health behavior research.
  • Health Equity
    Through a commitment to health equity鈥攚here everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health鈥擟HBRI will unify and build upon the interests and expertise of faculty and students who investigate and address psychosocial determinants that underlie and contribute to health disparities.
  • Education and Training
    CHBRI will help train the next generation of health behavior researchers and clinicians by providing integrated opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students. Experiential and inquiry-based learning, along with health behavior-oriented educational programs will help prepare future researchers and healthcare professionals.

A Commitment to Veterans

Building on the University鈥檚 existing strengths and resources related to the field of military and veteran studies, one of the center鈥檚 first major projects will be a collaboration between A&S, the聽聽and the聽 (IVMF). This initiative will establish a health behavior research program with an emphasis on promoting mental and behavioral health, well-being and resilience among veteran and military populations. Through this partnership, the center will hire two postdoctoral scholars to help establish and grow the IVMF/CHBRI collaboration.

According to data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, over 5 million veterans experience a behavioral health condition each year. Furthermore, over half of veterans with a mental illness and more than 90% of those experiencing a substance use disorder did not receive treatment in the past year. With behavioral health being a key driver of overall health, the work at CHBRI will yield essential insights that iteratively inform the development and dissemination of innovative and scalable programs and services.

A&S Dean notes that Ditre鈥檚 extensive history of collaborative research and work with the veteran population make him the perfect person to lead this effort. 鈥淭hanks to the collaborations that will be fostered by Professor Ditre and the center, our faculty and students will be contributing to much needed improvements in health care and health equity,鈥� says Mortazavi.

, vice president for research and Charles Brightman Endowed Professor of Physics says, 鈥淭he Office of Research is enthusiastic to support this new collaboration between Arts and Sciences and the D鈥橝niello Institute. The new center will open possibilities for new research collaborations not just between psychology and the IVMF鈥檚 research team, but across many different research areas at 麻豆频道that impact behavioral health. The center’s research is closely aligned with our excellence in the area of human thriving and the University鈥檚 goal of being the best place for veterans.鈥�

, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and executive director of IVMF says, 鈥淭he vision for advancing 麻豆频道University鈥檚 commitment to veterans and military families has always been to engage partners across the University in the work of the IVMF. This new center is a high-potential example of that vision in practice and is well-positioned to positively impact the health and well-being of the nation鈥檚 veterans and military-connected populations.鈥�

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From Quad to Commission: Kristen Northrop Reflects on Raising 2 US Army Officers at 麻豆频道University /blog/2023/12/01/from-quad-to-commission-kristen-northrop-reflects-on-raising-2-u-s-army-officers-at-syracuse-university/ Fri, 01 Dec 2023 18:16:18 +0000 /?p=194530 While her sons were training to become officers in the military, Kristen Northrop had a rare vantage point to observe their development from her office at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.

group of people standing in front of a flagpole

The Northrop family, from left to right: William, Gabby (William鈥檚 wife), Dana, John, Kristen and EJ with grandparents Janet and Ed Heinrich

Two of Kristen鈥檚 three sons, William Northrop ’19 and John Northrop ’22, contracted through the , a career path that Kristen says neither she nor her husband anticipated early on. It wasn鈥檛 until high school that it became apparent their middle son might follow in the footsteps of his grandfathers and enter military service.

鈥淏oth my father and my husband鈥檚 father served. My father was in the Air Force; my father-in-law was a Marine. Both were Cold War vets,鈥� says Northrop, assistant director of the Office of Research and Creative Activity at the Newhouse School. 鈥淏oth our families grew up with an admiration and respect for the military that was obviously passed down to our boys.鈥�

The Northrop brothers came to 麻豆频道University after growing up in nearby Camillus. Kristen had taken a job at the University to take advantage of the dependent tuition benefits offered to employees. Kristen鈥檚 husband, Dana, had graduated from the University in 1986 and worked in the Central New York region.

two people in military fatigues in the woods

Brothers William (left) and John Northrop participate in a field training exercise with the Stalwart Battalion.

All three of their sons attended the University, but each pursued widely different degrees. Kristen鈥檚 oldest son, E.J., graduated from in 2018 and now teaches at the nearby Public Service Leadership Academy at Fowler High School with the 麻豆频道City School District.

William, her middle son, graduated from the College of Engineering and Computer Science with a degree in civil engineering. John, the youngest of the brothers, graduated with a degree in sociology from the College of Arts and Sciences. Both William and John also contracted with the Stalwart Battalion and are now serving in the U.S. Army as commissioned officers.

鈥淓arly in Will鈥檚 time in high school, he went to a lacrosse camp at West Point Military Academy. He鈥檚 always liked a very structured environment and has a 鈥楾ype A鈥� personality,鈥� Kristen says. 鈥淟ater, he went to Boys State and really liked that regiment; the routine and detail of it all but not the politics.鈥�

While the boys attended games and other events on campus while growing up, 麻豆频道wasn鈥檛 an automatic choice for them. During his junior year of high school, William toured the campus and spoke with Eric Schaertl, the recruiting operations officer for Stalwart Battalion. After seeing the resources and opportunities available to students, he solidified his choice for which direction he would go in life.

John was not far behind, entering his freshman year at 麻豆频道while William was entering his final year of college. The brothers had plenty of opportunity to spend time together on campus. Both competed on the same club lacrosse team, and both were cadets together in the same ROTC detachment.

John wasn鈥檛 interested in following in Will鈥檚 exact footsteps, though, and worked hard to make sure he wasn鈥檛 seen as just the youngest Northrop brother. Kristen recalls that John鈥檚 experience was a bit more challenging, as most of his college experience was spent amid hardships of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

鈥淎t one point, John was looking at opportunities with other colleges and universities including Texas A&M; he was considering a transfer,鈥� Kristen says. He quickly realized the benefits he was receiving at 麻豆频道were pretty hard to compete with, referring to the free room and board benefit offered to ROTC cadets who receive the national scholarship.

Kristen says that the boys kept pretty busy throughout their time on campus, limiting how much time she did see them around, but bumping into them from time to time was unavoidable.

鈥淚t was, and still is, such a feeling of pride walking around campus, or up to the Quad, and you see the cadets in their uniforms,鈥� Kristen says. 鈥淚 would run into them on occasion, they took their role as a cadet very seriously. If they came into my office, it was, 鈥榊es sir鈥� or 鈥楴o sir鈥� to my colleagues and my boss. They were always very respectful.鈥�

two people standing in JMA Wireless Dome

John (left) and William Northrop

The level of professionalism is something she says she continues to notice among ROTC cadets. The location of her office has given her opportunities to engage with underclassmen and ROTC cadets alike, both using spaces for group projects or leadership labs.

鈥淚t鈥檚 not that a bunch of Army cadets can鈥檛 鈥榶uk it up鈥� or whatever, but that just wasn鈥檛 the case. I could hear their conversations amongst each other, they were very different, always very focused. The ROTC cadets are always respectful to their cadre and professors alike, and they dress appropriately even when not in uniform, always upholding their cadet image.鈥�

Since graduating, both of the Northrop brothers have pursued their dreams of going into Army aviation. William is currently a captain and pilots the AH-64 Apache helicopter; John is currently a lieutenant and has just completed his CH-47 Chinook helicopter flight training. Both, Kristen says, recognize the importance of their background and experience here with 麻豆频道University.

鈥淭hey understand the importance of the ROTC program to the school, the longevity of the program being here. They talk it up amongst their colleagues with great pride, and I think that both of them would say their training here with Stalwart Battalion prepared them well to launch their careers,鈥� Kristen says.

For more information on the benefits available for aspiring military officers or to learn about the benefits of the Reserve Officer Training Corps at 麻豆频道University, please visit the .

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Meet Lt. Col. Michael Skarda, 麻豆频道University’s Air Force ROTC Detachment Commander /blog/2023/11/17/meet-lieutenant-colonel-michael-skarda-syracuse-universitys-air-force-rotc-detachment-commander/ Fri, 17 Nov 2023 15:23:21 +0000 /?p=194239 When Michael Skarda started the journey of becoming a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force, there were no indications that his military career was beginning amidst two decades of conflict.

A husband and wife pose in front of a military aircraft.

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

In 2002, Skarda joined the Air Force鈥檚 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 麻豆频道University鈥檚 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.

A man poses for a photo in military gear in front of an armored vehicle.

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

鈥淭he 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,鈥� says Skarda. 鈥淲e 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鈥檚 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, 鈥渄evelop air and space force leaders of character who are expected to fight and win the nation鈥檚 wars.鈥� Skarda realizes that in today鈥檚 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鈥檛 have to face.

A man wears a mask while posing for a photo in front of the U.S. Embassy.

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

鈥淔lexibility and adaptability are going to be absolutely key,鈥� Skarda says. 鈥淎s I look forward there鈥檚 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鈥檚 only going to become more true in the future.鈥�

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.

鈥淚 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,鈥� says Skarda. 鈥淎 good piece of advice for anybody who鈥檚 ever wanted to do anything, persistence is typically the recipe for success. As boring as that sounds, that is often the truth that I鈥檝e discovered.鈥�

As a Foreign Area Officer (FAO), Skarda was at the forefront of the nation鈥檚 diplomatic efforts from within the Department of Defense. According to Skarda, being FAO is what a lot of people think they鈥檙e 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.

鈥淔olks often speak of Africa like it鈥檚 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,鈥� 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鈥檚 excited to be in this environment, particularly around cadets.

A man teaches a class to current cadets.

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

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

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鈥檚 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.

鈥淪omething like 23 percent of American youth are eligible for military service, only 23 percent,鈥� says Skarda. 鈥淭he cadets that make it into through this program are, in the truest sense of the word, elite; not everyone can do it,鈥� Skarda says.

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

鈥淒o they at least know about it? Do they know that we鈥檙e here? That we鈥檙e 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,鈥� says Skarda.

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

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Veterans Day Weekend Celebrated at the Best Place for Veterans /blog/2023/11/15/veterans-day-weekend-celebrated-at-the-best-place-for-veterans/ Wed, 15 Nov 2023 21:10:26 +0000 /?p=194075 According to Ron Novack, executive director of 麻豆频道University’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA), “Every day is Veterans Day at 麻豆频道University.” Given the University’s historic commitment to veterans and military families, it’s no surprise that the OVMA staff goes above and beyond to make the Veterans Day observance truly special each year.

This year鈥檚 celebrations commenced with the release of the Military Times Best for Vets College rankings on Nov. 6, where 麻豆频道University once again secured a spot in the top 10% of colleges and universities. Such an achievement is only possible due to the unwavering dedication of the University’s faculty and staff, along with a supportive campus community.

Three student veterans

From left to right, student veterans Jack Pullano 鈥�24, Benetta Dousuah G鈥�25 and Raphael Grollmus 鈥�24.

