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

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

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

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

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

From Ejection Seats to Classroom Desks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Heights Ahead

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

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

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

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

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

The first-ever Bisignano Speaker Series event will feature ���ϲ����� women’s basketball head coach Felisha Legette-Jack ’89 and four-time Paralympian Mallory Weggemann.

The rise of women’s sports has sparked a significant cultural shift in the last year, inspiring countless athletes and breaking barriers across the globe as national viewership numbers and stadium attendance for women’s sporting events have seen a dramatic rise.

���ϲ����� is proud to celebrate this through the first-ever Bisignano Speaker Series, “Tenacity and Triumph: Leadership Lessons and Resiliency.” The event will be held on Friday, Sept. 27 from 10-11:30 a.m. in the K.G. Tan Auditorium in the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building and is open to all.

Featuring two powerhouse figures in sports, this event brings together ���ϲ����� women’s basketball head coach and Mallory Weggemann, a four-time Paralympic gold medalist, world record holder, passionate advocate and NBC Sports reporter and in-studio correspondent.

Weggemann, known for her determination in and out of the pool, will share how she overcame obstacles and achieved greatness as a Paralympic athlete. She was both a gold and silver medalist for Team USA during the 2024 Paralympic Games and made her hosting debut for NBC during the 2024 Summer Olympics.

“The Paris 2024 Games marked my fourth Paralympics but more notably, my first as a mom. Throughout this entire journey, from navigating through IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) as a professional athlete, competing through pregnancy and balancing sport and postpartum as a breastfeeding mom—I have experienced firsthand the stigma that still relates to female athletes as they continue their career through motherhood. As a result, at each turn I have been passionate to serve as an example that motherhood is a comma, not a period as it relates to our identity as women,” says Weggemann. “We are at a time where women in sport are rising, and it is important that we continue to utilize our voices and platforms to ensure the next generation, my daughter’s generation, has the access, opportunity and equality they deserve.”

Legette-Jack, an All-American during her days at ���ϲ�����, has become a trailblazer in women’s sports, including winning the 2024 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Coach of the Year, the first ���ϲ����� coach to earn the honor in basketball since the University joined the ACC.

Moderated by Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff Candace Campbell Jackson, these remarkable women will explore the themes of resilience, leadership and the ever-evolving landscape of women’s sports. Their conversation will offer powerful insights into how they’ve navigated their respective careers, driven by perseverance, hard work and a commitment to breaking boundaries.

The popularity of women’s sports experienced a tremendous boost in 2023, with the 2023 NCAA women’s basketball championship game experiencing a 103% increase in viewership (Louisiana State University beat Caitlin Clark and the University of Iowa), and the 2023 women’s World Cup enjoyed record-breaking audiences in several countries around the world. This rise has not only made athletes like Clark and Megan Rapinoe household names,��it has also ignited an industry that’s expected to bring in more than $1 billion in revenue for the first time in 2024.

Visit the for more information and to RSVP.

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 ���ϲ����� V.A. Medical Center and ���ϲ�����’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF).

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’s 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.

“The 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,” says Waldron. “Then I stumbled on something that worked for me, something that pulled me out of it.”

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 ���ϲ����� VA Medical Center
• Kyle Thomas, peer specialist with the Health Care for Homeless Veterans program of the ���ϲ����� 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 .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Theodore “Ted” Walker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SVO Executive Board Results:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

K.G. Tan

Table tennis is a game of both force and angles.

The goal is to strike the ball past your opponent by taking advantage of the observable angles and opportunities. Devising a plan of attack for problems known and unknown. Predicting your opponents’ future moves while remaining in position to return a forehand, backhand or overhand slam.

It’s no wonder Kwang G. Tan G’73 naturally took to table tennis.

Possessing an innately inquisitive, problem-solving mind, Tan, who earned a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the (ECS), was ideally suited for the fast-paced game that requires one to both immediately tackle the problem they’re facing while thinking about where your opponent is vulnerable now, and where they will be vulnerable in the future.

“I always liked playing table tennis. Even now, we have table tennis downstairs, and I still like playing,” Tan says about the facilities in his retirement community in San Diego, California. “There’s always a lot of physical movement, side to side, forward and backward. You always have to be thinking.”

When it comes to philanthropy, Tan is always thinking of ���ϲ�����. He is a generous benefactor of the University, including his immense support of the .

In 2017, K.G. Tan made a gift of $3.5 million, which led to the creation of the Barnes Center at The Arch.

In 2017, a $3.5 million gift from Tan enabled students to have access to comprehensive health, wellness and recreation services and resources through both significant renovations to Archbold Gymnasium and the creation of the Barnes Center at The Arch. The result is the K.G. Tan Sports and Fitness Facility on the second floor, and a dedicated table tennis space where students who wish to follow in Tan’s footsteps can pick up a paddle and play on the third floor.

In 2019, Tan donated $5 million toward the creation of the National Veterans Resource Center, a facility dedicated to academic research, programming and thought leadership that addresses the social, economic and wellness concerns of the nation’s veterans and families.

“K.G. has enjoyed an exemplary and innovative career in the technology sector. His commitment to the University highlights the impact a defining Orange experience can have,” Chancellor Kent Syverud says. “���ϲ����� is grateful that K.G. continues to inspire current and future generations of students. His support and generosity will set our students and faculty up for continued academic and research excellence.”

Recently, Tan funded the $1.5 million K.G. Tan Professorship, which will focus on artificial intelligence (AI) research for ECS faculty.

“Dr. Tan’s endowed professorship will support a preeminent researcher and educator in the field of artificial intelligence. This person will be a top scholar in the development and rigorous analysis of AI algorithms, all while serving as a compelling instructor for our talented cadre of computer science students. We are grateful for his gift, his guidance and his passion for innovation,” says ECS Dean J. Cole Smith.

Devising Solutions for Unknown Problems

The same traits that suited Tan in table tennis helped him carve out a successful career in the technology sector, especially in the early days of computers, when engineers were devising solutions for problems that weren’t yet known. Engineers like Tan were both examining problems that needed to be solved and working out the answers to those problems.

K.G. Tan

Working for such titans of the industry as IBM, Hewlett-Packard (HP) and Sun Microsystems, Tan held five patents —four from IBM and one under Sun Microsystems—while maintaining important leadership positions at both IBM and HP.

The very first time Tan used a computer as an undergraduate student studying electrical engineering at the University of Illinois-Urbana in the late 1950s, he became determined to understand what made these ginormous machines work.

“Every field has potential, and that potential is unlimited. But at the time, we knew very little about what computers could do and what role they would play in the future. I gained experience working on the university’s main computer then and from that point on I was fascinated with learning as much about computers as I could. What can these big supercomputers do? How does their software and hardware work? I didn’t know, but I knew I wanted to know,” Tan says.

From IBM to ���ϲ�����

After earning a master’s degree in electrical engineering from The Ohio State University in 1962, Tan immersed himself in the exciting world of computers, designing computers for IBM for roughly five years.

While at IBM, Tan applied for an IBM residence fellowship program, with the hopes of earning a doctoral degree in electrical engineering. Out of more than 200 applicants, Tan was one of two selected to the prestigious program and was admitted to ���ϲ�����’s electrical engineering doctoral program.

As part of the program, ECS engineering professors traveled to IBM’s Poughkeepsie-Kingston campus. One faculty member in particular, Professor Ming-Kuei Hu, made a lasting impression on Tan. Hu helped lead the intellectual development of ���ϲ�����’s computer engineering program, which at the time was only the second accredited program of its kind in the country and Hu was the first professor to teach computer courses at the University.

As one of Tan’s professors and his advisor, Hu encouraged Tan to build upon his impressive practical experience with computers and conduct a deeper dive into the field.

“Professor Hu was very open-minded and gave me some great guidance in the field of computers that really enhanced the work I was doing for IBM while encouraging me to focus on new areas of study in computing,” says Tan, who spent two years at ���ϲ�����.

Doing Whatever It Takes to Accomplish a Task

Today computers are everywhere, from personal laptops and desktop computers to powerful smart phones and Apple watches. Users have an insatiable need for speed when it comes to accomplishing tasks on computers and electronic devices.

When Tan first started working for IBM, he was tasked with designing some of the company’s first functional computing units. Much was unknown about the tasks a computer could handle, but the same desire for computing tasks to be completed as quickly as possible permeated throughout IBM’s offices.

In this emerging field, there were countless problems for Tan to investigate. Every problem he attempted to solve was brand new. Tan says that, in general, adding more components would lead to a faster solution, but he was also operating in a finite system where the physical space was limited.

It was a constant balancing act between speed and space.

“Take the adder (a digital circuit that performs additions of numbers). You based your work on the component given to you and went about providing the fastest unit you could design. That was the goal. Of course, the component you were designing didn’t exist in the field, so you had to design something that would meet specific performance requirements,” Tan says. “We were given specifications for how fast it should be and had to figure out the minimum components to use. Much of the time, adding more components wouldn’t fit the physical space requirements. There’s always a trade-off of speed versus space. In this field, there was no precedent; you had to think about different solutions and go through many iterations. Sometimes it worked.”

The Profound Impact of Giving Back

Growing up in China, Tan’s parents instilled in him at an early age the importance of getting an education and being a lifelong learner. As he was pursuing his college degrees, Tan helped pay for his room and board by working part-time jobs, first as a busboy and then in a lab.

Every minute Tan was working part-time was time he couldn’t spend either studying or working on that day’s classroom lessons.

Wanting to give more time back to ���ϲ�����’s students, in 2013 Tan established the Tan Family Education Foundation Scholarship, providing a minimum of six and as many as nine qualified students $10,000 annually. As of March 2022, this Scholarship amounts to $90,000 annually for three years through 2024.

“Time is the most important resource. The scholarships I had as a student were important to me because they bought me more time to pursue my studies. Those two extra hours I was working each day could have been spent in the lab and in the classroom,” Tan says. “When recipients have a scholarship, they have more time to do the research that they need to do. More time to work on solving their problems. More time to focus on their studies. More time to pursue what they’re interested in academically. It makes a difference.”

About ���ϲ�����

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

About Forever Orange: The Campaign for ���ϲ�����

Orange isn’t just our color. It’s our promise to leave the world better than we found it. Forever Orange: The Campaign for ���ϲ����� is poised to do just that. Fueled by more than 150 years of fearless firsts, together we can enhance academic excellence, transform the student experience and expand unique opportunities for learning and growth. Forever Orange endeavors to raise $1.5 billion in philanthropic support, inspire 125,000 individual donors to participate in the campaign, and actively engage one in five alumni in the life of the University. Now is the time to show the world what Orange can do. Visit  to learn more.

Now two years later, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs professors Tetiana Hranchak and Robert Murrett, along with IVMF staff member Linh Nguyen G’21, offer their reflections on the lessons learned and the road ahead. Access their videos below.

Tetiana Hranchak is a visiting assistant teaching professor, supported by ���ϲ�����’s participation in the Scholars at Risk Network. She shares her thoughts on the two-year anniversary of the war in her homeland. Having fled her country when the invasion commenced, she offers a unique perspective on the ongoing conflict. Learn more about her.

Retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Robert Murrett discusses how the military and defensive landscape of both Russia and Ukraine has developed over these last two years, along with what it’ll take for this war to come to an end. Murrett is a professor of practice and serves as the deputy director of ���ϲ�����’s Institute for Security Policy and Law. .

If you are with the media and would like to schedule an interview with either of these faculty/staff members, please reach out to Vanessa Marquette, media relations specialist, at vrmarque@syr.edu.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From the Heart of Africa to Central New York

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Time to Give Back

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners of the ’CUSE50 Alumni Entrepreneur Award (Photo by Chuck Wainwright)

The power and impact of the entrepreneurial spirit was on center stage during two recent alumni events on campus. First, on Nov. 9, were honored during the inaugural ’CUSE50 Alumni Entrepreneur Awards.