Throughout the week, three student veterans and one veteran alumni member of the OVMA advisory board shared their stories with the campus community. Benetta Dousuah G’25, Raphael Grollmus ’24 and Jack Pullano ’24 shared their reflections on their service and how 麻豆频道University is impacting their post-service lives.

Retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Ginsburg ’72, a member of the OVMA advisory board and a graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, spoke about a lifetime of service to those who have served and his selection for a leadership position within a national veterans’ service organization.

The Libraries鈥� Special Collections Research Center, in collaboration with the Department of Digital Stewardship, launched the digital exhibition, 鈥�.鈥� Additionally, library staff created a table display to showcase the work of several student veterans and veteran alumni. A central focus of the display was a recently published book about , a U.S. Army Air Corps pilot during World War II who was a member of the historic Tuskegee Airmen.

On Nov. 10, things kicked off early as more than 230 registered participants arrived on campus in the chilly morning hours for the annual Veterans Day 5K Walk and Run, hosted by the OVMA. The event welcomed participants from the Central New York region onto campus for a run with military-connected students, faculty and staff to build camaraderie and esprit de corps.

Participants in the Veterans Day Ceremony at the D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families

The 麻豆频道University Veterans Day Ceremony official party. From left to right, Shene茅 Bletson; John Nipper 鈥�23, G鈥�24; Hendricks Chapel Dean Brian Konkol; Chancellor Kent Syverud; and Retired Lt. Cmdr. Laurie Coffey L鈥�25. (Photo by Charlie Poag)

After the run, the doors opened at the D’Aniello National Veterans Resource Center to welcome guests for the University’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony. The ceremony featured Shene茅 Bletson, a U.S. Air Force veteran who works in the Office of Inclusive Excellence as an office coordinator; U.S. Navy Veteran John Nipper ’23, G’24, president of the University’s Student Veteran Organization; and , a student in the College of Law who served as the keynote speaker.

“It is crucial that young people of diverse backgrounds and circumstances are exposed to the inspiration and confidence that come from having someone believe in them. 麻豆频道University’s position of educating leaders is a conduit to a better future,” said Coffey, who served for more than 20 years as a combat aviator in the U.S. Navy. “It is through community that we may come together and empower young people to achieve and gain self confidence.”

U.S. Air Force Lt.Cmdr. Sean Stumpf 鈥�07 in the pilot鈥檚 seat of a C-130. (Photo courtesy of Sean Stumpf)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Cmdr. Sean Stumpf 鈥�07 in the pilot鈥檚 seat of a C-130. (Photo courtesy of Sean Stumpf)

On Nov. 11, the Orange men’s football team faced the Pittsburgh Panthers at Yankee Stadium in New York City, marking 100 years since the two teams came together in 1923 to establish the collegiate football tradition at the historic baseball field. Taking place on Veterans Day this year, the game featured members from the University’s ROTC Color Guard presenting the national colors and a flyover by Lt. Col. Sean Stumpf ’07, a C-130 pilot in the U.S. Air Force.

In a poignant moment during the game, twin brothers and U.S. Army veterans were proudly featured as the game’s Hometown Heroes. The Watts twins both competed on the University’s track and field team in the early 1990s before serving in the U.S. Army. William stood in for both of the brothers on Saturday, as Clarence passed away due to complications from cancer in 2015.

Hometown Heroes Ceremony on the field at Yankee Stadium.

麻豆频道University鈥檚 Hometown Hero presentation to William Watts 鈥�94. (Photo by Dwayne Murray)

Michael Greifenstein, 鈥�27, a military-connected student and broadcast and digital journalism major in the Newhouse School, was among a handful of winners from the OVMA鈥檚 Orange in the City competition, which paid for transportation to and from the game, accommodations in the city, tickets to the game and other Syracuse-related festivities over the weekend.

鈥淕etting to experience the 100th anniversary game, especially from the venue my girlfriend and I were in, was an unforgettable experience,鈥� says Greifenstein. 鈥淕rowing up as a Yankee fan and studying now as a 麻豆频道student, this a time I won鈥檛 soon forget.鈥�

From 麻豆频道to New York City, OVMA Deputy Director Dwayne Murray ’91 played a crucial role behind the scenes to ensure a smooth celebration of Veterans Day at 麻豆频道University. Murray, who grew up in the Bronx and also competed on the University’s track and field team with the Watts Twins, shared his reflections on the weekend’s events.

鈥淪pending time in Bronx while representing 麻豆频道University and the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs on Veterans Day was an enchanting experience,鈥� says Murray, who grew up close enough to Yankee Stadium to hear the cheers after a home run. 鈥淔rom the color guard and the flyover by one of our very own alums to the hometown hero presentation, Veterans Day just meant a little bit more this year.鈥�

For more information about OVMA, or how you can support the University’s goal of being the “Best Place for Veterans,” visit the OVMA website at veterans.syr.edu.

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‘Black Heel Strings: A Choptank Memoir’ Named 2023 Veterans Writing Award Winner /blog/2023/11/10/black-heel-strings-a-choptank-memoir-named-2023-veterans-writing-award-winner/ Fri, 10 Nov 2023 17:52:35 +0000 /?p=193994 head shot

Robin Michel Caudell

麻豆频道University Press has announced that “Black Heel Strings: A Choptank Memoir” by Robin Michel Caudell is the 2023 Veterans Writing Award winner.

Caudell is an award-winning Press-Republican staff writer. Her work-in-progress is a speculative documentary, “Witness Tree at Union Road,” in collaboration with The John B. Moore Documentary Studies Collaborative at Skidmore College and the North Country Underground Railroad Historical Association, of which she is a founding board trustee.

Her poetry has been anthologized in national and international publications. A native of Maryland鈥檚 Eastern Shore, Caudell, mother to Nikki, is a graduate of the University of Maryland at College Park and Goddard College. She is an alumna of Cave Canem, Gotham Writers Workshop, Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown and Bread Loaf Writers鈥� Conference. She served in the U.S. Air Force and was a John L. Levitow Honor Graduate.

Veterans Writing Award judge praised Caudell鈥檚 work, noting “The author鈥檚 gifts recall Toni Morrison. Sentence after sentence reads like poetry. The earth and sea come alive through her words, as though the author’s language gave birth to the natural world itself. Simply stunning.”

麻豆频道University Press, in cooperation with the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), established the Veterans Writing Award in 2019. The mission of the award is to recognize the contributions of veterans to the literary arts, shine a light on the multivalent veteran experience and provide a platform for unrecognized military writers.

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Student Veterans Reflect on Military Service, Academic Pursuits /blog/2023/11/09/student-veterans-reflect-on-military-service-academic-pursuits/ Thu, 09 Nov 2023 14:48:12 +0000 /?p=193877 Veterans Day is a time for the 麻豆频道University community to come together and honor our veterans and active-duty military members for their service to their country.

Leading up to Veterans Day, three current student veterans who are active leaders on campus鈥擩ack Pullano 鈥�24, Benetta Dousuah G鈥�25 and Raphael Grollmus 鈥�24鈥攔eflect 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.

Three student veterans pose for their headshots.

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

Jack Pullano 鈥�24

A man poses for a photo while standing outside wearing a grey 麻豆频道zip up.

Jack Pullano (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

After earning his high school degree from Parishville-Hopkinton High School in Parishville, New York, Pullano couldn鈥檛 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.

鈥淢y dad told me I should wait it out and not do this contract because he didn鈥檛 think I would like the work, but I was a young, stubborn 18-year-old who didn鈥檛 want to listen to him,鈥� says Pullano, a health and exercise science major in the who is involved in the 麻豆频道University Student Veteran Organization. 鈥淭hings played out in my favor. I didn鈥檛 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 麻豆频道University,鈥�

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.

A man poses for a photo wearing his U.S. Air Force dress while standing in front of the American flag.

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

Why serve? 鈥淏ecause 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.鈥�
Why Syracuse? 鈥淚t 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. 麻豆频道has a strong program.鈥�
How do you want to make a difference when you graduate? 鈥淧art 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鈥檓 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.鈥�

Benetta Dousuah G鈥�25

A woman poses for a headshot indoors.

Benetta Dousuah

When Dousuah was in the U.S. Army, she says soldiers dealing with mental health issues didn鈥檛 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.

鈥淚 want to be that person who lets you know that it鈥檚 okay to seek help if you鈥檙e struggling. I want to be that voice that says there shouldn鈥檛 be a stigma among military members who want to seek behavioral health and mental health help,鈥� Dousuah says. 鈥淲hile I was in the service, a lot of people told me they were scared to seek help because they wouldn鈥檛 be promoted or they would be judged. I started going to behavioral health to let the soldiers know that it鈥檚 okay to admit you need help while bringing awareness to mental health,鈥�

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.

A woman is pinned during a military ceremony.

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

Why serve? 鈥淲hen I was younger, my mother used to remind me that I wanted to be a police officer. I don鈥檛 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鈥檝e always known I wanted to earn a college degree and be part of something bigger than myself.鈥�
Why Syracuse? 鈥淚 wanted to be somewhere where I could not only feel at home, but still feel like I鈥檓 connected to the military family. I chose 麻豆频道because of its reputation as a military-friendly school, but also because of the pride people take in going to Syracuse. It鈥檚 like being in the Army. When you meet someone who was in the Army, we鈥檙e proud of our service and will usually say, 鈥楪o Army.鈥� The same is true for someone who attended Syracuse. They always say, 鈥楪o Orange,鈥� and I鈥檓 blessed to be part of that community. I鈥檝e been introduced to so many resources available to veterans.鈥�
How do you want to make a difference when you graduate? 鈥淩ight now, I鈥檓 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鈥檚 dream鈥攃oming from nothing, serving my country in the military and then earning a master鈥檚 degree. I could be an inspiration to others who want to follow my path.鈥�

Raphael Grollmus 鈥�24

A man smiles for a headshot while leaning against a wall.

Raphael Grollmus (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

Grollmus didn鈥檛 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鈥檚 degree with a double major in forensic science and psychology in the .

鈥淭he 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,鈥� Grollmus says. 鈥淔or the student veterans at Syracuse, there are so many tools and resources available to us. Many veterans I talk with didn鈥檛 know all of the resources they had when they went back to school, but that鈥檚 where 麻豆频道has excelled. They take care of their veterans.鈥�

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.

A man in military dress poses for a photo.

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

Why serve? 鈥淢y 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鈥� 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鈥檛 go back in time and right the wrongs, but moving forward I can help give back to them.鈥�
Why Syracuse? 鈥淲hen 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 麻豆频道has a great forensic science program. All the classes I鈥檝e taken have been fantastic.鈥�
How do you want to make a difference when you graduate? 鈥淢y dream job would be working for one of those three-letter agencies [i.e., the Federal Bureau of Investigation]. That鈥檚 shooting for the stars, but I鈥檇 love to enter government service. But right now I鈥檓 taking a forensic pathology course that is fascinating and I genuinely love it. Crime scene investigation is a really interesting career path to consider.鈥�

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麻豆频道University Once Again Named a Best Place for Veterans /blog/2023/11/08/syracuse-university-once-again-named-a-best-place-for-veterans/ Wed, 08 Nov 2023 23:31:20 +0000 /?p=193870 麻豆频道University has once again received national recognition for the support it provides to veterans and military families.

In the 2023 Military Times Best for Vets rankings, 麻豆频道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, 麻豆频道University clinched second place among colleges and universities in the Northeast.

Veterans gather as part of the Stars and Stripes tailgate.

麻豆频道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.

鈥溌槎蛊档繳niversity鈥檚 place in the 2023 Best for Vets results from the dedication of our faculty, staff, students and alumni to the success of our nation鈥檚 veterans,鈥� says , vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation. 鈥淰eteran 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 麻豆频道University the nation鈥檚 鈥榖est place鈥� 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.鈥�

麻豆频道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 麻豆频道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鈥檚 services;
  • mental health services; and
  • accreditations
A medal reading Best Place for Vets Colleges 2023 Military Times

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

A driving force behind Syracuse鈥檚 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.

鈥淭his ranking is an important benchmark for us as it鈥檚 a primary source of information for the approximately 200,000 service members who leave military service each year. 麻豆频道University may be known as the 鈥楤est Place for Veterans,鈥� but for those who are less familiar with us, this list may be their first introduction to what opportunities we provide,鈥� says , OVMA’s executive director and a retired U.S. Army Colonel. 鈥淥ur 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.鈥�

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.

麻豆频道is already moving forward to secure better placement on the list in the coming years. Through the growth of its programs and services鈥攊ncluding those offered through the 鈥攖he University continues to be an innovative and supportive home for those who have served our country.

For more information on 麻豆频道University鈥檚 innovative measures to be the Best Place for Veterans, please visit the .

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Libraries Celebrates Veterans Day Nov. 8-14 /blog/2023/11/06/libraries-celebrates-veterans-day-nov-8-14/ Mon, 06 Nov 2023 17:28:17 +0000 /?p=193706 Veterans letter writing station in Bird Library

A previous year’s Veterans Day writing station in Bird Library.

麻豆频道University Libraries is celebrating Veterans Day and honoring student veterans from Nov. 8-14 with the following events in the Miron Learning Commons, located on the first floor of Bird Library:

  • A book display highlighting several books by or about 麻豆频道University alumni veterans, including: “,” a new novel about student athlete and veteran Wilmeth Sidat-Singh 鈥�39 written by Scott Pitoniak 鈥�77 and Rick Burton 鈥�80; “Shooter: Combat from Behind the Camera” and “A Photojournalist’s Field Guide,” two books by 鈥�80; and ‘Through The Glass Ceiling to the Stars’ by U.S. Air Force Col. (Ret.) and retired NASA astronaut with Jonathan H. Ward.
  • In collaboration with members of the a display of several posters that student veterans created in which they share photos and reflections about their lived experiences and identities as veterans, students and members of the 麻豆频道University community.
  • As in years鈥� past, there will be a letter writing station where Libraries鈥� users are encouraged to send a letter, card or drawing to veterans and active-duty military service members. The Libraries will coordinate distribution of the letters with .

In addition to the aforementioned activities on the first floor, 麻豆频道University Libraries鈥� Special Collections Research Center in collaboration with the Department of Digital Stewardship launched a digital exhibition this month titled 鈥�,鈥� which details the history of 麻豆频道University鈥檚 commitment to serving veterans, dating back to the Servicemen鈥檚 Readjustment Act of 1944.

 

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Campus Community Invited to Help Celebrate Veterans Day at the National Veterans Resource Center /blog/2023/11/04/campus-community-invited-to-help-celebrate-veterans-day-at-the-national-veterans-resource-center-2/ Sat, 04 Nov 2023 14:47:16 +0000 /?p=193671 The 麻豆频道University (OVMA) invites the campus community to the (NVRC) at the Daniel and Gayle D鈥橝niello Building for the observance of the 麻豆频道University Veterans Day ceremony 2023.

Outside of NVRC building on a sunny, blue sky day featuring the nine flag poles in front of the building with the various military flags

On Friday, Nov. 10, the campus community is invited to the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D鈥橝niello Building for the observance of the 麻豆频道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 鈥�11, G鈥�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 鈥�23, G鈥�24, a U.S. Navy veteran and the president of 麻豆频道University鈥檚 Student Veterans Organization, will speak about his personal experience as a military-connected student on campus as well as the history of 麻豆频道University鈥檚 commitment to veterans and military-connected students. Nipper is currently a graduate student in the pursuing a master鈥檚 degree in public administration.

Shene茅 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.

麻豆频道University 聽will deliver remarks as well as introduce the keynote speaker for the ceremony. Retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Laurie Coffey, L鈥�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.”

鈥淲hen I started to look to law schools, 麻豆频道University stood out for its recognition and acknowledgment of the contributions of Veterans,鈥� says Coffey, who was celebrated as 麻豆频道University鈥檚 Hometown Hero during a recent football game. 鈥淭his has been my first foray into a ‘civilian’ university, and聽 I wasn鈥檛 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.鈥�

Those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP through the university鈥檚 . 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.

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New Digital Exhibition Showcases University’s Long-Standing Commitment to Veterans /blog/2023/11/02/new-digital-exhibition-showcases-universitys-long-standing-commitment-to-veterans/ Thu, 02 Nov 2023 16:46:38 +0000 /?p=193596 Black and white photo of long temporary buildings next to Crouse College.

Temporary classrooms behind Crouse College, circa late 1940s. University Archives, Special Collections Research Center, 麻豆频道University Libraries

鈥� new digital exhibition, 鈥�,鈥� is available beginning Wednesday, Nov. 1. Curated by University Archivist Meg Mason, the original physical exhibition was on view at the Special Collections Research Center galleries in 2016. The exhibition explores the dramatic impact of the GI Bill and the subsequent influx of veterans on the University campus following World War II. This online exhibition was a collaborative effort between the Libraries鈥� Department of Digital Stewardship and the Special Collections Research Center.

Between 1945 and 1950, the Servicemen鈥檚 Readjustment Act of 1944, commonly known as the GI Bill, supported some 2.3 million students nationwide. Few universities in the country were more closely identified with the GI Bill than 麻豆频道University. Chancellor William Tolley promised servicemen and women that there would be places waiting for them at the University when they returned, and enrollment more than tripled in the years immediately after the war. Although still a small university by national standards, 麻豆频道ranked first in New York State and 17th in the country in veteran enrollment.

Black and white photo of two women from the Red Cross serving people standing on the other side of a table.

Photograph of Red Cross staff serving meals at the Army Air Base in Mattydale on the first night of veteran students鈥� arrival, 1946. University Archives, Special Collections Research Center, 麻豆频道University Libraries

The exhibition features an array of materials from University Archives that document this critical period in the University鈥檚 history and the associated changes to the campus landscape, social and cultural life, and academic programs. There are photographs of temporary classrooms and housing for veterans, including old barracks and trailers, which filled the campus and surrounding areas; cartoons of veteran student life on campus; aerial shots of the Main and South campuses showing changes in the landscape; personal items from veterans who attended 麻豆频道University; and Daily Orange articles about the impact of veterans on campus.

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Stars and Stripes Tailgate and Military Appreciation Game Photo Story /blog/2023/10/05/stars-and-stripes-tailgate-and-military-appreciation-game-photo-story/ Thu, 05 Oct 2023 18:09:40 +0000 /?p=192461 Football team lined up ready to run onto the field.

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 麻豆频道University football team, they were met by a campus community celebrating Syracuse鈥檚 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鈥檚 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.

Two individuals holding up a sign with a football player on it.

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

Group of students standing together with Otto in front of the Stars & Stripes banner.

The University鈥檚 Office of Admissions hosts multi-day introductory tours throughout the year for future transfer students from the nation鈥檚 four Military junior colleges. The students are part of the U.S. Army鈥檚 two-year early commissioning program, and some will select 麻豆频道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.

Individuals in military uniforms saluting.

麻豆频道University鈥檚 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鈥檚 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.

Individual pulling up their sweatshirt to show off their t-shirt.

麻豆频道University鈥檚 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. 麻豆频道University and West Point haven鈥檛 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.

Three people standing next to one another on the field in the Dome during a game all looking up.

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

Man standing wearing a medal.

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鈥橝niello Speaker Series at the National Veterans Resource Center in the Daniel and Gayle D鈥橝niello Building.

Individual holding a Rong of Honor plaque surrounded by other people on the field in the Dome.

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

Ben Schwartzwald written on the wall in the Dome.

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

Mike Haynie shaking the hand of a man standing with his boy on the field in the Dome.

In honor of Schwartzwalder鈥檚 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, 鈥�25, a student veteran at Falk College of Sport & Human Dynamics.

Two football players hugging on the field.

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鈥檚 band performed during a joint concert with 麻豆频道University鈥檚 Wind Ensemble at Crouse College鈥檚 Setnor Auditorium. Next year, 麻豆频道University will travel to Michie Stadium on West Point鈥檚 campus to take on Army in the second game of a four-game slate.

Several individuals standing with Otto making the number one sign with their fingers

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

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IVMF Receives $3M Grant to Empower Rural Veteran-Owned Businesses /blog/2023/10/04/ivmf-receives-3m-grant-to-empower-rural-veteran-owned-businesses/ Wed, 04 Oct 2023 20:14:19 +0000 /?p=192432 Group of people standing together for a ribbon cutting meeting

, of Enterprise, Mississippi, celebrates the grand opening of her business, L’Academie de Cuisine, in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Roth, a U.S. Army veteran, found support in her entrepreneurial journey through the U.S. Small Business Administration and entrepreneurial training services offered by the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families.

In a recent announcement at the White House, Vice President Kamala Harris celebrated the University’s as one of 43 grantees of the MBDA Capital Readiness Program (CRP). This groundbreaking initiative, backed by a $3-million grant, aims to provide invaluable support to veteran-owned businesses across the United States.

“The IVMF has been educating, connecting and supporting veteran and military-affiliated entrepreneurs for more than a decade. This new award will enhance pathways to capital for veteran entrepreneurs, support the development of curriculum to educate future business owners about capital access, and facilitate research and analysis that will inform policymakers and practitioners as to the opportunities and challenges associated with military-connected business ownership in the U.S,” says J. Michael Haynie, vice chancellor of strategic initiatives and innovation and the executive director of the IVMF.

A significant aspect of the program is its commitment to building pathways to success for minority and underrepresented veteran-owned small businesses. The services offered will combine both virtual and in-person opportunities to reach a broad and diverse audience. To extend their reach to businesses located in rural communities, the IVMF has formed a strategic partnership with the . NACCE is renowned as the nation’s leading advocate for transforming underserved communities through community college engagement.