At the awards ceremony held at the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building, , vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and executive dean of the Whitman School kicked off the evening. “I am an evangelist for entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is about empowerment,” said Haynie. “I know this because the work that I do has afforded me a front row seat to see how entrepreneurship can change the trajectory of lives.”

Tamekia Flowers-Ball

Tamekia-Flowers-Ball ’97, Founder/CEO of , spoke on behalf of the inaugural class and shared how during her time at ���ϲ����� she took the University’s first entrepreneurship course. The course opened her eyes to the limitless possibilities of innovation and self-driven success. “It sparked my entrepreneurial spirit, encouraging me to pursue my dreams and transform ideas into tangible ventures,” said Flowers-Ball.

Ball stressed to her fellow honorees the importance of extending a hand and opportunity to the next generations of awardees. “Whether hiring current students as interns or donating to scholarship programs, like Our Time Has Come, spearheaded by the Office of Multicultural Advancement, let’s ensure the success of future generations,” said Flowers-Ball.

The following day, the alumni gave back to the community that they so proudly came from by taking part in the ’CUSE50 Summit. The summit was open to the entire campus community, but specifically targeted students to allow them to learn about startup thinking, to develop personal and professional skills and to meet and network with alumni founders and top executives of fast-growing companies.

The day started with welcome remarks from Haynie and Alexander McKelvie, interim dean of the Whitman School of Management and professor of entrepreneurship. McKelvie thanked the alumni panelists for paying it forward to the next generation. “Each of you likely remember that one friend, mentor or role model who helped inspire you and think differently about how you approach a challenge,” said McKelvie. “Today is about that same inspiration.”

Students meet and network with alumni founders and top executives of leading companies at the ‘CUSE50 Summit. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

Entrepreneurship certainly changed the lives of many alumni honored during the ’CUSE50 awards. This was showcased during the interactive panels with the honorees and more than 300 students during two different sets of sessions of the ’CUSE50 Summit. Topics included developing entrepreneurial and growth mindsets, community building and customer acquisition, branding, finding talent and developing teams, mental health and the startup life, finding advisors, mentors and coaches, and setting yourself up for success by raising money and leveraging resources.

When asked what advice they would give to young entrepreneurs who are hoping to start and/or grow a business, here’s what a few of the ’CUSE50 winners had to say:

• “Never stop asking questions. Seek advice at all turns. Every business can be improved and the key for entrepreneurs is to identify the opportunities and fill the need. It is also normal to fail, regroup and try again.”—Adam Sulimirski ’85, managing partner of
• “Work for either an entrepreneur or an entrepreneurial-oriented organization for a bit after college to learn the good, the bad and the ugly. Learn what works and what you like and build your business around those values. You will attract like-minded people who share your passions, and you will love coming to work every day.”—Frank Shultz ’03, CEO and founder of
• “Embrace every learning opportunity, even if it seems unrelated to your primary field of study. Skills and knowledge acquired in one area can often be applied in unexpected ways in another. Stay adaptable, be open to change, and always prioritize effective communication. Surround yourself with a diverse team that brings different perspectives and strengths to the table. Also, be mission-driven and seek inspiration from the brands, companies, and causes you work for. Aim to inspire others to achieve bigger and better things than they can do alone.”—Whitney Mitchell ’06, CEO and founder of
• “Just start building and don’t be afraid to fail because the failure is putting you one step closer to achieving your ultimate goal.” —Kori Hale ’13, CEO of

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

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

Jack Pullano ’24

Jack Pullano (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

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

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

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

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

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

Benetta Dousuah G’25

Benetta Dousuah

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

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

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

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

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

Raphael Grollmus ’24

Raphael Grollmus (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

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

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

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

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

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

In the 2023 Military Times Best for Vets rankings, ���ϲ����� 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, ���ϲ����� clinched second place among colleges and universities in the Northeast.

���ϲ����� 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.

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

���ϲ����� 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 ���ϲ����� excels in, including:

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

���ϲ����� ranks among the top 10% of colleges and universities across the country for veterans.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

The ���ϲ����� 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’s Co-Founder and Executive Director, shared his personal opinion on what makes the program a success in preparing veterans for the challenges of entrepreneurship.

Mike Haynie, vice chancellor of strategic initiatives and innovation at ���ϲ�����, welcomes the 2023 EBV ���ϲ����� cohort.

“The 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,” says Haynie, a U.S. Air Force veteran and the University’s vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation. “The 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.”

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’s entrepreneurial training programs. One such graduate is U.S. Marine Corps veteran Chris Dambach, owner of Industry Standard USA. Dambach’s 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’s graduates, local ���ϲ����� 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.

“I 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,” Johnson says. “Just feeling the energy in the room and being exposed to the faculty that’s here, it’s just a great refresher to keep our tools sharpened to go out there and be successful in business.”

Alex McKelvie, interim dean of the Whitman School, teaches a class for the 2023 Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans at ���ϲ����� 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’s 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 ���ϲ����� 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’t 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’s participants after being a program graduate with last year’s cohort.

“The business week is designed to demystify business as an undergraduate degree. They’re getting a crash course on topics related to entrepreneurship like some legal considerations for entrepreneurship, branding and marketing, as well as small business finance,” Whipps says.

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 ���ϲ�����. 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.

“As you embark on your next chapter or continue to grow the business you’ve already established, identify what motivates you, what drives you, and what’s most important to you both in your work and as an individual,” Wildhack says. “For me, it’s the three F’s: Family, Faith and Friends.”

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

U.S. flag retirement station located in the NVRC.

To commemorate the adoption of the stars and stripes on June 14, 1777, by the Second Continental Congress, Americans proudly celebrate Flag Day, June 14, by displaying the U.S. flag at their homes and businesses.

Many also use this day as an opportunity to retire an old flag that has become worn and tattered for a new one. Proper disposal of a worn old U.S. flag is not always simple, and is in fact governed by etiquette outlined in the .

This Flag Day, however, staff at the University’s National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building (NVRC) has made this process easier for all members of the Orange community, and our neighbors across Central New York, who are looking to respectfully and properly retire worn and tattered U.S. flags.

Earlier today, a U.S. flag retirement station was opened in the lobby of the NVRC. The station is accessible to members of the campus and Central New York community and is located inside the main doors of the NVRC, off Waverly Avenue, on the right side of the lobby of the building. It will be accessible during standard University business hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Raul Rosique (left), student veteran and secretary of the Student Veteran Organization, and Issak Hernandez, project coordinator in the Office of Strategic Initiatives and Innovation, demonstrate how to use the new U.S. flag retirement station.

NVRC staff will ensure that all U.S. flags deposited into this station are properly disposed of in accordance with U.S. Flag Code.

The idea for the flag station came about as a result of NVRC staff receiving ongoing inquiries, since the NVRC opened in 2021, from community members seeking support related to properly retiring their U.S. flag.

“The establishment of this flag retirement station provides our community with its very own secure space for the collection of worn U.S. flags,” says Issak Hernandez, project coordinator in the Office of Strategic Initiatives and Innovation, U.S. Army veteran and member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3146. “While these stations are often available at veterans service organization posts, a convenient and dedicated site right here on our campus will better serve students, employees and community members seeking assistance with appropriate flag retirement.”

For more information or with questions about the U.S. flag retirement station in the NVRC, please contact Issak Hernandez at ishernan@syr.edu.

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

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

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

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

John Nipper ’23, President of the ���ϲ����� Student Veterans Organization.

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

Dr. Kwuan Paruchabutr ‘01

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

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

Phil Benedict G’23

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

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

J. Michael Haynie, ���ϲ����� Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About ���ϲ�����

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

 Kenneth J. Marfilius, DSW, LCSW

Kenneth J. Marfilius, DSW, LCSW, assistant dean of online and distance education and associate teaching professor of social work at Falk College, spoke to why ���ϲ����� is ranked so high on the list. “Here at ���ϲ�����, we are committed to distinguishing ���ϲ����� as the premier university for veterans, military-connected students, and families. We have a National Veterans Resource Center that cultivates and leads innovative academic, government, and community collaborations. This serves as the center of Veteran life on the campus of ���ϲ�����, the local community, and across the Central New York region.”

The USGBC is a non-profit organization that promotes sustainability in building design, construction and operation. Its awards, given at events held in different regions throughout the country, honor excellence in high-performance and healthy buildings, environmental stewardship and community impact. The organization also sets the criteria for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certifications, which aims to help building owners and operations be environmentally responsible and use resources efficiently.

The NVRC holds a LEED Gold certification, which isn’t given based upon any one criterion but instead looks at the larger picture, taking into account how the building is operated to reduce contribution to global climate change, enhance individual human health and enhance community quality of life, among other things.

“The NVRC is the most ADA accessible building on campus, one that will serve many generations of veterans in the years ahead,” says retired U.S. Army Col. Ron Novack, executive director for the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, who also helped project manage the NVRC. “Looking forward, you’re going to see more and more green buildings on university campuses, so a lot of time and energy went into making sure the NVRC, from its design through the construction process and now its daily operation, took that to heart. We’re very appreciative of this recognition and I’m honored to be able to receive the award on behalf of ���ϲ�����.”

The NVRC is the central point for all things military and veteran related on campus. It also serves as an important link to local organizations that provide services for veterans and military families in the region. Designed by SHoP Architects, also recognized individually by the USGBC for their work on the NVRC, the building is the first to be constructed as part of ���ϲ�����’s .

To learn more about the NVRC and its tenants, visit .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stars and Stripes Tailgate and Military Appreciation Game

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

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

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

Junior Military College Visit

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

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

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

From left, J. Michael Haynie, Patricia Mautino and Steve Barnes during a ceremony to launch the Civilian Service Wall of Honor

Three alumni were honored for their support of and commitment to veterans as the first members of the Civilian Service Wall of Honor within the at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building.

The honorees—Patricia Mautino ’64, G’66, vice chair of the Board of Trustees; Steve Barnes ’82, H’19, chairman emeritus of the Board of Trustees; and Tom Foley G’81—were inaugurated at a recent ceremony.

The Civilian Service Wall of Honor recognizes those non-veteran, civilian members of the University community who have committed to sustained and meaningful action to advance opportunity and prosperity for the nation’s veterans and their families.

In 1973, the U.S. military eliminated the draft and adopted an all-volunteer model of military service. One of the foundational assumptions of all-volunteer military is that those who benefit from the military service of others incur a moral obligation. Specifically, a moral obligation to act to ensure that when it is time for our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines to take off the uniform, the civilian services and resources are in place to support veterans as they transition back to the communities they call home.

This same assumption also motivates ���ϲ�����’s commitment to the nation’s veterans and the military-connected community, and it is why this month the Civilian Service Wall of Honor was launched.

“The Civilian Service Wall of Honor will forever recognize those non-veteran members of our university community who have committed to meaningful action that provides prosperity for our nation’s military families,” said J. Michael Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and founder and executive director of the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF).

Haynie recognized the honorees for their work and leadership in support of veterans.

“Pat’s drive and her deep commitment for this University and its rich history of supporting the military-connected, along with her continuous efforts to champion our student veterans, is the reason we are celebrating her today,” Haynie said.

Haynie also noted the support of Barnes and Foley in helping to establish the IVMF and other veteran initiatives at the University.

“Without the early partnership and friendship of both Tom and Steve, the IVMF’s first program, Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans, the IVMF itself, the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs and the new National Veterans Resource Center would not exist. Their leadership and support of the University’s efforts to be the best place for veterans is instrumental in our success,” Haynie said. “More importantly, their commitment to the almost 200,000 service members, veterans and families who have been trained and educated, and are now thriving because of our work is critical to a successful post-service life.”

Stephen Snelson

Stephen Snelson ’97 loved to play with Matchbox cars when he was a child. But unlike his friends, Snelson’s cars had a magical ability to fly, a simple yet imaginative gesture that would one day foreshadow the decorated career Snelson would enjoy in the Air Force.

It’s a lifelong profession that has seen him fly missions all over the world, from Afghanistan to Iraq, and it’s also one that brought him face-to-face with two presidents of the United States and their first ladies.