Rebecca Corbin, president and CEO of NACCE, expressed enthusiasm in looking ahead at the opportunities this grant will provide. “NACCE is delighted to partner with 麻豆频道University鈥檚 D鈥橝niello Institute for Veterans and Military Affairs to execute the MBDA Capital Readiness Program. This transformative initiative will reach thousands of underserved and would-be entrepreneurs and advance NACCE鈥檚 vision to create equity and prosperity for all, through our network of over 360 community colleges, universities, and HBCUs.”

Launching and expanding a business can be a daunting challenge for anyone, but for veteran-owned businesses, unique obstacles often stand in the way. This program will focus on veteran-owned businesses in their first ten years of operation and with revenue under $10 million. According to , these young and new ventures are most impacted by the barriers associated with accessing the capital required to launch and grow a business.

Over the next four years, the CRP is expected to provide support to more than 2,500 eligible business owners. This extensive program will include up to six networking events annually, with the goal of generating over $8.5 million in raised capital for socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

The IVMF’s innovative approach is designed to address the challenges faced by veteran entrepreneurs comprehensively. Their program will offer education, technical assistance, access to capital and vital networking opportunities. These elements are crucial for veteran-owned businesses to harness corporate and federal contracts, which can significantly boost their growth and success.

For more information on how the IVMF supports veteran and military-affiliated entrepreneurs, please visit the .

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Faculty Lead Partnerships to Support Ukrainian Veterans, Strengthen European and U.S. Security /blog/2023/09/19/faculty-lead-partnerships-to-support-ukrainian-veterans-strengthen-european-and-us-security/ Tue, 19 Sep 2023 21:02:00 +0000 /?p=191885 Group of people standing together.

Nataliia Kalmykova, a Fulbright scholar who became executive director of the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation weeks before the Russian invasion, is shown (center) with 麻豆频道University faculty during a recent visit. From left are, Richard Naperkowski, researcher with the Institute for Security Policy and Law; Elizabeth Kubala, teaching professor at the College of Law and executive director of the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic; Laurie Hobart, associate teaching professor at the College of Law; Kalmykova, the Hon. James Baker, professor of law in the College of Law and professor of public administration and international affairs by courtesy appointment at the Maxwell School; Robert Murrett, professor of practice of public administration and international affairs at Maxwell and principal investigator of the Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence; and Maria Cudowska, Faculty Fellow at the College of Law.

Since the 2022 Russian invasion, Ukraine鈥檚 veteran population has increased from roughly 500,000 to over 1.2 million and counting, yet the country鈥檚 ability to support its servicemembers has declined due to the war鈥檚 impact on the economy and infrastructure.

Two Maxwell School scholars say this dichotomy threatens the national security of Ukraine and other states on the frontlines of Russia.

The Hon. James E. Baker and Vice Admiral Robert Murrett (U.S. Navy, retired), the director and deputy director of the 麻豆频道University Institute for Security Policy and Law, respectively, are leading academic partners representing the University in a coalition that seeks to address the crisis by forging connections between U.S. and Ukraine veterans鈥� organizations.

Called the US-Ukraine Veterans Bridge, the coalition is comprised of U.S. veterans’ organizations and human rights advocates united in supporting Ukraine’s emerging veteran community. In partnership with the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation (UVF), the Bridge connects American and Ukrainian veterans, leaders and experts in areas such as health care, benefits administration, education, employment, reintegration and family. 鈥淚n Ukraine, the treatment of veterans is an immediate national security concern as well as a humanitarian one,鈥� says Baker, who additionally leads an interdisciplinary network of scholars from the U.S., Ukraine and Russia鈥檚 frontline states called 鈥淩ing Around Russia: Partnership for Law and Policy.鈥�

Baker outlined the connection between the care of veterans and national security in a position paper he recently shared with the U.S. government and Ukraine鈥檚 Ministry of Veterans Affairs. He wrote, 鈥淎 society of demobilized veterans can be a force for good, as the World War II G.I. Bill boom demonstrated in the United States. It can also result in instability if those veterans are alienated from society or government and subsequently mobilized as a political movement or military force.鈥�

Baker and Murrett are connecting Bridge organizers with resources at 麻豆频道University and offering their expertise in the pipeline, sharing best practices and guidance gleaned from their own experiences. A highly regarded national security lawyer, policy advisor and former chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, Baker is professor of law in the College of Law and professor of public administration and international affairs by courtesy appointment at Maxwell. Former director of the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, Murrett is professor of practice of public administration and international affairs and is principal investigator of the Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence.

In addition to the Institute for Security Policy and Law, Veterans鈥� Bridge is supported at 麻豆频道University by the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs at Maxwell and the D鈥橝niello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF). The University鈥檚 involvement with Veterans Bridge follows campus visits this past spring by Nataliia Kalmykova, a Ukrainian Fulbright scholar at the University of Buffalo who became executive director of the UVF weeks before Russia鈥檚 invasion.

Kalmykova met with Baker, Murrett, Maxwell Dean David M. Van Slyke and numerous other University representatives and Ukrainian students. She has since convened weekly Zoom meetings to coordinate resources from the University in support of Ukrainian veterans. 鈥淥ur involvement is important because the Ukrainians deserve whatever support they can have from us at 麻豆频道University to ensure a better future and to restore the territorial integrity of their country,鈥� says Murrett. The connections are mutually beneficial to students. Murrett points out that a group he teaches in Maxwell鈥檚 master of public administration program, for instance, is exploring Ukraine鈥檚 challenges related to security and governance in a fall semester workshop inspired by Veterans Bridge.

Three people sitting on a stage. One with a microphone speaking.

The Hon. James Baker is shown during an appearance on a Ukrainian news station during a recent visit to the embattled country. During the interview, he advocated for the care of the growing population of Ukrainian veterans to bolster national security. Seated on the right is Nataliia Kalmykova, a Fulbright scholar who became executive director of the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation weeks before the Russian invasion.

Similarly, Baker says the related Ring Around Russia initiative he leads provides faculty and students with opportunities to collaborate with scholars and students in the frontline states on pressing global issues. For Ring Around Russia, he has coordinated scholars from 11 universities in the U.S., Ukraine, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Latvia, Norway, Poland, Romania and Slovakia who are committed to using national security law and values to enhance European security. The goal is to develop national competencies and capacities in intelligence oversight, national security decision-making, the regulation and use of emerging technologies, and responding to Russian disinformation.

Baker was inspired to develop Ring Around Russia following a series of remote lectures he provided in February 2022, two weeks before the full-scale Russian invasion. His audience included academics, lawyers and government officials in Ukraine. 鈥淒uring each question-and-answer period, the question participants returned to was: 鈥楧oes law matter when a nation faces an existential threat?鈥欌€� says Baker. 鈥淚 had heard the question before, in the U.S. government. When I left the sessions, it occurred to me that these were messages that warranted emphasis throughout the frontline states.鈥�

He has since traveled throughout frontline states to meet with university scholars, government officials and civil society groups. 鈥淢any of these countries are evolving from post-Soviet systems,鈥� says Baker. 鈥淥ur network of scholars is trying to spread the word. Good process leads to better results and the good faith application of law protects democracy and enhances our physical security by making our security services more professional and effective. My vision is to have this network of professionals to offer best practice guidance on how to build a national security architecture committed to democracy and law as well as security.鈥�

Baker鈥檚 travels this past year have included two trips to Ukraine, the most recent of which was in June and included 16 meetings and a television appearance during which he advocated for the care of Ukrainian veterans.

In the crisis, he sees hope. 鈥淭he scope of the destruction Russia has wrought is criminal and tragic,鈥� he says, 鈥渂ut I feel hope and optimism observing this generation of civil society leaders in Ukraine, as well as the resolve of Ukraine鈥檚 leaders. The people of Ukraine are resilient. It is hard to describe how resilient until you hear person after person declare 鈥榃e are Ukraine鈥� and 鈥榃e will win this war.鈥欌€�

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College of Law鈥檚 Legal Clinic Receives Veterans Affairs Grant for Services for Homeless Veterans /blog/2023/08/24/college-of-laws-betty-and-michael-d-wohl-veterans-legal-clinic-receives-veterans-affairs-grant-for-legal-services-for-homeless-veterans-veterans-at-risk/ Thu, 24 Aug 2023 23:14:01 +0000 /?p=190924 group of people sitting and standing

The College of Law鈥檚 Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic provides representation to veterans and their families who are seeking benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded a to the College of Law鈥檚 (VLC). The program is a first-of-its-kind grant opportunity from the VA to fund legal services providers.

To effectively deliver legal services to homeless and at-risk veterans throughout upstate New York, the VLC is partnering with:

  • the 麻豆频道VA Medical Center鈥檚 Health Care for Homeless Veterans program;
  • the program with the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, which supports social work graduate students interested in working at the intersection of law and social work and promotes a stronger legal system that can address the holistic needs of clients; and
  • SyracuseServes, a program of 麻豆频道University鈥檚 D鈥橝niello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) located in the National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC), which supports a coordinated care network of local and national providers dedicated to serving the military community by collaborating to efficiently connect families to available services.

The grant program partners will identify, coordinate and deliver legal services that include discharge upgrades and complex disability claims assistance to this population.

鈥淭he VLC is honored to be part of this first-of-its-kind VA grant opportunity to fund legal service providers to better reach this vulnerable group of veterans. This is an excellent opportunity to deepen our relationship with the VA regarding the breadth of legal services the College of Law鈥檚 clinics can provide and to help shape further funding for legal services,鈥� says Professor , executive director of the VLC.

The VLC provides representation to veterans and their families who are seeking benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or upgrading an unfavorable discharge through the various military services. While representing real clients, College of Law student attorneys gain an understanding of military culture, interact with government agencies, develop case management skills, improve advocacy skills and instill the value of pro bono service.

鈥淥ur student attorneys benefit from gaining hands-on legal experience with real clients and our community benefits from veterans receiving the much-needed legal services they otherwise could not afford,鈥� says Kubala.

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Veterans Learn Cutting-Edge Training in Entrepreneurship, Small Business Management /blog/2023/08/01/veteran-entrepreneurship-week-at-syracuse-university/ Tue, 01 Aug 2023 16:53:11 +0000 /?p=190265 The at 麻豆频道University recently celebrated the addition of 25 new graduates from the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV) program. The program is unique in that it leverages the skills, resources and infrastructure of higher education to offer cutting-edge training in entrepreneurship and small business management at no cost to all post-9/11 veterans.

Entrepreneurship is one of the three major pathways that servicemembers pursue during the transition to their post-service lives. According to the , veterans are not only more likely than their civilian peers to start and run their own businesses but on average, they also out-earn their non-veteran counterparts.

A group of veterans who attended 麻豆频道University's entrepreneurship bootcamp for veterans.

The 麻豆频道University 2023 cohort for Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (photo courtesy of Angela Ryan).

During the Saturday evening graduation ceremony at the National Veterans Resource Center, J. Michael Haynie, IVMF鈥檚 Co-Founder and Executive Director, shared his personal opinion on what makes the program a success in preparing veterans for the challenges of entrepreneurship.

A man discusses entrepreneurship best practices to a group of veterans.

Mike Haynie, vice chancellor of strategic initiatives and innovation at 麻豆频道University, welcomes the 2023 EBV 麻豆频道cohort.

鈥淭he EBV program really embodies the convergence of two truths that I hold very closely. The first of those is the power of business ownership to change the trajectory of lives and families,鈥� says Haynie, a U.S. Air Force veteran and the University’s vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation. 鈥淭he second truth is the resiliency, the grit, and the selflessness of those who have served, and how those attributes translate to the relentless pursuit of the next big challenge, however daunting that challenge may be.鈥�

With more than 2,400 EBV graduates to date, the program also calls upon previous graduates who have seen significant success after attending one of the IVMF鈥檚 entrepreneurial training programs. One such graduate is U.S. Marine Corps veteran Chris Dambach, owner of Industry Standard USA. Dambach鈥檚 business provides construction and facility support services for government projects and has been featured on the Inc. 5,000 list celebrating the fastest-growing businesses in the United States.

Dambach also had a hand in recruiting one of this year鈥檚 graduates, local 麻豆频道business owner and U.S. Air Force veteran, Brandon Johnson. Johnson is the owner of Crossett Property Management, which manages several properties located primarily in the Strathmore area of the city.

鈥淚 met Chris at a veteran-focused conference a few years ago, and we were talking about getting into the government contracting space eventually, and he told me I had to do the EBV program,鈥� Johnson says. 鈥淛ust feeling the energy in the room and being exposed to the faculty that鈥檚 here, it鈥檚 just a great refresher to keep our tools sharpened to go out there and be successful in business.”

A man discusses entrepreneurship strategy during 麻豆频道University's Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans.

Alex McKelvie, interim dean of the Whitman School, teaches a class for the 2023 Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans at 麻豆频道cohort.

The program does more than teach about small business management, however, it also gets the participants out into the local community to speak with local business owners. This year鈥檚 cohort visited Dinosaur Bar-B-Que and Talking Cursive to learn firsthand what struggles local owners go through as they grow their businesses.

In addition to the EBV program, the at 麻豆频道University leverages access to world-class faculty for introductory lessons in entrepreneurship for a small group of participants with the Warrior Scholar Project (WSP).

The WSP program is designed to prepare transitioning service members for higher education. Understanding that most of the program participants haven鈥檛 been in an academic classroom for several years, WSP prepares participants for the rigors of higher education, equipping them with the tools necessary to be successful in the pursuit of their academic goals.

The WSP program spanned the course of two weeks; the first week focused on humanities and the second week focused on entrepreneurship. Tristan Whipps, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran studying information management technology and professional technical writing at the School of Information Studies, served as a business fellow over the summer to help guide and mentor this year鈥檚 participants after being a program graduate with last year鈥檚 cohort.

鈥淭he business week is designed to demystify business as an undergraduate degree. They鈥檙e getting a crash course on topics related to entrepreneurship like some legal considerations for entrepreneurship, branding and marketing, as well as small business finance,鈥� Whipps says.

A professor talks about entrepreneurship to a group of veterans.

Crystal Houston, an adjunct professor in the Newhouse School, teaches a class on how to leverage social media to help grow a small business.

Both cohorts would not be nearly as successful without the dedication and support from professors and faculty members of 麻豆频道University. This year, 11 professors and faculty members from outside the IVMF taught crucial lessons in a range of disciplines between the two programs. Those faculty members are:

  • Sean Branagan, director of the Center for Digital Media Entrepreneurship, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
  • Craig Champion, professor of history, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
  • Carol Faulkner, professor and associate dean for academic affairs, the Maxwell School
  • Tim Gerkin, professor of writing and rhetoric in the College of Arts and Sciences
  • Crystal Houston, adjunct professor, the Newhouse School
  • Thomas Keck, professor of political science, the Maxwell School
  • Eileen Schell, professor of writing and rhetoric, the College of Arts and Sciences
  • Alex McKelvie, interim dean, the Martin J. Whitman School of Management
  • John Torrens, professor of entrepreneurial practice, the Whitman School
  • Kenneth Walsleben, professor of practice, the Whitman School
  • Elizabeth Wimer, assistant teaching professor, the Whitman School

John Wildhack, the University’s director of athletics, served as the guest speaker during the graduation ceremony. Wildhack shared some of his personal insight from his time during the startup of ESPN and provided some of his own advice to guide them on their path upon leaving campus and returning to their entrepreneurial journey.

鈥淎s you embark on your next chapter or continue to grow the business you鈥檝e already established, identify what motivates you, what drives you, and what鈥檚 most important to you both in your work and as an individual,鈥� Wildhack says. 鈥淔or me, it鈥檚 the three F鈥檚: Family, Faith and Friends.鈥�

For more information on the programs and services offered to service members, veterans, and military-connected spouses, please visit the.

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College of Professional Studies Announces Degree Completion Partnership With the United States Army Warrant Officer Career College /blog/2023/06/29/college-of-professional-studies-announces-degree-completion-partnership-with-the-united-states-army-warrant-officer-career-college/ Thu, 29 Jun 2023 16:06:31 +0000 /?p=189532 麻豆频道University continues to demonstrate its national leadership role as the best university for veterans and military-connected students with a first-of-its-kind degree completion partnership with the (USAWOCC).

Under the first-of-its-kind agreement, 麻豆频道University will award 51 course credits to warrant officer candidates and senior warrant officers completing programs of instruction at the USAWOCC. The agreement is designed to assist participating soldiers in obtaining one or more of the following undergraduate degrees through the including business management, creative leadership, knowledge management and policy studies.

鈥淭his partnership agreement dramatically expands access to 麻豆频道University for active duty, guard and reserve warrant officers who have or will complete Warrant Officer Career College,鈥� says Michael Frasciello, dean of the College of Professional Studies. 鈥淥ur commitment to providing flexible and progressive pathways for military-connected students immediately extends to the approximately 28,000 Warrant Officers serving in the United States Army.鈥�

麻豆频道University鈥檚 enduring commitment to veteran and military-connected students dates back more than 100 years. As one of the best private schools in the country for military-connected students, the University offers online and residential part-time undergraduate study to active-duty military, guard and reservists earning the distinction of being the Best Place for Veterans.

Army warrant officers, who are admitted to one of the transfer-eligible online bachelor’s programs, can use their tuition assistance (TA) benefits to cover 100% of their tuition. Consistent with its commitment to enhancing affordability, 麻豆频道University honors the Department of Defense TA rate of $250 per credit hour for US military members who aspire to earn an undergraduate degree.

鈥淎ctive duty military, guard and reservists are life-long learners鈥�members of the largest population of students enrolled in higher education today. Making 麻豆频道University more affordable and accessible is both a natural continuation of the University鈥檚 history of supporting non-traditional students and an appropriate response to the changing needs and expectations of those who could most benefit from a 麻豆频道University education,鈥� says Frasciello.

Active military, guard and reserve members interested in more information about enrollment opportunities at 麻豆频道University may contact the College of Professional Studies admissions team at 315.443.9378 or parttime@syr.edu. Veterans and military-connected students can learn more about .

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Tillman Scholars Run to Remember Pat Tillman鈥檚 Legacy /blog/2023/06/16/tillman-scholars-run-to-remember-pat-tillmans-legacy/ Fri, 16 Jun 2023 23:42:05 +0000 /?p=189203 Members of 麻豆频道University鈥檚 military-connected community recently traveled to Tempe, Arizona, to take part in the 19th Annual Pat鈥檚 Run, hosted by the Pat Tillman Foundation. Among the 29,000 participants, this year were four 麻豆频道University Tillman Scholars and two staff members who took part in the annual event honoring Patrick 鈥淧at鈥� Tillman鈥檚 legacy of service beyond self.

four people standing outside with coordinating t-shirts

From left, Bill Rielly L鈥�23, Amanda Higginson L鈥�24, Natasha DeLeon L鈥�25 and Katherine Quartaro 18, G鈥�20, attended 2023 Pat鈥檚 Run as 麻豆频道University鈥檚 Tillman Scholars.

Amanda Higginson L鈥�24, Natasha DeLeon L鈥�25, Katherine Quartaro 18, G鈥�20, and Bill Rielly L鈥�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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 family and friends came together soon after his death to figure out a way to honor his legacy and started the first Pat鈥檚 Run in 2005. The first event brought approximately 5,000 runners together outside of Arizona State University鈥檚 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鈥檚 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 麻豆频道University鈥檚 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 鈥渕ust-see resource鈥� for those interested in applying for the Tillman scholarship at 麻豆频道University, and Novack serves one of the national quarterfinal selection committees that review and selects the Tillman Scholars annually.

two people outside at a walking event

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鈥檚 Run

鈥淚t was an honor to attend the Pat Tillman Foundation鈥檚 kickoff reception and participate in Pat鈥檚 Run in Tempe this year.聽 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,鈥� says Parker, who also assists military-connected students interested in applying for a wide variety of scholarships and academic opportunities.

麻豆频道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 麻豆频道University were selected as Tillman Scholars: Bill Rielly, Natasha DeLeon, Amanda Higginson and Anthony Ornelaz G鈥�23, the largest cohort from 麻豆频道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鈥檚 leadership institute in Chicago where they will meet with previous Tillman Scholars and participate in Pat鈥檚 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.

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Military-Connected Women at 麻豆频道Reflect on 75 Years of Women in the Military /blog/2023/06/14/military-connected-women-at-syracuse-reflect-on-75-years-of-women-in-the-military/ Wed, 14 Jun 2023 20:22:31 +0000 /?p=189151 On June 12, 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed the Women鈥檚 Armed Services Integration Act into law, officially allowing women to serve as full, permanent service members in the military branches of the United States armed forces.

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鈥攁 place they were already serving in the decade prior of conflict in Afghanistan and Iraq.

In honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Women鈥檚 Armed Services Integration Act, we proudly acknowledge and celebrate the contributions women from 麻豆频道University鈥檚 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 鈥� U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

headshot photo of Colleen Drum with inset photo of her in military gearDrum 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 鈥� (IVMF) Onward to Opportunity career training program.

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

She says she鈥檚 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.

鈥淲omen 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,鈥� she says.

2nd Lieutenant Liz Green 鈥� U.S. Air National Guard

headshot photo of Liz Green with inset of her in military gearGreen is the executive director for with the College of Professional Studies. She recently completed the U.S. Air Force鈥檚 Officer Training School, having earlier in the year.

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

鈥淚 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,鈥� says Green. 鈥淎s that conversation meandered, they had an opportunity in public affairs they said would be a good fit, and the rest is history.鈥�

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鈥檚 already been exposed to some influential women, however.

鈥淚 am fortunate to have been inspired and supported by the women at my current unit, the 174th 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,鈥� says Green.