As the commander of the 89th Airlift Wing at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, Snelson was responsible for oversight of Air Force One and its fleet of executive aircraft that carry out special global air missions that transport the president, vice president, cabinet members, combatant commanders and other senior military and elected leaders to destinations around the world.

Escorting the president to and from Air Force One before and after every flight, Snelson got to know President Donald J. Trump and his vice president, Mike Pence, quite well, along with current President and fellow ���ϲ����� alumnus Joseph R. Biden Jr. L’68 and his vice president, Kamala Harris.

Snelson has also flown operational missions worldwide, including combat missions in support of operations Allied Force (in the former country known as Yugoslavia), Southern Watch (southern Iraq), Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn (Iraq).

Today, Brig. Gen. Snelson oversees the U.S. military operations in the Middle East, Central and South Asia, and the surrounding strategic waterways as deputy director of operations, U.S. Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida.

Throughout it all, Snelson, a 26-year veteran of the Air Force, maintains the same steadfast commitment to serving his country that he first learned as a member of the Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) at ���ϲ�����.

“I just knew when I was a little kid that I wanted to fly airplanes. It was a calling from an early age,” says Snelson, who earned a bachelor’s degree in from the .

“If you had told Cadet Snelson in 1993 or 1994 that I’d be 26 years into a career in the Air Force as a two-time wing commander and one-star general, I never would have thought that was in the realm of possibilities,” Snelson says. “But it also speaks to the lessons learned and my approach to life, and it’s amazing how those lessons carry you through life. I learned those lessons and built the foundation of leadership at ���ϲ�����.”

Humble Beginnings to Distinguished Military Career

While he initially entertained dreams of replicating the daredevil fighter pilot maneuvers made famous by Tom Cruise’s character Maverick in the iconic film “Top Gun,” Snelson quickly realized those gravity-defying moves didn’t sit well with him. Literally.

“My first flight I got airsick, the first of many flights where I got sick up in the air. I came within one flight of washing out of pilot training, but somehow, I made it and I quickly realized being a fighter pilot wasn’t in the cards for me. So I gladly became a cargo pilot, and I loved the teamwork it required and the lifestyle it offered,” Snelson says.

Brig. Gen. Stephen Snelson ’97, left, with President Joseph R. Biden Jr. L’68, first lady Jill Biden and Snelson’s wife, Catherine

A relatively new pilot when the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks killed 2,996 people, Snelson flew the first of his nearly 100 combat missions in Afghanistan in the weeks after the attacks. On one of the first nights of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, Snelson served as a C-17 cargo pilot, air-dropping packets of food to the civilian victims of the war.

Over the next 20 years, Snelson would fly into and out of Afghanistan on an assortment of missions, including leading air drops on select targets across the country. He was deployed to Kuwait during the fast-paced and frenetic final days of the United States’ involvement in Afghanistan, overseeing the day-to-day logistics that led to the successful evacuation of 124,000 Afghan civilians.

The Kabul airport became overrun with people looking for a way out of the country, which was facing an uncertain future with the Taliban assuming control of the war-torn nation. The images of families desperate for a way out left an indelible impression on Snelson, who led efforts to provide those people with food, water and shelter as they gathered at the airport.

“It was a daunting task. Right before we left for good, there was an ISIS suicide bomber that killed 13 service members. Part of my job was working the logistics to get the injured soldiers out of there while saving as many lives as we could. I was proud of what we were able to do in two and a half weeks. We saved the lives of 124,000 people. There’s no other nation in the world that could have or would have done that,” Snelson says.

Two Orange Alumni Walk Onto Air Force One…

Back in the Spring 2021 semester, as Hall of Fame men’s basketball coach Jim Boeheim ’66, G’73 was guiding the Orange into the Sweet 16 of March Madness, Snelson, like many Orange fans, was experiencing serious palpitations.

A huge fan of ���ϲ����� athletics—some of his favorite memories of his time on campus were cheering on the football and basketball teams in the Dome—Snelson’s increased heart rate had nothing to do with the on-court happenings of the men’s basketball team, and everything to do with a short walk on the tarmac at Andrews Air Force Base in the Washington, D.C., suburb of Morningside, Maryland.

Leading up to ���ϲ�����’s NCAA tournament game against Duke, Snelson was escorting President Biden to his latest flight, and the two started reminiscing about their time on campus. While Snelson keeps the exact contents of their conversation confidential, he proudly shared how the leader of the free world bonded with him about their love of ���ϲ�����, their passion for the men’s basketball team and how their time on campus set the foundation for their successful careers.

Oh, and of course they shared horror stories of those cold, snowy Central New York winters.

“It’s pretty amazing and pretty humbling to be able to form a bond with the president, especially knowing he went to ���ϲ�����. I was very nervous. I have one of those watches that tracks your heart rate, and when I looked at the data at the end of the day, during my interaction with the President, my heart rate looked like I was having a massive coronary episode I was so nervous. But it was special to me. Here we were, two proud ���ϲ����� alumni sharing a moment reminiscing about our alma mater,” Snelson says.

Brig. Gen. Stephen Snelson’s ’97, right, with President Donald J. Trump

During these contentious political times, Snelson says he gained a newfound respect for the position of president. As he was escorting President Trump and President Biden to and from Air Force One, they would often ask Snelson how his wife and two daughters were doing, providing a human element to the most powerful position in this country.

“No matter how you try to rationalize or prepare yourself for an interaction with the president or our country’s other leaders, it was always surreal, but also inspiring. When you have conversations with these leaders, you realize they are people with families, just like me. Those experiences were special. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I treasured every day,” Snelson says.

An Unimaginable Career

Regardless of the position he held, Snelson approached every job with the same voracious work ethic he learned from both his parents and from his time on campus: no one was going to outwork or out-hustle Snelson.

That mentality served him well during a decorated military career that began as second lieutenant in 1997 and saw Snelson ascend to first lieutenant, captain, major, lieutenant colonel, colonel and, finally, brigadier general.

“It’s unimaginable,” Snelson says when asked to reflect on his career path. “It’s an incredible honor to be the very first Air Force mobility pilot to have this job at Central Command. The job typically goes to an Army Special Forces soldier. It’s an incredible honor and I try to earn that honor every single day.”

This November, as our country celebrates Veterans Day, Snelson is celebrating ���ϲ�����’s commitment to our nation’s veterans, through the , the , and the other ways the University fulfills its promise to provide veterans with an affordable path to academic success.

“It just makes me so proud, knowing what my alma mater does to set our veterans up for success. It matters. Veterans develop a skill set and background that make them extremely valuable, and ���ϲ����� is able to train and set our veterans up for success as the leaders of tomorrow,” Snelson says.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The discussion on art, identity and conflict in writing is taking place during National Veterans and Military Families Month. Featured international veteran authors included Phil Klay, Dewaine Farria, Brian O’Hare and Thomas Bardenwerper. Kicia Sears, IVMF Evaluation Associate and former adjunct faculty member in ���ϲ�����’s Department of Writing Studies, Rhetoric, and Composition, will facilitate the discussion. 2021 Veterans Writing Award winner Brian O’Hare will also provide a reading from his new short story collection, “.”  Those interested in attending should register via email to libevent@syr.edu. A short reception and author book signing will take place following the reading and panel discussion.

About the veteran writers:

Phil Klay is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. His short story collection “ won the 2014 National Book Award for Fiction and the National Book Critics’ Circle John Leonard Prize for best debut work in any genre. His essay collection, “,” was released in May of 2022.

Dewaine Farria served in Jordan and Ukraine as a Marine. Besides his stint in the military, Farria spent most of his professional life working for the United Nations, with assignments in the North Caucasus, Kenya, Somalia and Occupied Palestine. Farria’s writing has appeared in Literary Hub, the New York Times, Rumpus and the Southern Humanities Review. His novel ” was the winner of the inaugural Veterans Writing Prize.

Brian O’Hare is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and former U.S. Marine Corps officer. Currently, he’s an award-winning writer and filmmaker living in Los Angeles. O’Hare’s work has appeared in War, Literature and the Arts, Santa Fe Writers Project and Hobart, and has been nominated for two Pushcart Prizes. He is the author of ““, winner of the 2021 Veterans Writing Award.

Thomas “Buddy” Bardenwerper served five years in the Coast Guard. Thanks to the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program, Bardenwerper graduated last spring with a joint degree from Harvard Law School and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. He is a staff attorney for the Florida Supreme Court and the author of “,” 2019 Veterans Writing Award Honorable Mention.

���ϲ����� Press, in cooperation with the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), established the Veterans Writing Award in 2019. The mission of the Veterans Writing 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. For more information, visit the . To ensure accessibility, CART and ASL services will be provided for this event.

���ϲ����� was the site of a historic announcement today by Micron Technology, which will invest $100 billion to build a semiconductor fabrication facility in the Town of Clay. From left are Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon, Chancellor Kent Syverud, New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul and Micron President and CEO Sanjay Mehrotra. (Photo by Ross Knight)

Earlier today, ���ϲ����� was the site of a historic announcement of a transformational investment by Micron Technology in the Central New York region: a $100 billion semiconductor fabrication facility in the Town of Clay—the largest investment and facility of its kind in the United States. Officials with Micron announced plans to build a leading-edge memory fab in New York state this morning during an event in the K.G. Tan Auditorium, at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building, home of the National Veterans Resource Center.

Micron Technology Inc. is one of the world’s largest semiconductor companies and the only U.S.-based manufacturer of memory. The new megafab will increase domestic supply of leading-edge memory and create tens of thousands of new jobs. It is the largest private investment in New York state history.

Chancellor Kent Syverud welcomed Micron President and CEO Sanjay Mehrotra and several local, state and federal government representatives for this significant announcement that will impact the region and state for generations to come. The investment will create the largest-ever cleanroom space announced in the U.S., creating nearly 50,000 New York jobs over more than 20 years. Those include 9,000 new high-paying Micron jobs and over 40,000 community jobs, including suppliers, contractors and other supporting roles.

In August, President Joe Biden L’68 signed off on the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, which will increase the country’s production of semiconductors while fueling efforts to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.

“I am grateful to President Biden and his administration for making the CHIPS and Science Act a priority, to Senator Schumer and a bipartisan coalition in Congress for passing the legislation, and to Governor Hochul and County Executive McMahon for the local and state partnerships that made this investment possible. Micron will leverage the diverse, highly educated and skilled talent in New York as we look to build our workforce in the Empire State,” said Mehrotra in a . “This historic leading-edge memory megafab in central New York will deliver benefits beyond the semiconductor industry by strengthening U.S. technology leadership as well as economic and national security, driving American innovation and competitiveness for decades to come.”

At today’s event with Micron Technology, Chancellor Syverud recognized the critical efforts of local and state leaders to help bring Micron to the area. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

At today’s event, Chancellor Syverud recognized the critical efforts of U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer, New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul ’80 and County Executive Ryan McMahon, all of whom participated in the event’s speaking program, to help bring Micron to the area. Also in attendance were U.S. Rep. John Katko, ���ϲ����� Mayor Ben Walsh and CenterState CEO President Rob Simpson.

“Micron’s $100 billion investment in New York marks the start of something transformative in scale and possibility for our state’s economic future. I promised that we would jumpstart the economy by being the most business-friendly and worker-friendly state in the nation, and thanks to our State Green CHIPS legislation, the federal CHIPS and Science Act, and extraordinary partnerships with business, labor, and local and federal leaders, this project will do exactly that,” Gov. Hochul said in a . “Together, we are leveraging this investment—the largest private-sector investment in state history—to secure our economic future, solidify New York’s standing as a global manufacturing hub, and usher the state into another Industrial Revolution.”

���ϲ����� was chosen as the site of today’s announcement because of the University’s deep connections and commitment to the Central New York region.