Kari Mickinkle 鈥�11, G鈥�20 鈥� U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

headshot photo of Kari Mickinkle with inset photo of her in military gearMickinkle is a school certifying official with the University鈥檚 . 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 鈥渃heck-the-box鈥� 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.

鈥淚 had a female first sergeant who knew the appropriate times to educate versus going straight into chewing someone out,鈥� says Mickinkle. She was impressed by the woman鈥檚 ability to make it clear she wasn鈥檛 someone to cross.

鈥淭o do that in an organization where you don鈥檛 see a lot of female leadership, especially on the enlisted side, was just awe-inspiring,鈥� Mickinkle says.

Amanda Gritsavage LaLonde 鈥�23 鈥� U.S. Navy Veteran

Amanda LaLonde portrait with inset of military photoLaLonde recently finished her undergraduate studies at 麻豆频道and was selected as a in 2022. She graduated from the College of Arts and Sciences with a bachelor鈥檚 of science in psychology and forensic science and now works as a program coordinator for the IVMF鈥檚 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.

鈥淚t was the 6 Ps: Prior Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance,鈥� says LaLonde. She says it reminds her to plan ahead to keep disappointments at a minimum.

LaLonde鈥檚 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.

鈥淢y 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,鈥� says LaLonde. 鈥淪he 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.鈥�

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.

鈥淲omen 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,鈥� says LaLonde. 鈥淭hese are huge milestones for women in the Navy, but there can certainly be more progress made.鈥�

Patricia Piazza 鈥� U.S. Navy Veteran

headshot of Patricia Piazza with inset photo of her military potraitPatricia 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 鈥淲oman Pause鈥� of the 1980s, the policy limited women鈥檚 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.

鈥淚 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,鈥� Piazza says.

Mast Sergeant Jennifer Renee Pluta G鈥�15 鈥� U.S. Army Reserve

Headshot of Jennifer Pluta with inset image of her in military gearJennifer Pluta runs within the University鈥檚 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鈥檚 hiring partners and companies actively seeking veterans for their workforce.

鈥淚 am privileged to serve as an Army Reserve career counselor, which has impacted my career at 麻豆频道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,鈥� 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鈥檚 Army Reserve.

鈥淭oday’s Army is one that has opened up the doors of opportunity for female soldiers, opportunities that once were limited to male soldiers,鈥� Pluta says.

As part of the initiative to make 麻豆频道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 .

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2 麻豆频道University Employees Selected for Prestigious Veteran Leadership Program /blog/2023/06/12/2-syracuse-university-employees-selected-for-prestigious-veteran-leadership-program/ Mon, 12 Jun 2023 19:31:00 +0000 /?p=189017 Two staff members from 麻豆频道University鈥檚 military-connected community have been selected as scholars for the 2023 Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program (VLP). Quiana Abner and Jennifer Pluta, who work for Syracuse鈥檚 (IVMF), and the (OVMA), were selected as scholars by the George W. Bush Institute for the 5th annual cohort of the prestigious leadership program.

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.

Quiana Abner studio portrait

Abner

Abner and Pluta will both meet the rest of this year鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檛 feel welcome in the spouse groups, and she often avoided the social events hosted by her husband鈥檚 command. According to her, the Bush Center has rolled out the red carpet in accepting her to the cohort and supportive in her mission.

鈥淚 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,鈥� says Abner.

鈥淚 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.鈥�

Jennifer Pluta studio portrait

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 麻豆频道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.

鈥淚t 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鈥檛 wait to begin networking with other dedicated advocates within the veteran community,鈥� Pluta says.

鈥淭he lessons I learn over the five months of this program will let me better serve our military-connected students here at 麻豆频道University, as well as the troops in my reserve unit, and I look forward to bringing that knowledge back to share with my colleagues,鈥� 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鈥檚 cohorts to date and looks forward to contributing subject matter experts to help in the development of this year鈥檚 cohort.

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New Program Connects Law and Social Work Disciplines to Assist Veterans /blog/2023/06/09/new-program-connects-law-and-social-work-disciplines-to-assist-veterans/ Fri, 09 Jun 2023 21:21:53 +0000 /?p=188991 Goidel Law Group Internship Fund seeks applicants for 2023-24 academic year. Graduate social work students encouraged to apply by June 30.

 

Veterans often face a unique set of legal issues related to their service that require specialized knowledge and understanding to resolve. Those issues can become increasingly complex as veterans age, further intersecting with various aspects of physical, social and emotional well-being. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 80% of U.S. military veterans are over the age of 55.

The College of Law and the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics have formed a partnership to help veterans, and especially aging veterans, access the legal services they need and obtain the benefits they have earned and deserve.

three people standing outside Department of Veterans Affairs building

College of Law students at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C.

Staffed by attorneys from the College of Law鈥檚 Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic, law students and graduate social work students, the Legal-Social Work Partnership program provides free, high-quality legal services for veterans, such as assistance with disability claims and discharge upgrades, benefits counseling and more. The partnership also works to educate veterans about their rights and how to navigate the legal system.

The partnership operates under the College of Law鈥檚 Office of Clinical Education, where 麻豆频道law students apply doctrinal law while representing clients under the supervision of faculty-mentors.

The Legal-Social Work Partnership places an emphasis on addressing the social determinants of health. By assisting veterans with housing, employment, aging and other issues, the Legal-Social Work Partnership can help reduce veteran homelessness and suicide rates and improve the lives of veterans and military families.

Elizabeth Kubala, teaching professor in the College of Law, is the executive director of the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic. 鈥淭he veterans we assist often have needs and challenges outside the scope of our legal representation,鈥� she says. 鈥淏ringing a social work perspective into our legal clinic will not only result in better overall outcomes for our veteran clients, but also a better understanding by the students of how to best serve veterans.鈥�

As 麻豆频道law students and social work students learn how their respective disciplines interact in real-world practice settings, this program is building a stronger legal system that can address the holistic needs of clients.

While there are law firms that employ social workers in their practices, it is still quite uncommon. 麻豆频道University alumna Wendy Goidel 鈥�84, Esq., the founding and managing member of Goidel Law Group PLLC and its Estate Planning & Elder Law Center, is one of the few who is leading the way. Goidel is the founder and co-developer of Concierge Care Coordination, a holistic practice model, which merges geriatric social work with legal planning.

鈥淲hile the interdisciplinary model in an elder law context is natural and essential, it should be replicated and embraced in other practice areas鈥攕uch as matrimonial, family, medical malpractice, personal injury and criminal鈥攚here legal problems are intertwined with social, medical and emotional issues. There is no doubt that clients and their family members receive far superior services, strategies and solutions when attorneys and social workers advocate and collaborate,鈥� says Goidel.

head shot

Wendy Goidel

Goidel established the Goidel Law Group Internship Fund to support social work graduate students interested in working at the intersection of law and social work, particularly with older adults, through the Legal-Social Work Partnership program at 麻豆频道University. Students will receive $5,000 stipends for their internship year while working within the Legal-Social Work Partnership.

鈥淐ollaborations between law students and social work students are essential in addressing the legal problems impacting the health and well-being of our nation鈥檚 veterans,鈥� says Ken Marfilius, Falk College assistant dean for online and distance education and associate teaching professor in the Falk College School of Social Work. 鈥淪ocial work students will play a key role in connecting veterans to community resources beyond those typically addressed through legal representation, having a direct and immediate impact on veterans and their families.鈥�

鈥淚n addition to addressing the critical needs of veterans, this project illuminates the needs of one of the fastest growing populations on our planet, and that is of aging individuals,鈥� says Carrie Smith, chair of the Falk College School of Social Work. 鈥淐ollaborative work among an increasing number of experts at the intersection of law and social work will be essential in addressing the myriad needs and concerns of this population.

鈥淲e are very appreciative of the pioneering work being led by Wendy Goidel in addressing these aims,鈥� she adds.

Through the Goidel Law Group Internship Fund, two social work graduate students at 麻豆频道University will be selected annually for the Goidel Law Group Internship Fund. Students do not need to be enrolled in 麻豆频道University鈥檚 J.D./master of social work dual degree program to be selected. Interested students must by June 30, 2023, for the 2023-24 academic year.

For more information about the Legal-Social Work Partnership program or the Goidel Law Group Internship Fund, please contact Elizabeth Kubala, 315. 443.8420 or egkubala@syr.edu, or Kenneth Marfilius, 315.443.5586 or kjmarfil@syr.edu.

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During PTSD Awareness Month Legal Clinic Helps Veterans Apply for Benefits They Have Earned and Deserve /blog/2023/06/09/during-ptsd-awareness-month-legal-clinic-helps-veterans-apply-for-benefits-they-have-earned-and-deserve/ Fri, 09 Jun 2023 12:25:16 +0000 /?p=188943 June is PTSD Awareness MonthMany veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and may qualify for health care and compensation for their mental health conditions that resulted from their military service. 鈥淰eterans often face barriers when applying for their benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The Veterans Legal Clinic strives to break down those barriers by advocating on behalf of veterans to connect them with benefits for treatment and support,鈥� says Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic Executive Director Beth Kubala.

The provides legal representation to veterans and their families seeking benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or upgrading a military discharge through the various military branches. The VLC is staffed by student attorneys in their 2L or 3L year at the College of Law, many of who are veterans themselves or who have a connection to the military and a passion for serving veterans. 鈥淥ur law school students leverage their critical thinking skills and analytical abilities to help veterans navigate a complex administrative process. We shoulder the legal process so that the veterans can focus on treatment and healing,鈥� says Kubala.

鈥淧TSD is an especially difficult diagnosis because it is often not recognized in veterans for many years after their service. They usually do not see it coming on while in the service because they are focused on their mission. All too often, these early symptoms of PTSD can lead to out-of-character behaviors that, in some cases, result in a veteran鈥檚 administrative discharge from service for that misconduct,鈥� says 2L Seth Owens, a student in the VLC.

This summer, many student attorneys are assisting veterans with disability claims for PTSD.聽鈥淭he government has taken steps over the past decade to expand access to VA benefits for veterans experiencing PTSD. But it鈥檚 not easy to navigate and secure these benefits, especially for veterans facing the adverse consequences of PTSD in their daily lives. Another student and I are working with a veteran who was not diagnosed with PTSD, nor had he ever heard of PTSD, until after he was discharged. We are helping him connect his undiagnosed PTSD to the circumstances surrounding his discharge, with the goal of getting him full care. I can鈥檛 imagine taking that on alone,鈥� says VLC student 2L Natalie Bravo.