In a message to the Orange community, Chancellor Syverud said: “This is a proud moment for our University. ���ϲ�����’s academic, economic, cultural and civic contributions to Central New York are among the factors that attracted Micron to our area. The opportunity for collaboration—across all facets of our University—is significant. From internship and career opportunities for our students and alumni, respectively, to interdisciplinary research opportunities, educational programs, veterans initiatives, community building, engagement and investment, and economic development, Micron will quickly become one of our region’s greatest partners and a key driver of Central New York’s long-term prosperity.”

Micron selected the New York site based on the state’s leading higher education institutions, access to talent traditionally underrepresented in technology jobs and a significant military population aligned with Micron’s commitment to veteran hiring. The site also offers access to water and clean, reliable power to enable a project of this scale while achieving the company’s long-term environmental goals.

Micron and the state of New York will also invest a historic $500 million in community and workforce development with a focus on disadvantaged populations over the duration of the project. Reflecting the company’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, Micron’s New York plans include initiatives to address economic disparities and accelerate economic opportunity for underserved communities in the semiconductor industry. Micron aims to hire a diverse workforce for both direct roles as well as broader construction ecosystem jobs.

“I’m extremely fortunate for the opportunity to be here,” Coyne says. “I’m excited to be part of a university that supports the military community as much as ���ϲ����� does.”

Coyne has already appreciated the significance of this institutional support, which affirms his decision to mentor future military leaders on campus. Just four days into Coyne’s new job, Chancellor Kent Syverud visited the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building (NVRC) to outline the University’s deep history of supporting military-connected students alongside priorities for the One University Veteran/Military Initiative. Military-connected students and programs are one of the top priorities for University leadership, and to Coyne, it shows.

LTC Matthew Coyne, head of the Army ROTC program, posing with his wife, Maria, and children Jamison and Addison.

“You can see the results of what they’ve done to make ���ϲ����� the best place for veterans. These are tangible things in terms of the programs and infrastructure here,” says Coyne. “The framework they have in place is a critical point for me to share with students and parents.”

���ϲ����� housed the Student Army Training Corps to support the training effort for World War I and then demobilized it in 1918. In 1919, the University established the ROTC, making it the longest consecutively running program on a college campus.

Coyne sees Army ROTC at ���ϲ����� as a prestigious program at a prestigious University with a long history of producing quality officers for the U.S. Army. The University’s facilities amplify the benefits the Army provides, making military service an even more compelling prospect that Coyne will be able to share with students and prospective cadets.

“From an opportunity perspective, you’ll find nothing finer than what ���ϲ����� gives to the Army ROTC,” Coyne says. “If you have an inkling or desire to serve, it’s a great way to do it.”

The call to serve is something Coyne understands well.

Growing up in Stony Point, New York, a stone’s throw from West Point, the idea of military service was always in his mind when Coyne thought of his future. That picture came into sharper focus for Coyne after the attacks on September 11, 2001, which came only two weeks into his senior year of high school. That moment galvanized the nation and confirmed his path into military service. He drew from two mentors to help guide him through the application process: one a cross country coach and Marine who served in the National Guard, and another who completed ROTC at Fordham University.

Coyne’s plan was to serve in ROTC at the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania, serve his Army commitment and return to Stony Point to continue serving his community as a police officer. After he graduated, he went through eight months of initial training, then it was onto his first duty station. Sixty days later, he landed in Afghanistan to lead a platoon of 43 soldiers.

LTC Matthew Coyne, head of the Army ROTC program at ���ϲ�����, pictured while stationed overseas in Afghanistan.

At 22 years old and less than a year out of college, Coyne shouldered a tremendous responsibility. Ten months into his 15-month deployment, he went home on leave where a chance meeting with an old friend gave him a different perspective. His friend had stayed home to become a police officer, like Coyne had considered, and it wasn’t as exciting. It made him think an Army career would be preferable.

“I thought, ‘I like what I do right now. I’m not sure I’m ready to come back home to do that yet,’” Coyne recalls. “The Army provided me opportunities to travel, the opportunity to meet people and opportunities to pursue more education. I tell younger folks: There’s so much world we don’t explore, and there are so many opportunities. Try something somewhere else for a few years. If you want, you can always come home.”

In addition to deployments to Afghanistan, Coyne has moved eight times in his 16 years of service, including South Korea; Ft. Drum in New York; Ft. Dix in New Jersey; and most recently the Pentagon.

Coyne’s military experiences also gave him a good framework for understanding how to manage the Army ROTC program. He cites structure, time management and prioritization abilities among the life skills he learned through the military. His instructors also had a big influence on him, and his professor of military science had such a lasting impact on his professional development that they still check in with each other.

While the Army afforded him greater education, including a prized spot in the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, Coyne actively sought an opportunity to give back to the next generation of leaders. His wife Maria, also from New York, moved away from home for the first time to go across the world while Matthew was stationed in Korea. They both wanted to come home to New York with their young children Jamison (2 ½ years) and Addison (3 months) after Coyne’s most recent assignment at the Pentagon.

“I’m very fortunate to get my number one choice. I look at it as a phenomenal opportunity to get back with the younger generation,” Coyne says. “My focus is on developing officers of character and building them into leaders ready to lead our nation’s sons and daughters. I’m all-in, 100 percent.”

“I would recommend ���ϲ����� to any veteran,” says Nuber, who earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

Nuber’s Orange journey starts back in Sylvan Beach, New York, when he had the realization that he wanted to pursue a different career path than his peers.

Inspired by his time in the U.S. Marines, Jordan Nuber ’19 earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations from the Maxwell School.

“I enlisted in the Marine Corps when I was 18. So right out of high school, I did four years enlisted active duty as a data systems administrator,” Nuber says.

His time as a Marine gave Nuber an appreciation for communications on a global scale, so once he was done with active duty, Nuber decided to enhance his understanding of global communications issues. Maxwell was the perfect choice, as it was both close to Nuber’s home and offered a chance to build upon the lessons learned in the Marines.

“It helped me put into context what the military was doing as a whole and kind of gain some worldly perspectives, which contextualized a lot of my service,” Nuber says.

Going back to school certainly came with its challenges, but four years of military service helped with the adjustment.

“It helped me take things as seriously as possible and really dive into all the opportunities that were available,” says Nuber.

Two Maxwell classes in particular had a profound impact on Nuber: Globalization in the Information Age, which served as a compliment to the work he had done with the Marines; and Russian History, which covered World War I to the Cold War.

“At the time it was just so interesting to learn about how their society had developed, and now today with what is happening in Ukraine, I understand a lot of that context on a deeper level,” Nuber says.

Many of Nuber’s friends on campus were fellow veterans, which “was easy to make friends (on campus) because the veteran community here is so robust,” says Nuber.

Among the highlights from his days on the Hill: networking with professionals in the international affairs profession, going on career-focused trips and spending time with others in the military, especially through programs and events in the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building.

“The resources available to military-connected students, and all students, really set ���ϲ����� apart. They make the world your oyster,” says Nuber, who still bleeds Orange.

Thanks in part to his time at ���ϲ�����, Nuber is both excited to stay connected to his alma mater, and to hopefully introduce other military-connected individuals to the University. Nuber believes the streamlined services offered through the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs make for one of the smoothest experiences a veteran or service member could experience when going back to pursue a degree.

Nuber’s time in Okinawa is just beginning. He hopes to develop into the best platoon commander possible over the next three years, and is looking forward to continuing to learn from the other Marines around him. When his time in Okinawa is finished, Nuber, who will have one year left on his post-9/11 GI Bill, is considering returning to ���ϲ����� to earn a master’s degree in information systems through the School of Information Studies.

“It is an amazing opportunity I have from the GI Bill, and ���ϲ����� is the place I want to take advantage of that opportunity,” Nuber says.

Ted Lachowicz ’72

The event was sparked by Lachowicz’s challenge to program alumni to match a $20,000 donation to host the event. “It is easy to match $20,000 when you are in touch with the alumni constantly. Some of them I have been mentoring for 10 years,” he said.  Four program alumni, Kelo Makelele, JJ Stakem, JT Taylor and Bennett Tanton, quickly matched the amount to make the reunion possible. “The entrepreneurship program gave me the tools and I see value in it that, which made me want to give back,” Tanton said.

The EBV Foundation itself is constantly finding new ways to engage with graduates of the EBV program. “The reason we are standing here is these people put their lives on the line to keep freedom in America,” Lachowicz said. “I cannot think of a better way to give back than by supporting our veterans.” The efforts to improve veteran entrepreneurs’ journeys include the EBV Foundation Business Plan Competition, working with EBV graduates to develop business plans, and providing mentors to participating veterans to assist in the development of their businesses. Each of these overlapping mission areas helps EBV graduate-owned businesses grow, and through the EBV Foundation’s philanthropic efforts they can raise funds to keep the programs running at each consortium university at no cost to participants.

“Transitioning is a difficult time in the military community, so being able to provide programs at no cost to veterans takes a tremendous burden of their shoulders,” said Raymond Toenniessen, the IVMF’s associate vice president for strategic initiatives. “The EBV program is a major stepping stone for many of our veteran entrepreneurs and eliminating that cost barrier helps them focus on developing their businesses.”

Attendees of the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans reunion.

Lachowicz was excited about the opportunity of hosting a reunion at the end of the 2022 EBV cohort because it allowed those participating to make crucial connections with successful alumni. His dream is to one day match each participant with an alum while the program is ongoing to provide them with immediate feedback on their ideas and help them along their journey throughout the EBV program. “I have always thought it would be great to integrate the old with the new because the new students can learn from the old students,” said Lachowicz.

The reunion itself started with alumni speaking to participants in this year’s EBV program at a panel for successful veteran-owned businesses. Once the rest of their peers arrived, alumni were welcomed and treated to dinner on the NVRC parade ground. During that time, many old friends reconnected and networking opportunities commenced as unfamiliar faces interacted for the first time. “I was excited to see old classmates and congratulate them on the successes of their companies,” Makelele said.

The next day alumni were back in class learning from world-class speakers, including Lachowicz, about leadership, building business stories, taking their business to the next level and marketing strategies. After classes ended for the day, alumni headed to a networking reception with participants in the 2022 EBV cohort. “I feel like I am at a family reunion and reconnecting with people to see where they are in their journeys now,” said Jesse Trevino, EBV-���ϲ����� ’18 alumnus. “It’s cool because I was able to zoom out and see where I have been in the journey, because it’s easy to forget how we got here, and it’s nice to celebrate it.” The closing ceremony recognized several alumni and awards were given out to alumni and the graduating class.

Lachowicz is looking forward to next year, and hopes that even more alumni will give back to EBV and other IVMF programming to support veteran entrepreneurs. “All the alumni are out there. Whether it is business, whether it is broadcasting, whether it is architecture, whatever it is, it is good to give back,” he said. “We have all been lucky to attend ���ϲ����� and to get a good education. Now it is time to give back to our programs and student veterans to carry it forward.”

If you are interested in supporting the EBV program and other IVMF programs, please reach out to Ashley Cavender, alumni services manager.

A graduation ceremony for new City of ���ϲ����� firefighters was recently held at the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building.

The firefighters from the ���ϲ����� Fire Department Regional Training Academy were recognized in a ceremony on May 20.

The new firefighters are Brandon Bailey, Jacob Ellsworth, Wyatt Esposito, Nicholas Geswaldo, Blake Harden, Timothy Harris, Jameeka Ingram, David Kiernan, Kyle Kinsella, David Kozak, Kelly Love, Zachary Mason, Jajuan McIntyre, Louis Parolin, William Pringle, Connor Riggs, Garrett Roziock, Tyler Scanlon, Brian Sheridan, Tyler Spellman, Nathaniel Stewart, Hayden Turk, Michael Wadach and Ryan Whitney.

Speakers included Mayor Ben Walsh; County Executive Ryan McMahon; Rocco Morganti, IAFF Local 280 president; and ���ϲ����� Fire Chief Michael Monds.

The NVRC is designed as a community hub, and is accessible to community organizations, as well as local and state government partners, for the purpose of facilitating programs, trainings, events and initiatives.

Daniel D’Aniello

“���ϲ�����’s study abroad program is second to none. Dan and Gayle’s gift will invigorate the Florence program by funding necessary updates to its facilities and strengthening the curriculum. It will also provide support to retain and attract an exceptional cadre of faculty members, and, most importantly, increase access to international experiences to more students,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “Dan and Gayle’s leadership, generosity and vision are paving the way for ���ϲ�����’s future. I am grateful for their continued support for the University’s most important academic priorities.”

The Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Florence Program is located on Piazza Savanarola, at the historic Villa Rossa, with additional spaces for studio art and architecture on nearby Donatello Square. The crown jewel of the ���ϲ����� Abroad portfolio, the ���ϲ����� program in Florence is the oldest and one of the most coveted international learning experiences in the city and the country. This new gift will support upgrades and enhancements in the programs facilities to ensure they meet the increasing needs of students.

The gift will dramatically expand scholarship funding to students for whom study abroad programs have been out of reach, including lower-income students, post-traditional students and student veterans. For student veterans, ���ϲ����� Abroad will work closely with the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs and the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families to expand support for military-connected students in navigating the complexities of using GI Bill benefits for study abroad, covering gaps in funding and providing specialized support services unique to the needs of veterans.

“The ���ϲ����� Abroad program is an essential element of the academic experience for so many students. My time abroad in Florence was some of the most memorable of my college career, and I am delighted to be able to support that experience for today’s students—especially students with need, veterans and others for whom a semester abroad seems out of reach,” says Daniel D’Aniello, a ���ϲ����� Life Trustee and co-founder and chair emeritus of The Carlyle Group, who was recognized during the Class of 2020 Commencement with an honorary doctor of humane letters degree. “Gayle and I are so pleased to provide this support to the University and its faculty and students, who will gain illuminating global perspectives during their time in Italy and bring those insights to their professional lives.”

The D’Aniellos are deeply committed to ���ϲ����� and its community through their time and resources. They have been especially supportive of Forever Orange: The Campaign for ���ϲ�����, a $1.5 billion fundraising initiative focused on enhancing academic excellence, transforming the student experience and expanding unique opportunities for learning and growth. In November, the couple announced a $30 million gift to secure the future and long-term success of the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF). In addition, the D’Aniellos’ 2018 gift of $20 million provided for the construction of the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello building that houses the National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC).  These gifts ensure it remains the nation’s leading academic institute focused on the concerns of America’s more than 20 million veterans and their families. Their latest gift to the ���ϲ����� Abroad program further strengthens their commitment to student excellence and the importance of a ���ϲ����� education.

“With this tremendous support from Dan and Gayle D’Aniello, the University can take the ���ϲ����� Abroad Florence program to a new level. Along with upgrades to our facilities, this funding will allow our faculty to further innovate the curriculum, coursework and immersion experiences, focusing on project-based learning, allowing students to learn by investigating real-world issues,” says Vice Chancellor, Provost and Chief Academic Officer Gretchen Ritter. “Through the D’Aniellos’ generosity, an abroad experience in Florence, Italy, will be attainable for more students, putting talented and deserving students in the heart of a dynamic European city, immersed in its language, arts, culture and people.”

“This is an exciting announcement for the ���ϲ����� Florence program and the University. ���ϲ����� Abroad students grow each day through their experiences in Florence. Enhancing their experience, the coursework they take and the immersion opportunities throughout their time here will enable them to further learn, grow and gain a greater self-confidence that they will take with them for the rest of their lives. We see it every semester,” says Erika Wilkens, executive director of ���ϲ����� Abroad. “The D’Aniellos’ gift will increase the possibilities for students to engage with the culture in Florence and throughout Europe. It will be extraordinarily impactful in all that ���ϲ����� does to create a distinctly global learning experience.”

���ϲ����� Florence Director Sasha Perugini echoed the Provost and Wilken’s comments. “I am grateful and excited to see such a powerful recognition made to acknowledge the outstanding work done through the decades by the Florence team in building an extraordinarily high-quality program.”

About ���ϲ�����

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

About Forever Orange: The Campaign for ���ϲ�����

Orange isn’t just our color. It’s our promise to leave the world better than we found it. Forever Orange: The Campaign for ���ϲ����� is poised to do just that. Fueled by 150 years of fearless firsts, together we can enhance academic excellence, transform the student experience and expand unique opportunities for learning and growth. Forever Orange endeavors to raise $1.5 billion in philanthropic support, inspire 125,000 individual donors to participate in the campaign, and actively engage one in five alumni in the life of the University. Now is the time to show the world what Orange can do. Visit to learn more.

Student veteran Commencement in 2019

This year a total of 301 students with military ties representing all branches of the U.S. military, along with 37 future military leaders in ROTC, will earn ���ϲ����� diplomas at the new National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC) at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building.

The student veteran Commencement will take place at 8 a.m. in the K.G. Tan Auditorium, and . There will be a light reception honoring these graduates in the NVRC at the Bisignano Grand Hall immediately following.

The commissioning celebration will also take place in the Tan Auditorium from 10:30-11:30 a.m. ET, and . Respective pinning and salute ceremonies will take place following the University’s joint commissioning celebration.

Air Force veteran Stephen Woodard ’70 returned to campus in August and received his diploma from retired U.S. Army Col. Ron Novack, executive director of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs. Woodard was unable to attend his graduation in 1970.

It wasn’t until his senior year that something changed; he didn’t feel welcome on campus anymore after he and other cadets returned from a summer ROTC training exercise and were told they could not wear uniforms on campus.

“This was during the Vietnam War, and there were numerous demonstrations on campus against the military,” says Woodard, who was born and raised in ���ϲ�����. “Demonstrators would throw things on the door of the gym, which is where our offices were.”

Back then, it was tradition for ROTC cadets to have graduation and commission in the Archbold Stadium right on campus; however, during Woodard’s senior year, that all changed. The campus climate was tense due to feelings about the Vietnam War and so commissioning was held off campus at nearby Hancock Field.

“What was really sad was not one university official came to our commissioning, and that left a bitter taste in my mouth,” he adds. “���ϲ����� is my hometown university, and it was just a horrible feeling.”

After commissioning from ���ϲ����� in 1970, he served in the U.S. Air Force for five years of active duty, and then four years in the reserve as a search and rescue pilot. He had several deployments in the Middle East and in the Pacific and finished his military career in the Philippines where he ran the flight line in the evacuation of Saigon, and then was a liaison for ROTC in South Carolina.

Woodard and his wife have two sons, Douglas and Jeff, and two daughters-in-law, Noel K. Sior-Woodard ’94 and Lanette Woodard. Noel is a 1994 graduate of the College of Visual and Performing Arts and loved her time at ���ϲ�����, and so did Carol Woodard. They were upset Woodard didn’t have the same feelings for their beloved school, so that is when they contacted the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA). Soon after, the Woodard family came to ���ϲ����� in August to learn about how a renewed campus commitment to being the “best place for veterans” had been reinvigorated since their time here in the 1960s.

Air Force veteran Stephen Woodard ’70 served in the U.S. Air Force for five years of active duty, and then four years in the reserve as a search and rescue pilot.

“I could not comprehend the difference in SU when we went in August compared to what it was 50 years ago,” Woodard says. “It was the exact opposite—we had two offices in the gym and now there is an entire building—the National Veterans Resource Center.”

Woodard also got to talk to current ROTC cadets and said it was great to share his experience and hear about theirs.

During Woodard’s visit, the OVMA presented him with a degree since he did not get to walk at his graduation.

“It was gratifying to share ���ϲ�����’s commitment to veterans and military families and all that has been done since his time here,” retired U.S. Army Col. Ron Novack, executive director of the OVMA, says. “Veterans and their families are an integral part of our culture and experience, and they bring diversity, equity and inclusion to our campus.”

While he served during the Vietnam War, he never stepped foot on the ground there, which he says was ironic given how cadets were treated during that time. Despite the hardships he faced before going active duty and then during the isolating times of search and rescue missions, he was grateful for his time in the military and remembers his fellow service members who were lost in the line of duty.

“I lost probably 10% of my flight class,” he says. “It’s tough in the military… it’s not only tough on you but sometimes it’s harder on the families.”

His father also served in the military as a U.S. marine in Iwo Jima. He says the recent events in Afghanistan brought back memories of PTSD and he’d think about his dad’s service. “It’s so much different now with no draft and an all-volunteer force,” he says. “It’s hard for others to understand.”

Woodard and his wife now call Woodstock, New York, home, and also live outside Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, now. Their service in helping others still thrives as both were firefighters in Woodstock for 30 years. “It was very rewarding because we saved a lot of people,” he says.

���ϲ����� now has a whole new meaning to Woodard. “It’s great to have an institution like the National Veterans Resource Center where those who transition out of the military have a place to go to,” he says. “The NVRC helps bridge that gap which is invaluable to any veteran.”

The event will begin at 11 a.m. with a welcome and introduction by Charlie Poag, a senior in the Newhouse School and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.

Christine Brophy, a research analyst in the University’s Office of Institutional Research and a U.S. Army veteran, will share the history of Veterans Day. Harris Krahn, a sophomore in the Maxwell School and College of Arts and Sciences, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and secretary of the , will speak on the University’s history of serving veterans and reflect on his own experiences on campus.

The ceremony will include remarks from Chancellor Kent Syverud and Hendricks Chapel Dean Brian Konkol. Chancellor Syverud will introduce the event’s keynote speaker, retired Lt. Col. Victor Holman ’82.

Holman began his decorated career when he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Reserve Officers Training Corps at ���ϲ�����. He is currently the secretary of the general staff for the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), a unique four-star general command. TRADOC has an $8 billion annual budget, trains more than 500,000 military and civilians and directs a workforce of 45,000 personnel worldwide. Holman leads four high-performing teams that manage executive communications, information technology and key administrative support for the commanding general.

The event will also feature performances from the ���ϲ����� Singers and the 198th Army Band.

Earlier that morning, the annual Veterans Day Fun Run, Walk and Stroll will begin at 6:30 a.m. on the Einhorn Family Walk in front of the Schine Student Center. .

The event at the K.G. Tan Auditorium at the NVRC recognized the 10-year anniversary of the , which has served more than 160,000 veterans and their families and is now located in the NVRC.

After a delay of more than a year due to the pandemic, the dedication also marked the official grand opening of a spectacular building that serves as a center of research, innovation and programming in support of our nation’s veterans; acts as a community hub for student veterans and the entire campus; and advances the economic and wellness concerns of the nations’ veterans and their families.

And perhaps most importantly, the event reconfirmed Chancellor Kent Syverud’s commitment that ���ϲ����� will be the best university in the country for veterans and their families.

“So, what is next?” Chancellor Syverud asked. “What is our vision for the next 10 years, for IVMF, for OVMA (Office of Veteran and Military Affairs), and for ���ϲ�����?

Chancellor Kent Syverud

“In 2031, let’s not be the best private university for veterans and military-connected service members and their families, let’s be simply the best university of any kind for those who are serving or have served,” Chancellor Syverud said. “Let’s be the best university for vets, period. I think we can do this. If you doubt this, look around. Look what you have already achieved.”

In addition to Chancellor Syverud, other guest speakers included J. Michael Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and IVMF’s founder and executive director; Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman; and Mark Elliott, managing director and global head of military and veterans affairs for JPMorgan Chase & Co., a foundational sponsor for IVMF when it was founded in 2011.

The event featured a captivating fireside chat with Mike Hayes, chief digital transformation officer at VMware and retired U.S. Navy SEAL commander and author, and Britt Slabinski, Medal of Honor recipient and retired U.S. Navy SEAL master chief special warfare operator. Adding to the pomp and circumstance, former President George W. Bush provided a video message.

“The NVRC represents a continuation of a long-standing commitment from ���ϲ����� to those who have worn our nation’s uniform and their families,” Bush said. “I thank my friends Dan and Gayle D’Aniello for their transformative gift that made this facility a reality, and for their continued support of our veterans.”

Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation and IVMF Founder and Executive Director J. Michael Haynie

Haynie, whose vision for IVMF started with scribbles on a napkin at a meeting with potential funders, said the NVRC “represents ���ϲ�����’s commitment to paying on the moral accountability in a model of national defense where the many benefit from the sacrifice and service of the few.” Since the draft was eliminated in 1973, Haynie said, less than 1% of the population serves in the military at any time.

Haynie told a story from several years ago, when he was on a plane ride with a Marine Corps veteran named Tim who had served five years, including three in the Middle East. Tim said he had been out of service for six months, couldn’t find a job and was on his way to a VA hospital because the ringing in his ears was preventing him from getting more than two hours of sleep at night.

“He looked at me and said, eyes welling up with tears, worse than all of that, he feels anonymous,” Haynie said.

“The NVRC represents, both in a symbolic and practical way, ���ϲ�����’s commitment to Tim to telling his story and creating the intellectual and social conditions between those who have served and those who have not to facilitate knowing and inclusion and understanding and empathy,” Haynie said. “Thank you, on behalf of Tim and the many like him in this very room, who because of all those who made this remarkable space and place possible, they will no longer be anonymous while among us.”

Army ROTC student Isabella Lee ’22

Isabella Lee ’22, an Army ROTC student, provided a reflection and emphasized that the NVRC gives veteran students, ROTC students and veterans and their families a welcoming place where their voices–unlike Tim’s–are being heard.

“My family has served for generations and we’ve seen what freedom costs because soldiers just do not pay with their lives, they pay in their children’s soccer games and school plays, they pay with their peace of mind and sleepless nights that are caused by PTSD, and they pay with every service-related injury and every moment spent away from their loved ones fighting for the freedom of our nation,” Lee said. “I’m so proud to stand here today as a student of an institution that’s ready to pay it forward.”

The IVMF’s ability to pay it forward is the result of a vast network of partners and sponsors who have provided financial support. On Oct. 28, the Small Business Administration announced that the IVMF was awarded a $5 million grant to participate in the new Community Navigator Pilot Program to help the economic recovery efforts of specific communities, including veterans, women and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

The building is named in honor of U.S. Navy veteran and Life Trustee Daniel D’Aniello ’68 and his wife, Gayle, who provided a $20 million gift in support of the construction of the facility. While on campus for the dedication, Daniel and Gayle announced a $30 million gift to support the creation of an endowment to provide annual operational support for the IVMF, ensuring it remains the nation’s leading academic institute focused on the concerns of America’s more than 20 million veterans and their families.

Fireside chat between Mike Hayes, chief digital transformation officer at VMware and retired U.S. Navy SEAL commander and author, and Britt Slabinski, Medal of Honor recipient and retired U.S. Navy SEAL master chief special warfare operator

Miguel Pica, a student veteran who will graduate in December and is the ���ϲ����� PAVE (Peer Advisors for Veteran Education) team leader, said to him, the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building represents the University’s commitment to veterans and how that commitment will only get stronger.

“We’re not just saying we’re going to help you or assist you with your transition, or give you the tools to succeed in academia, but beyond that it’s an actual statement,” Pica said. “We’re not just saying it, but actually dedicating an incredible space for veterans and their families.”

“Dan’s love for ���ϲ����� goes beyond alumni loyalty or the responsibility as a trustee,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “The D’Aniellos are invested in our vision for serving veterans and military-connected families. It is impossible to measure the ripple effect that his leadership and support have had on our community. Thanks to the D’Aniellos, ���ϲ�����’s commitment to veterans will continue to grow, to aspire to new and better programs, and to make a tangible difference to those who have served our nation.”

Founded in 2011, over the past 10 years the IVMF has grown to become one of the most influential centers of thought leadership, research and programming focused on the nation’s veterans and military families. The IVMF designs and delivers programs—at no cost to veterans, military-connected individuals and families—focused on vocational skills training, career preparation and business ownership, while also conducting actionable research, policy analysis and advocacy. With the support of public- and private-sector partners, the IVMF also works in communities across the U.S., supporting efforts to help veterans and their families navigate the transition from military to civilian life.

The D’Aniello family’s commitment to service is at the heart of the decision to extend support of IVMF, the NVRC and other veterans-focused initiatives at ���ϲ�����.

“The IVMF is doing the kind of groundbreaking work that is vital to understanding and breaking down the barriers facing veterans and their families as they transition from military service to civilian life,” says D’Aniello. “The institute’s innovative programs and services provide veterans an opportunity to find a meaningful career or launch their own business. In turn, our nation’s veterans and their families contribute to their communities and serve their country in new and profound ways. Gayle and I are honored to support this work that is taking place at the University that means so much to us.”

Daniel D’Aniello, a U.S. Navy veteran and co-founder and chair emeritus of The Carlyle Group, serves as co-chair of the IVMF Advisory Board and was recognized during the Class of 2020 Commencement with an honorary doctor of humane letters. He also serves as chairman of the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) and the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts. He earned a bachelor’s degree in 1968 from what is now the Martin J. Whitman School of Management and was later named alumnus of the year. He was drafted into the U.S. Navy in 1968 and spent three years serving as a supply officer aboard the USS Wasp (CVS 18). Following his military service, D’Aniello continued his education at Harvard Business School, where he earned an MBA and was also a Teagle Foundation Fellow. In 2016, D’Aniello was awarded the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation’s Lone Sailor Award for drawing upon his Sea Service experience to achieve success in his personal and professional life while exemplifying the core values of honor, courage and commitment.

J. Michael Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation, created the IVMF at ���ϲ����� in 2011. Haynie credits the support the University has received from the D’Aniello family for making it possible for the IVMF to provide training, educational programming and community-based services to more than 160,000 veterans and military families since its founding in 2007.

“Dan’s commitment to our work has been transformative, and now his commitment to create an endowment ensures that the work of the IVMF can continue for generations to come,” says Haynie. “Dan’s support also enables the IVMF team to act entrepreneurially, in pursuit of innovative opportunities. Our ability to pursue new initiatives will be enabled by Dan’s ongoing support and his commitment to seeding innovation across the IVMF’s programs, services and research,” says Haynie.

The D’Aniello family has given back in meaningful ways in support of many organizations and communities. His philanthropic work is far-reaching, with a focus on education, mental health, the performing arts, veterans, entrepreneurship and faith-based organizations.

In addition to his service to the University’s Board of Trustees, D’Aniello is a member of the Chancellor’s Council and the Whitman Advisory Council and serves as co-chairman of the IVMF advisory board. D’Aniello received the George Arents Award in 2017, the University’s highest alumni honor.

About the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at ���ϲ�����

The Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) is the first interdisciplinary national institute in higher education focused on the social, economic, education and policy issues impacting veterans and their families. Through its professional staff and experts, the IVMF delivers leading programs in career, vocational and entrepreneurship education and training while also conducting actionable research, policy analysis and program evaluations. The IVMF also supports communities through collective impact efforts that enhance delivery and access to services and care. The institute, supported by a distinguished advisory board, along with public and private partners, is committed to advancing the lives of those who have served in America’s armed forces and their families. For more information, visit and follow IVMF on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the National Veterans Resource Center

The National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC) at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building is a class-leading exemplar of academic, government and community collaboration. The NVRC functions as the center of veteran life on the campus of ���ϲ�����, in the local community, and across Central New York. Specifically, the NVRC leverages a public-private sector partnership model to nurture academic research, actionable programming, and collaborative thought leadership positioned to impact veterans and their families on the campus of ���ϲ�����, in New York State, and in communities across the U.S. Home to the Institute for Veterans and Military Families, the NVRC houses state-of-the-art vocational and educational programs designed to advance the economic success of the region’s and the nation’s veterans and military families, and also serves as a platform through which to seed, nurture, and coordinate veteran-connected academic research and technology commercialization. To learn more about the NVRC, visit nvrc.syr.edu.

About ���ϲ�����

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

About Forever Orange: The Campaign for ���ϲ�����

Orange isn’t just our color. It’s our promise to leave the world better than we found it. Forever Orange: The Campaign for ���ϲ����� is poised to do just that. Fueled by 150 years of fearless firsts, together we can enhance academic excellence, transform the student experience and expand unique opportunities for learning and growth. Forever Orange endeavors to raise $1.5 billion in philanthropic support, inspire 125,000 individual donors to participate in the campaign, and actively engage one in five alumni in the life of the University. Now is the time to show the world what Orange can do. Visit to learn more.

The University’s National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building will be officially dedicated on Wednesday, Nov. 3.

While a grand opening celebration in April 2020 was sidelined due to the pandemic, the University’s National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC) at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building will be officially dedicated on Wednesday, Nov. 3. The campus community is invited to attend the event, which will take place from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the K.G. Tan Auditorium at the NVRC.

A center of research, innovation and programming in support of our nation’s veterans; a community hub for student veterans and the entire campus; and a beacon to all who have served this country, the NVRC is a first-of-its-kind facility that advances the economic and wellness concerns of the nations’ veterans and their families.

The dedication of the NVRC, which builds on ���ϲ�����’s long-standing commitment to the veteran and military-connected community, celebrates another important milestone in the University’s history in connection with our country’s service members.

Along with guest speakers, the event will feature a fireside chat with Mike Hayes, chief digital transformation officer at VMware, retired U.S. Navy SEAL commander and author, and Britt Slabinski, Medal of Honor recipient and retired U.S. Navy SEAL master chief special warfare operator.

Those interested in attending are asked to .

Several years in the making, the D’Aniello Building began to fill with staff and opened to the campus community in early February 2020, but the pandemic and public health guidelines necessitated a postponement of a planned dedication.

The National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building brings together the University’s veteran and military-related programs.

Bringing together the University’s veteran and military-related programs, the facility houses the University’s (IVMF) that conducts national training around the country, the that is the front door for any student veteran or military-connected member need on campus, both Army and Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), the ,” , and office space for local, county and state government veteran representatives and community-based veterans organizations.

Officials expect tens of thousands of veterans per year will receive training and support through programs at the new facility, either in person or online.

“This new building is the result of the hard work and effort of many people, and builds on the University’s storied history of support to our nation’s veterans and their families. It has been wonderful to witness staff and faculty, ROTC students, student-veterans and researchers make their new home here,” says J. Michael Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and IVMF founder. “We’re excited to welcome all members of the campus and local community—as well partners from around the nation—to this first-of-its-kind center, created specifically to elevate research, educational programs, and community collaborations that advance opportunity for our nation’s veterans and military-connected families.”

Along with classrooms and offices, the 115,000 square-foot center also features a 750-seat auditorium, the K.G. Tan Auditorium.

The building is named in honor of U.S. Navy veteran and Life Trustee Daniel D’Aniello ’68 and his wife, Gayle, who provided a $20 million gift in support of the construction of the facility. D’Aniello, co-founder and chair emeritus of The Carlyle Group, earned a bachelor’s degree from what is now the Martin J. Whitman School of Management.

Funding was also provided through the Central New York Regional Economic Development Council’s winning proposal, as part of New York State’s Upstate Revitalization Initiative.

The NVRC represents one of the six themes of the University’s Academic Strategic Plan and a key strategic priority of Chancellor Kent Syverud’s—to distinguish ���ϲ����� as the premier university for veterans, military-connected students and families, with enhanced and expanded programs to help them achieve their academic goals.

In addition, the LEED-certified facility was the first new building constructed as part of the University’s Campus Framework, which works with the Academic Strategic Plan to guide the future of the campus environment and enhance the student experience, integrate accessibility and improve academic and research spaces.

Construction of the building, which was designed by the New York City firm SHoP Architects, began in 2018 and incorporates universal design standards, with ADA compliance, to ensure a welcoming, inclusive space for all veterans and visitors.