鈥淐urrently, we are working with a decorated 15-year veteran, separated under unfavorable circumstances, who is struggling to get full care for his PTSD almost 16 years after his discharge. This process has been extremely eye-opening and makes one realize how challenging the process of getting the right care can be. The benefit of hindsight is allowing us to trace the onset of his PTSD symptoms to the trauma he experienced on his last deployment before being administratively discharged,鈥� says Owens

He continues, 鈥淎s we have learned more about the effects of PTSD, it is especially important to advocate on behalf of veterans who were separated under these circumstances because it impacts their ongoing ability to receive treatment and be compensated for their service to this country. At the Veterans Legal Clinic, we have a tremendous opportunity to use the skills we are learning at the 麻豆频道College of Law to directly improve the lives of our veteran clients. Providing a direct application of our legal knowledge, outside resources, or simply a compassionate ear to listen to their circumstances can all be beneficial to help that veteran navigate a challenging administrative process to get the right care for their PTSD.鈥�

The VLC serves two critical functions on the 麻豆频道University campus. The VLC provides legal advice to veterans and their families and provides a training opportunity to empower law school students as veteran advocates.聽 Student attorneys at the VLC learn about veteran鈥檚 law, military law and federal administrative law. Student attorneys manage actual veteran clients and their cases, engage in fact investigation, draft persuasive letters and briefs to the various governmental agencies, and even have the opportunity to orally advocate for clients.

鈥淭he clinic is administrative law in action. We are navigating statutes, regulations and department policy to be the best advocates for our veterans. It’s great legal experience, but even more so it鈥檚 a fulfilling experience,鈥� says Bravo.

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College of Professional Studies Announces New York State Scholarships for the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States /blog/2023/05/23/college-of-professional-studies-announces-new-york-state-scholarships-for-the-enlisted-association-of-the-national-guard-of-the-united-states/ Tue, 23 May 2023 20:08:21 +0000 /?p=188614 Text "麻豆频道University College of Professional Studies Announcing New York State Scholarships for Members of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States" with EANGUS sealThe University continues its commitment to be the best university for veterans and military-connected students with the creation of four new scholarships for New York State Army and Air National Guard members of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS).

Two 鈥渓ast dollar鈥� scholarships will cover tuition expenses after a member uses all available tuition assistance (TA) funding each fiscal year, meaning there are no out-of-pocket tuition expenses between TA funding cycles. The scholarships apply to any 麻豆频道University online bachelor of professional studies degree in the and are open only to EANGUS members of the New York Army and Air National Guard (one scholarship for each service).

Two 鈥渇ull-tuition鈥� scholarships cover all tuition expenses for any 麻豆频道University online undergraduate credit certificate (15 credits) in the College of Professional Studies. The scholarships are open to EANGUS members and their spouses of the New York Army and Air National Guard (one scholarship for each service).

鈥淥ur support of EANGUS and its New York state members is an extension of 麻豆频道University鈥檚 position as a national leader in supporting current and prior members and family members of the United States military,鈥� says , dean of the College of Professional Studies. 鈥淭hese four scholarships dramatically expand access to 麻豆频道University for New York State Army and Air National Guard members who otherwise could not study with us full time on campus.鈥�

The University’s enduring commitment to veteran and military-connected students dates back more than 100 years. Dedicated to being the and rated one of the best private schools for military-connected students, 麻豆频道is the only private university in the Northeast that offers online and residential part-time undergraduate study to active-duty military, guard and reservists at their respective tuition assistance rates beyond the member鈥檚 annual benefit.

鈥淲e are excited to partner with 麻豆频道University and proud to offer our NY Enlisted Association members these wonderful scholarships,鈥� says James M. Hokkanen, vice president (air) of the New York Enlisted Association of the National Guard. 鈥淭he Enlisted Association knows how impactful these scholarships will be to our members and their families.鈥�

New York State Army and Air National Guard members and family members interested in the scholarships will complete a competitive application with EANGUS. Finalists will be forwarded to the University to determine admissibility into an online undergraduate degree or undergraduate certificate. The scholarships will be awarded each academic year, with the first four scholarships for the Fall 2023 semester.

鈥溌槎蛊档繳niversity is excited to further its collaboration with the New York Air and Army National Guard,鈥� says Liz Green, executive director of online student success and 麻豆频道University鈥檚 coordinator for New York Guard partnerships. 鈥淲e鈥檙e committed to providing an unsurpassed academic experience for military-connected students, and these scholarships are a small but impactful way for us to extend that experience to Guard members in the state.鈥�

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Applications Due for Rostker Dissertation Research Fund /blog/2023/05/16/applications-due-for-rostker-dissertation-research-fund/ Tue, 16 May 2023 19:37:50 +0000 /?p=188483 Sean O'Keefe and Bernard Rostker speak together during a veterans summit held on campus

Bernard Rostker G鈥�66, G鈥�70 (right) speaks in the K.G. Tan Auditorium during 鈥淭he All Volunteer Force at 50: Higher Education and America鈥檚 Volunteer Military鈥� summit at the National Veterans Resource Center.

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

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

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

portrait of Mariah Brennan in front of a brick wall

Brennan

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

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

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

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

Rachel Linsner studio portrait

Linsner

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

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

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

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Experts Available to Discuss Mental Health Awareness Month /blog/2023/05/05/experts-available-to-discuss-mental-health-awareness-month/ Fri, 05 May 2023 19:22:33 +0000 /?p=187999 Did you know in the U.S. experience a mental health condition in a given year? If you’re working on a story for Mental Health Awareness Month, our 麻豆频道University faculty experts are available for interviews. Please see their names, background, and thoughts about this month’s recognition below. If you’d like to schedule an interview, please reach out to Vanessa Marquette, media relations specialist, at vrmarque@syr.edu. You also can use their comments as is and link to this webpage for reference.

person looking into camera

, is an assistant teaching professor at 麻豆频道University’s Falk College. He teaches courses in human sexuality, cultural diversity, and relationship therapy with LGBTQ clients. . He writes:
“Mental health is a conversation that we all should be having; this month gives us a moment to reflect on those around us who may need additional support. For example, the LGBTQ community experiences higher rates of mental health needs. This is driven from the compounded impact of minority stress, or external discrimination which leads to psychological distress. This year a record number of anti-lgbt bills (417) have been introduced across the nation. This disheartening statistic highlights the overt discrimination and resulting fear for many. As the need for support increases, therapists should increase their accessibility to this community through LGBTQ-affirming therapy, offering support and validation of their lived experiences.”

Kenneth J. Mar, is an associate teaching professor of social work at 麻豆频道University’s Falk College. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a mental health therapist, family advocacy officer in charge, and as manager of the alcohol and drug prevention and treatment program. . He writes:
“As we enter May, we are reminded that this month is not only Mental Health Awareness Month but also National Military Appreciation Month. These two themes are connected, as the military community faces unique challenges that can have an impact on their mental health. In addition, the month of May provides us with the opportunity to observe Military Spouse Day, Armed Forces Day, and Memorial Day. Throughout the month of May and every day, our military service members, veterans, and their families deserve our support. Prioritizing the mental health of our military communities strengthens the overall public health and well-being of our nation.

Military members and their families face a range of unique challenges that differ from civilian society, such as deployments, exposure to certain traumatic events, extended periods of separation from loved ones, and more. It’s important to recognize that these challenges are not just at the individual level but rooted in the culture of military life. To support the mental health and well-being of our military populations, we must advocate for specific resources and funding initiatives. This includes increased funding for mental health services, improved mental health screening and assessment, training for qualified mental health professionals, and continued support for military families.

According to the 2022 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, 鈥淚n 2020, there were 6,146 Veteran suicides. This was on average 16.8 per day. In 2020, there were 343 fewer Veteran suicides than in 2019, and the number of Veteran suicides was lower than each prior year since 2006.鈥� The military and veteran communities have certainly made strides in recent years, but there is always more work to be done. Civilians play a critical role as well. By educating themselves on military culture and mental health, advocating for resources, and actively listening, civilians can make a difference in the lives of those who serve our country. Significant change can and does occur at the community level. Veterans and military families are highly active in our local communities across the nation and strengthen our social fabric. Having the right services in place at the community level, such as job trainings, access to quality education, parent support programs, and mental health services, allows our military communities to thrive and not just survive.

Veterans looking for help can find information on their local facility鈥檚 website or call the Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255 to connect with a VA responder. You don鈥檛 have to be enrolled in VA benefits or healthcare to connect.”

Aviva Vincent headshot

, an assistant teaching professor at 麻豆频道University鈥檚 Falk College, studies veterinary social work and currently teaches classes in the online master of social work degree program. . She recently wrote about the burnout and mental health challenges veterinarians experience, sadly with many leading to suicide. She writes:
“A common assumption about the day-to-day experience of veterinary professionals is that they play with animals all day. While this assumption has elements of truth, it鈥檚 not the full picture of what happens on a daily basis behind closed doors. Veterinary teams are challenged with routine care of small and large animals to challenging cases, terminal diagnoses, and euthanasias. From working with pets to production animals, veterinary professionals often experience a rollercoaster of emotions. Unsurprisingly, there are many challenges facing the veterinary community causing a workforce shortage from individuals leaving the field due to burnout or financial reasons, retirement, and sadly death by suicide.” Read her full commentary here.

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Telling the Stories of War, Sebastian Junger Speaks With Newhouse鈥檚 Military Visual Journalism Students /blog/2023/05/05/telling-the-stories-of-war-sebastian-junger-speaks-with-newhouses-military-visual-journalism-students/ Fri, 05 May 2023 12:22:06 +0000 /?p=187977 Group of students standing together with event speaker

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鈥檚 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 鈥�The All-Volunteer Force at 50: Higher Education and America鈥檚 Volunteer Military鈥� 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 .

Man standing at a podium speaking to an audience with a powerpoint presentation on the wall behind him.

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鈥檚 application is considered highly competitive due to the program鈥檚 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.

鈥淭he MVJ program takes some of the Department of Defense鈥檚 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,鈥� said Nancy Austin, the deputy director of the Military Visual Journalism Program at Newhouse. 鈥淭hey typically receive instruction from professors who have amassed extraordinary experience in the civilian world, so it鈥檚 not often they get to learn from those who have done the job from a war zone while they are here.鈥�

Junger reflected on how he hadn鈥檛 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, 鈥淭he Perfect Storm,鈥� 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.

Two people speaking to one another.

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

鈥淎 lot of militaries in the world, they don鈥檛 want journalists near anything they鈥檙e doing, they鈥檙e 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,鈥� 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.

鈥淲hat I鈥檝e found is this: I鈥檝e 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,鈥� Junger says. 鈥淭here鈥檚 something about the human capacity for compassion and empathy, it鈥檚 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.鈥�

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鈥檚 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鈥檚 operations.

Man having his photo taken.

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鈥檚 Military Visual Journalism students.

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

Newhouse has trained the military鈥檚 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 麻豆频道University鈥檚 historic commitment to service members, veterans, and their families, please visit the .

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Office of Veteran and Military Affairs Announces Spring Scholarships for Military-Connected Students /blog/2023/04/27/office-of-veteran-and-military-affairs-announces-recipients-of-spring-scholarships-for-military-connected-students/ Thu, 27 Apr 2023 16:04:52 +0000 /?p=187627 The (OVMA) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023 OVMA Spring Scholarships. Funded entirely by the generosity of donors, these scholarships support the broad community of military-connected students at 麻豆频道University. The scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis, and most are specifically focused to support select groups of military-connected students.