Along with classrooms and offices, the 115,000 square-foot center also features a 750-seat auditorium, available as a resource to the entire campus; a rooftop parade field for drill and ceremony training for ROTC cadets; a large event space and a gallery exhibition space.

A flag raising ceremony was held in August 2020 at the National Veterans Resource Center.

Lyons, a biochemistry major and active participant in the ���ϲ����� Ambulance Corps and Army Reserve Officer Training Corps, is remembered for going above and beyond to serve others.

Bob Lyons unveils the tribute to his son, James, inducted into the University’s National Veterans Resource Center’s Hall of Honor on Oct. 15.

Bob Lyons, James’ father, says he’s honored his son is being inducted into the Hall of Honor. “I was really blown away when I heard the news,” says Bob Lyons, who attended the event with his wife, Marcia. “When I’m gone, he’ll still be honored there. And I think that’s just wonderful. I don’t know how to say how much it means to me.”

“We miss him every day, especially as we get older since he was our only child,” says Bob Lyons, who has been a volunteer firefighter at the Brighton (New York) Volunteer Fire Department for “most of his life.” James Lyons, who grew up following his dad to many fire calls, loved the outdoors and was a Boy Scout.

James Lyons was well liked by his classmates, his father recalls. In school, he stood up to bullies and was elected king at his junior prom. “He had girls bugging him since the sixth grade,” says Bob Lyons.

Bob Lyons says his son was a talented athlete that gravitated toward defense. He played middle linebacker in varsity football and was a lacrosse defenseman at Brighton High School near Rochester. James Lyons finished high school at Vermont Academy as an All-New England lacrosse player in 1998. “He went to ���ϲ����� because he was going to play lacrosse, and then got hurt and never played,” Bob Lyons says.

James Lyons was inspired to pursue service when he attended a pair of immersion trips. The first was before graduating high school, when he visited Houston and was introduced to the medical profession. Later at ���ϲ�����, he decided he was going to take an EMT class offered in his biochemistry degree program. He loved the work and became an active member of the Ambulance Corps, helping people the way his father did as a volunteer firefighter.

The second trip was to Washington, D.C., during his sophomore year at the University. James Lyons was active in ROTC and attended a “staff ride.” “He got to sit in a tank and just loved it,” says his father.

After the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, James Lyons felt like it was his calling to pursue the military as a career.

The day after he graduated in 2003, James Lyons went to the Military Entrance Processing Station and, after completing a summer course, shipped out to Fort Sill in Oklahoma for basic combat training. He would go on to commission as a tank platoon leader.

As a tank commander, James Lyons led a crew from a small, cramped space inside a tank. The unfriendly confines weren’t enough to dissuade people from wanting to work with him. “He said ‘Dad, what should I do? Everybody wants to be in my platoon,’” says Bob Lyons.

James Lyons was a successful leader because he put people first. While serving in Iraq, he was tasked with going door to door and confiscating weapons. One blunderbuss, that wasn’t a viable weapon, was also a family heirloom. The Iraqi family was upset, so he got permission to return it. “That shows the caring that James had for people,” says Bob Lyons.

During his final rotation in September 2006, James Lyons was on a quick reaction force that responded to a group of insurgents gathered at a farmhouse. He led the attack from his tank and was shot and killed by a sniper. He was 28 years old. He was highly decorated at the time of his death, having earned the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Meritorious Service Medal, among other honors.

Bob Lyons accepts an award on behalf of his son, James, recognized as the “Hometown Hero” during halftime at the ���ϲ����� football game against Clemson University on Oct. 15.

Honoring his Memory

The communities that knew James Lyons created several scholarships and awards that continue his legacy of service to others.

One of the Lyons’s neighbors gave a large donation to the Brighton Fire Department in James’ memory. It inspired others to also donate and the fire department set up a scholarship dedicated in his memory. Annually, applicants that are going back to school and exemplify the values James Lyons lived by are awarded $1,000 scholarships.

Every year since 2015, the ���ϲ����� Ambulance Corps gives the James Lyons Citizenship Award to a graduating member who demonstrates exceptional service to others and is dedicated to the betterment of people in their daily lives. His uniform patches are still on display at the ���ϲ����� Ambulance headquarters to this day.

On campus, his legacy is carried on through the James Lyons ’03 Sons and Daughters Memorial Scholarship Endowment. The scholarship helps support military children, with preference given to first-year students and is renewed through senior year.

Adia Gist ’21 was awarded the scholarship in 2020. Her father served in the U.S. Army for the past 29 years. The scholarship, combined with her father’s Post-9/11 GI Bill, financed her degree. “Honestly if it wasn’t for my scholarship, I would not have been able to go to a school like ���ϲ�����,” she says. “I’m very blessed that I’ve been able to do that.”

With the help of the scholarship, Gist was an active member of the campus community. She was involved in the WellsLink Leadership Program, which allowed her to work with a mentor. She danced for three years on campus with Creations Dance Company. She completed two internships, including one her senior year at Hearst Magazines. Gist also volunteered her time with the engineering ambassadors program visiting middle schools to introduce students to beginner engineering projects.

Gist has graduated and currently works for Hearst magazines. “And so, it is full circle for me to still be at Hearst in the magazine section. And I feel like I’m one step closer to being in the entertainment and media field,” says Gist. “It wouldn’t have been possible without having the scholarship.”

Living Library is an annual event encouraging people from different backgrounds to talk with and learn from each other in a safe and supportive environment.

“���ϲ�����’s classrooms and campuses benefit enormously from the inclusion of military-connected students, faculty and staff,” says Office of Veteran Affairs Executive Director Ron Novack. “This year’s military-themed living library event is an opportunity to bring together our entire campus community to hear firsthand the experiences, backgrounds and personal stories of our veterans and military-connected students faculty and staff.”

Living books will share their experience on a variety of topics, including military service, transition from the military, managing a family while serving, disability, feelings of alienation and the end of the war in Afghanistan.

The Living Library is open to the campus community. Participants can reserve living books in advance for a specific time by completing the by Nov. 10. If you have difficulties using this form or wish to sign up as a living book, visit the . To request accommodations, please reach out by Nov. 10.

The College of Law held its Alumni Weekend event titled “Serving Veterans at the College of Law and in the Community” on Sept. 25, at the Grand Hall, National Veterans Resource Center. The oldest living College of Law alumnus and veteran, Robert Gang, was recognized with a certificate by Elizabeth G. Kubala, executive director of the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic, in front of current faculty, alumni, students and honored guests. (Photo by Mike Roy)

Gang grew up in the ���ϲ����� area and attended Christian Brothers Academy for high school. His father gave Gang limited choices for his next steps after high school, “My father gave me an option. It was ���ϲ����� or no college,” says Gang.

Ultimately his goal was to attend law school, so he majored in political science. When Gang entered college in 1935, he said he needed to fulfill a requirement for a gym course. He was rejected from the athletic department, so he chose Army ROTC as a gym class alternative. He ended up joining the program as a cadet. Gang was a member of the ���ϲ����� Pershing rifle team. Gang made use of a rifle range in the basement of what was then Archbold Gymnasium, and practiced on targets 50 meters away.

���ϲ����� was a smaller regional campus when Gang attended in the 1930s, and Gang did not live on campus as an undergraduate student. Instead, he lived at home with his parents and two siblings, walking 3 1/2 miles to campus for class, including during the harsh ���ϲ����� winter weather. Gang would graduate in 1939, and immediately enrolled in the College of Law.

Before finishing his law degree in 1942, Gang took an Army physical in December. He was told he needed to report to the 630th Tank Destroyer battalion at Fort Jackson in South Carolina the following month. He was five credit hours from a degree in law. He would complete his degree by passing his finals while on duty, and passed the New York State Bar exam on May 22, 1946.

He went on to serve from 1942 to 1951 as a US Army infantry officer. Gang’s legal training was a huge resource to those he served with, especially when he represented soldiers charged with misconduct. In the military, Gang encountered many situations where he was given a task he had never done before. He would often do as much research as possible, employing the study habits he learned as a law student.

Bob Gang served from 1942 to 1951 as a U.S. Army infantry officer.

When he was assigned to Camp Bowie in Texas, Gang worked with an inspector general who was very behind in his work despite working over 100 hours a week. After working with him for only month, the inspector general was discharged from the Army. “I reported back to the general and he said to me, ‘Until I find another job for you, go back to the inspector general’s office and do what you can.’” Gang picked up the general’s work and a month later had caught up the backlog. He would later serve as an inspector general at Fort Hood in Texas.

After serving his country, Gang came back to ���ϲ����� and started a very successful career in private practice, working in the firm Smith, Dolan, Gieselman and Gang. He specialized in Real Property law and served as the assistant city corporate counsel during his career. Gang practiced law for 50 years, doing pro bono work into his 80s.

Today, Gang lives with his second wife, Holly. He has eight children and 15 grandchildren. Gang’s family continues his legacy. His son-in-law, Ed Moses L’68, and grandson Matt Moses L’97 both attended ���ϲ����� for their law degrees. Gang’s advice to people, especially law students, after a century plus of experience is, “Do your own homework.”

Veterans could connect with representatives from the Office of Veterans and Military Affairs (OVMA), “The Veteran and Military-Connected Student Orientation and Resource Fair was a great opportunity for us to introduce ourselves to this new class,” says Ron Novack, executive director of the OVMA. OVMA is the front door to all military-connected students on campus. “It was also a chance for military-connected students to get an appreciation for the entire campus community that embraces them. ���ϲ����� is the best place for veterans because not only are there dedicated support structures, but there are tremendous organizations that every student on campus can benefit from. Many were represented and welcome military-connected students to participate, ” says Novack.

The Veteran and Military-Connected Student Orientation and Resource Fair.

The OVMA’s Office of Veteran Success (OVS), which helps veterans apply for and receive their federal education benefits, was represented. The OVS team provided welcome baskets filled with supplies to each of the new student veterans residing in campus housing as part of Operation Welcome. The Veterans Legal Clinic, which can help veterans deal with a variety of military legal issues with the aid of a student attorney, also took part in the fair.

Other examples of programs and communities represented were the Center for Fellowship and Scholarship, which helps all University undergraduates, graduate students and alumni apply for national scholarships and fellowships. Military-connected students have applied for and won several nationally competitive scholarships in recent years. Students could also learn about  participating in ���ϲ����� Abroad, which has over 100 programs in 60 countries.

The Campus Store, Food Services, Library and Hendricks Chapel were also in attendance to make new and returning military-connected students aware of their offerings and support.

The Veteran and Military-Connected Student Orientation and Resource Fair attracted more than 30 students representing all the branches of service. “Our student veteran population has grown exponentially in the last few years. We’re proud to welcome this class to campus and we hope they use the information provided to become fully immersed in the ���ϲ����� student experience,” says Novack.

A prior cohort during the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans.

During the last week in July, a time when most college campuses are largely empty in between semesters, ���ϲ�����’s National Veterans Resource Center will be bustling with activity. Two programs that align with ���ϲ�����’s historical commitment to military-connected students, Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV) and the seventh annual Warrior Scholar Project (WSP), will begin on July 24 and run through July 31.

Open to post-9/11 veterans with an honorable discharge, EBV is a nine-day residency that delivers world-class entrepreneurship training with fellow veterans. Sessions include introducing elements of a business plan, developing pitches for venture capitalists or other funders, and legal considerations for small business owners. In addition, EBV alumni participate in panel discussions to offer their unique perspectives. The entire EBV experience, including travel and lodging, is offered without any cost to participating veterans. At the conclusion of the program, graduates will be supported by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families’ (IVMF) Post-Program Support team over the next 12 months with ongoing support focused on small business creation and growth.

“EBV’s cutting-edge training in entrepreneurship and small business management for veterans is the flagship program of the Institute for Veteran and Military Families. It predates the IVMF itself,” says Vice Chancellor and IVMF Executive Director J. Michael Haynie. “Nearly 80% of EBV alumni have started or grown their business after attending this boot camp and over 90% are still in business today.”