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鈥檛 be possible without the support of the university鈥檚 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,聽awarded to Allison Crossman ’23

A woman smiles while posing for a photo indoors.

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.

鈥淎s 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 麻豆频道University College of Law this fall,鈥� Crossman says.

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

A man poses for a photo in front of the American flag.

Karl Cutler

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

鈥淚 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 麻豆频道to work for the betterment of my community,鈥� Cutler says.

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

A member of the military posing outside in his uniform.

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.

鈥淕rowing up just outside 麻豆频道in the town of Jordan, choosing 麻豆频道was easy. I always wanted to attend 麻豆频道University, and once my time serving in the United States Army was complete, I finally made it a reality,鈥� Kompf says. 鈥淢y experience thus far at 麻豆频道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.鈥�

A man poses indoors in front of a computer.

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

鈥淒ue 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鈥檚 degree in mechanical engineering,鈥� Sauve says.

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

A woman smiling while posing outdoors while leaning up against a wall.

Samirah Crawford 鈥�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.

鈥淭his 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,鈥� Crawford says.

A woman smiles while standing outside.

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.

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

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

A man smiling while posing outside of the White House.

John Nipper 鈥�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鈥檚 in public administration after graduation. Nipper, originally from Fort Myers, Florida, was also recently elected as the President of the Student Veterans Organization at 麻豆频道University.

鈥淎fter my tour of duty, I felt a pressing call to public service, which led me to pursue a bachelor鈥檚 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,鈥� Nipper says.

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

A woman smiling while standing outside.

Karyne Brown 鈥�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.

鈥淭his 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,鈥� Brown says.

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

A man smiling while standing in military uniform in front of an American flag.

Ryan Simmons 鈥�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.

鈥淥ver the past year I鈥檝e been here, the professors, the student body, and even the administration staff have only reaffirmed that coming to 麻豆频道was the right decision for me.聽 I鈥檝e made many professional connections and even friends along the way.聽 Some of the professors I鈥檝e had have really been a blessing when it comes to not just imparting class knowledge but also firsthand experience of their professions,鈥� says Simmons.

Interested in supporting 麻豆频道University鈥檚 growing commitment to educating servicemembers, veterans, and their families? Want to learn how to contribute to their future academic success? Consider donating to the .

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Summit Co-Hosted by 麻豆频道University Focuses on Creating Pathways to Higher Education for Military-Connected Students /blog/2023/04/24/summit-co-hosted-by-syracuse-university-focuses-on-creating-pathways-to-higher-education-for-military-connected-students/ Mon, 24 Apr 2023 18:09:01 +0000 /?p=187468 Institutions of higher education like 麻豆频道University and the country鈥檚 military are both facing an approaching due in part to declining birth rates stemming from the 2008 economic recession.

With both sectors preparing for significant recruitment and enrollment challenges, 麻豆频道University and the University of Tennessee co-hosted a first-of-its-kind, two-day summit to explore how higher education and the federal government could partner up to better support our nation鈥檚 service members.

The Chancellor of 麻豆频道University speaking to conference attendees.

Chancellor Kent Syverud

Held during the 50th anniversary of the end of the military draft and the birth of America鈥檚 all-volunteer force, 鈥淭he All-Volunteer Force at 50: Higher Education and America鈥檚 Volunteer Military鈥� summit saw more than two dozen university chancellors and presidents from across the country meet with senior government officials in the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to address some of the most pressing challenges facing veterans and the long-term sustainability of an all-volunteer armed services.

鈥淲e can work together for the common good, and that鈥檚 special. We need to create clear pathways to opportunities for enlisted persons, and we need to tell their stories if we expect our enlisted service system to continue working. The pathways need to include much less siloed cooperation, moving back and forth between jobs, academia and the military to create those pathways,鈥� told the summit attendees during his closing remarks.

Attendees at a conference on the future of the military's all-volunteer force gather at 麻豆频道University.

More than two dozen university chancellors and presidents from across the country met with senior government officials in the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs to address some of the most pressing challenges facing veterans and the long-term sustainability of an all-volunteer armed services.

Seven Key Takeaways

Kori Schake, senior fellow and director of foreign and defense policy with the American Enterprise Institute, moderated the panel discussion 鈥淲here Do We Go From Here?鈥� and summarized the key takeaways as the following:

  • Understanding the difference between being veteran friendly (think social media posts touting the benefits of attending a university) and veteran ready (providing the resources, support and access to education that sets members of the military-connected community up for success).
  • Improving higher education鈥檚 access to the DoD, including nearby military bases.
  • Understanding how to navigate DoD bureaucracy, including communicating with military-connected individuals to ensure they understand the process and costs of earning a degree.
  • Establishing VA pilot programs to see what鈥檚 working for veterans, and what support they need to succeed.
  • Creating community for all veterans on campus.
  • Reimagining education, military service and work as an ecosystem of exchange, including what the lifecycle in that ecosystem looks like for service members.
  • Conveying student veteran best practices to the DoD and VA.
Mike Haynie

J. Michael Haynie

鈥淗ow can we think differently about our relationship, and maybe explore opportunities to collaborate and partner moving forward? One of the drivers of volunteerism for military service today is service as a pathway to education. How can we make access to higher education easier, more accessible, more affordable, and by doing so, create more of a push to national service?鈥� said , founder and executive director of the (IVMF).

An Obligation to Make Sure Veterans Reach Their Full Potential

Summit participants agreed that changes need to come, and soon, including altering the narrative around veterans who serve. Matt Amidon, senior advisor with the George W. Bush Institute, said young people view veterans as either heroes who deserve to be lauded or victims to feel sorry for, thanks to their depiction in films and television shows, instead of valued community members who just want to focus on their goals as civilians once they transition out of active duty.

Also, instead of viewing veterans as outsiders in society, University of Montana President Seth Bodnar, a U.S. Army veteran, pointed to the use of compelling storytelling to help spotlight how military-connected students can enhance a college campus.

鈥淟et鈥檚 not 鈥榦therize鈥� our veterans by acting like they鈥檙e not part of our society. I get that military service is so concentrated, but our veterans are not a separate part of our society; they are an integral part, and we have an obligation to make sure every member of our veteran community can reach their unique, full potential,鈥� Bodnar said during the panel, 鈥淐ompetition vs. Collaboration: Common Challenges Make Us Better Together.鈥�

A different mentality is needed too, when it comes to recruiting the next class of veterans to higher education.

鈥淚nstead of competing, maybe we can think about innovative ways to collaborate and to partner to the betterment of both institutions,鈥� said Haynie.

Eliminating Barriers to Higher Education

Each year, more than 200,000 military members make the transition from active duty to civilian life, with 74% of that population pursuing a higher education degree once their service has ended.

But only 60% of veterans take advantage of their post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, while 19% of veterans won鈥檛 use their benefits because they think it鈥檚 too difficult to navigate through higher education or they don鈥檛 have enough knowledge about their benefits.

鈥淗ow can everyone who has served and earned that right, which they鈥檙e entitled to, take advantage of their benefits? This is part of paying and rewarding those who made the sacrifice with their hard-earned benefits,鈥� said Joseph Garcia, executive director of education service in the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Man wearing a suit and tie addresses a room full of higher education leaders and military officials.

Ashish S. Vazirani, the Department of Defense鈥檚 deputy undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, delivered the keynote address at the summit.

There are currently 2.3 million active and reserve service members in the U.S., and 75% of enlistees come from military legacy families, meaning their decision to serve was inspired by someone they know who had a history of service, said Ashish S. Vazirani, the DoD鈥檚 deputy undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness who delivered the keynote address.

鈥淵ounger Americans are not exposed to the unique and compelling stories of service and the pathways to education offered by service. The military embraces most of the values these young people seek in life and in a career,鈥� Vazirani said.

鈥淲e鈥檙e Going to Work Forward, Together鈥�

As the summit drew to a close, there was a sense of optimism that the core principles addressed during the two-day gathering would lead to momentum and sustained change moving forward.

鈥淚鈥檝e been to 麻豆频道University three times before [to discuss this topic] and up until this visit, the conversation was always linear and one-way,鈥� said Brent Orrell, senior fellow with the American Enterprise Institute. 鈥淏ut today we had productive conversations that were not linear but an ecosphere of exchanges between the institutions. Each of these institutions are working to progress toward the same ends of creating a stronger America.鈥�

鈥淭his summit was never intended to be a one and done. It was intended to be a call to action on a critical problem facing our military and our country. We鈥檙e going to work forward, together,鈥� added Chancellor Syverud.

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106th Chancellor’s Review /blog/2023/04/11/106th-chancellors-review/ Tue, 11 Apr 2023 16:07:59 +0000 /?p=186847 106th Chancellor's Review on field of the JMA Wireless Dome. Colors being presented with three individuals standing together facing the military persons presenting the colors.

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鈥檚 Review.

When 麻豆频道University鈥檚 fourth Chancellor, James R. Day, reviewed the University鈥檚 Cadet Corps on May 4, 1917, he started what would become an annual tradition for the University鈥檚 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 106th Chancellor鈥檚 Review to carry on that tradition.

Chancellor Kent Syverud, the University鈥檚 12th Chancellor who called upon the campus community to make 麻豆频道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鈥檚 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鈥檚 2023 year group, including Cadet Sarah Sharpe 鈥�23, who came in first out of 802 cadets commissioning into the U.S. Army Reserve.

Group of people in military uniform standing in a line in the JMA Wireless Dome.

麻豆频道University Army & Air Force ROTC Cadets prepare to be individually awarded for their performance during the 2023 Academic Year at the 106th Chancellor鈥檚 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鈥檚 crosstown universities at SUNY Oswego, SUNY Polytechnic Institute and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

鈥淚鈥檓 so proud of the 140 cadets here today who continue our proud tradition of support to those who volunteer to serve,鈥� said Chancellor Syverud during his remarks to the assembled cadets. 鈥淐ongratulations on your service, leadership and academic excellence. And I鈥檓 grateful to our nine partner schools joining us today.鈥�

The annual Chancellor鈥檚 Review is also a time to celebrate the accomplishments of the University鈥檚 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.

Person in military uniform accepting award from a person in a suit.

OVMA Executive Director Col. Ron Novack (U.S. Army, Ret.), presents U.S. Air Force ROTC Cadet Aizhan Moore 鈥�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,聽 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鈥檚 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.

Person in military uniform shaking the hand of a person in a suit.

Chancellor Kent Syverud congratulates U.S. Army ROTC Cadet Alex Musau 鈥�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鈥檚 Chancellor鈥檚 Review, along with additional photos, can be found on the . Those interested in learning more about the university鈥檚 ROTC detachments are encouraged to visit .

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