J. Michael Haynie leads a kick-off session during a previous year’s Warrior Scholar Project.

The WSP provides a way forward academically for military veterans following their transition out of service. WSP is a series of intensive, weeklong college preparatory academic boot camps. In addition to training military personnel in the skills required for college, they are taught that they can be a valuable addition to the classroom. Writing tutors, sessions on analytical reading and an opportunity to work with other student-veterans prepare them to be successful within a campus environment.

“Service members don’t follow a semester schedule, so neither do we,” says Ron Novack, executive director of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs. “The seventh annual Warrior Scholar Project program is held over the summer so we can set student veterans up for success before they arrive in a classroom for the first time.”

The EBV was founded at ���ϲ�����’s Whitman School of Management in 2007. Since then, it has grown and is offered by a national consortium of world-class schools like Anderson School of Management at the University of California, Los Angeles; Mays Business School at Texas A&M University; School of Business at the University of Connecticut; Haub School of Business at Saint Joseph’s University; and the University of Missouri.

WSP is also a national program, with 2021 in-person boot camps offered by the University of Michigan, University of Arizona and Notre Dame. Virtual programs will be offered over the remainder of the summer by universities including Harvard, Chicago and Cornell.

U.S. Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets officially became the next generation of military leaders at the University’s annual commissioning ceremony in May.

Cadets from ���ϲ�����, Le Moyne College, Utica College, Hamilton College, State University of New York (SUNY) at Oswego, SUNY Polytechnic Institute and the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry commissioned as second lieutenants in their respective service branches.

“This year’s commissioning cadets thrived in unprecedented circumstances and were instrumental in ���ϲ�����’s COVID response,” says retired Col. Ron Novack, executive director of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs at ���ϲ�����. “Our ROTC programs are always an important component of the University’s effort to be the best place for veterans and military-connected students. But this year’s class gave back and helped ensure not only their successful completion, but that the entire campus could remain open during the health crisis. We are proud of these newly commissioned second lieutenants and are confident they will represent both ���ϲ����� and our country well in their military careers.”

U.S. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets were commissioned at the University’s annual ceremony in May.

Brigadier General Steve Marks, the deputy commanding general of United States Army Special Operations Command, delivered a keynote address to Army cadets and welcomed them to the officer corps. Marks is an ROTC graduate, earning his commission from the University of Missouri ROTC program in 1992.

The commissioning ceremony is the beginning of the graduating seniors’ military career as second lieutenants in either the U.S. Army or U.S. Air Force. Each cadet was given their first salute by a mentor, family member or friend who serves or has previously served in the military. Following the salute, each new officer presented his or her mentor with a silver dollar as a token of gratitude and respect.

���ϲ����� boasts one of the longest continuously running ROTC programs in the country, as well as a storied relationship with the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, with the current cadre of ���ϲ����� ROTC cadets, including multiple students whose parents attended West Point.

Monsignor Gregory Mustaciuolo, chief executive officer of the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, says one of their key objectives in 2021 is to address the healthcare disparities related to race and income that have only been heightened since the onset of the pandemic. “These grants demonstrate our continued commitment to support a wide range of organizations improving the health and well-being of New York’s veteran and military family community,” says Mustaciuolo.

National Veterans Resource Center

Launching this summer, ���ϲ�����Serves will be headquartered in the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building at the NVRC. The ���ϲ����� collaborative will use lessons learned from AmericaServes’ 17 other communities, including Rochester, NY, Dallas, Seattle, Raleigh, Pittsburgh, and New York City. Working collaboratively with the City of ���ϲ����� and its community partners, this program will look to enhance existing services, connecting veterans with vocational and social services to assist clients with VA benefits, transition assistance programs, education, employment and mental health needs. With a “no-wrong door” approach, the IVMF’s community-based initiatives empower local communities to ensure military-connected clients receive efficient and timely support, as well as access to a wide range of resources they need.

“Today, the IVMF’s AmericaServes program is widely acknowledged as the gold-standard for how public, private, and non-profit organizations work together to serve veterans, service members, and their families,” says ���ϲ����� Mayor Ben Walsh. “We’re very excited about this new partnership, and the potential of this innovative community-based collaboration to ensure that the City of ���ϲ����� is among ‘the best places’ for our veterans to live, work, and raise their families.”

Vice Chancellor of Strategic Initiatives and Innovation and Founder of the IVMF, Mike Haynie, says he is proud one of the first new programs launched at the NVRC will serve local ���ϲ����� veterans and their families, including the many who study and work on the campus. “This grant is one example of how we’re bringing the vision of the NVRC to life in a practical way, leveraging the facility and the IVMF’s expertise to serve the social and wellness needs of veterans and families right here in Central NY,” Haynie says. “We look forward to positioning the NVRC as a community resource and working alongside other community partners in an effort to ensure that those veterans seeking services and care in our community, are able to navigate to the resources they need quickly. Through the IVMF’s AmericaServes program we’ve been doing this work in communities across the U.S. for many years, and I’m thrilled that we now able to bring that experience to bear toward serving veterans and their families right here in ���ϲ�����,” he says.

The need for coordinated care in communities was identified in IVMF research which indicates relocating back into a community, finding employment and adjustments to a life outside of the military leave families scrambling to find support from the patchwork of community organizations that support them. In addition, post 9/11 veterans are more likely than previous generations to be persons of color and to have disabilities resulting from their military service. Often, disparate organizations must work together in a community to support veteran families, but they are usually unable to collaborate and share information efficiently. This leads to a confounding process that does not meet a family’s needs.

The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization that aims to bolster the health outcomes of targeted communities like veterans and their families by eliminating barriers to care and bridging gaps in health services. Named in memory of Mother Cabrini, a tireless advocate for immigrants, children, and the poor, the foundation provides flexible support for new and innovative approaches that enhance health and wellness across New York State.

The NVRC ceremony was held in accordance with New York State and ���ϲ����� COVID-19 health guidelines.

Photos by Steve Sartori and Jeremy Brinn.

Joe Henneberry, a U.S. Air Force veteran and corporate support representative at WAER, plays the trumpet during the ceremony.

University students and staff practice social distancing as they observe the flag raising.

���ϲ����� ROTC cadets prepare to raise the American flag.

Dr. Ruth Chen, Chancellor Kent Syverud, Vice Chancellor J. Michael Haynie, Onondaga Nation Tadodaho Sid Hill, Onondaga Marine Corps veteran Jerome Waterman Jr. and Sam Babcock, the last living Onondaga Nation WWII veteran, gather to witness the NVRC flag raising.

Onondaga Nation Tadodaho Sid Hill offers the traditional “Thanksgiving Address.”

���ϲ����� ROTC cadets prepare to raise the American flag.

The Haudenosaunee flag is raised by Onondaga Marine Corps veteran and ���ϲ����� 2020 alumna Suzanne Hill.

Nick Armstrong, a U.S. Army veteran and senior director for research and evaluation at the Institute for Veterans and Military Families, raises the ���ϲ����� flag. Armstrong, an M.P.A. and Ph.D. graduate of the Maxwell School, was the first student veteran to attend ���ϲ����� using the post-9/11 GI Bill.

The flags flying before the NVRC represent the University’s deep connection to the Indigenous lands, its commitment to veteran service and its pursuit of knowledge.

Dr. Ruth Chen, Sam Babcock, the last living Onondaga Nation WWII veteran, and Chancellor Kent Syverud pose at the event. Indigenous men and women like Babcock have historically served in the military at a rate higher than almost any other segment of the U.S. population.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cadets raise the American flag outside of Hendricks Chapel.

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

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

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

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

Kwang G. Tan, left, touring the construction site of the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building.

When Kwang G. Tan G’73, Ph.D. learned about the (NVRC), he knew he wanted to support this new innovative center of research and hub of veteran life on campus. Tan is providing a $5 million gift toward this first-of-its-kind facility dedicated to academic research, programming and thought leadership that will address the social, economic and wellness concerns of the nation’s veterans and families.

A generous benefactor of the University, Tan donated $3.5 million in support of the creation of the —the University’s new state-of-the-art health, wellness and recreation complex—and provides $60,000 a year for current student scholarships. He was also inspired to give further with his donation to the NVRC after seeing the University’s continuing momentum to advance academic excellence and create dynamic new learning opportunities, including a focus on the University’s enduring commitment to veterans.

Kwang G. Tan

Tan recently toured the under-construction NVRC with J. Michael Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and executive director of the University’s (IVMF). He noted the center’s preeminent role on campus and its world-class architecture and auditorium. “I have a special relationship with ���ϲ����� and was interested in helping provide ���ϲ����� with more premier spaces,” Tan says. “This was a good opportunity to make a donation for such a dynamic new space. Dr. Haynie presented a great vision for NVRC as a new facility, and I wanted to help.”

The alumnus of the has always been grateful for his academic experience at ���ϲ����� that led to his professional success. Tan, who spent two years at ���ϲ�����, held important management positions at IBM and HP. Tan’s impactful gift is a tribute to his alma mater and future generations of students as part of the University’s largest-ever fundraising effort, Forever Orange: The Campaign for ���ϲ�����.

“K.G.’s commitment to the University, the future of its students and engaged research is a wonderful example of the impact of a defining Orange experience,” Chancellor Kent Syverud says. “We appreciate his support of the NVRC as the University strives in its promise to be the best place for vets—at the University and around the nation. K.G.’s support will continue our proud legacy to engage our veterans and help them thrive at the University and into the workforce.”

The NVRC, which is scheduled to be complete in January, will serve to anchor the IVMF, along with other veteran-connected and ROTC programs. Additionally, the NVRC will house state-of-the-art vocational and educational programs designed to advance the economic success of the region’s and the nation’s veterans and military families, and also serve as a platform to nurture and coordinate veteran-connected academic research and technology, consistent with the goals of ���ϲ�����’s Academic Strategic Plan. In honor of Tan’s generosity, the NVRC’s 750-seat auditorium will be named the Kwang G. Tan Auditorium.

“We are honored by K.G’s support of the NVRC and, in turn, support of our student veterans and military-connected students, along with our nation’s veterans, who will benefit from the research, programs and partnership initiatives that will be developed at the center,” Haynie says. “This is another special moment in the history of ���ϲ�����—and in its work to open doors for veterans—and we are thankful for K.G. in helping us get to this point.”

About ���ϲ�����

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

About Forever Orange: The Campaign for ���ϲ�����

���ϲ�����’s powerful network is Forever Orange. Fueled by 150 years of fearless firsts, together we can harness our momentum to build upon academic excellence, transform the student experience and expand unique opportunities for learning and growth. We owe it to the next generation of inquirers, innovators, dreamers and entrepreneurs. Forever Orange will engage thousands of supporters. Whether you already know and love ���ϲ����� or are just discovering how you can fuel our bold aspirations and game-changing initiatives, you are Forever Orange. ���ϲ����� is and will remain a unique blend of innovation and tradition, of heightened expectations and reduced barriers, of innovative research and meaningful service by and for our students, our faculty, our community and the world. For more information, visit .

���ϲ����� is once again being recognized by Military Times in its annual publication of Best for Vets 2020 rankings.

With its deep-rooted history in serving veterans and military families and an enduring commitment to their needs, ���ϲ����� is once again being recognized by in its annual publication of Best for Vets 2020 rankings. According to the rankings, ���ϲ����� is noted as No. 1 for private institutions and No. 5 among all colleges and universities.

“���ϲ����� is honored by this recognition as we continue to build on our longstanding commitment to veterans and military-connected students,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “Our student-veterans enrich our campus community in so many ways. In appreciation of their service to our country, it is our obligation to help ensure their educational success in their post-military lives.”

The Best for Vets: Colleges 2020 rankings are an editorially independent news project that evaluates the many factors that help make colleges and universities a good fit for service members, veterans and their families. Military Times surveyed hundreds of colleges and universities from across the country on their policies related to military and veteran students, academic outcomes, military-supportive cultures and other factors. Institutions were evaluated in five categories: university culture, student support, academic policies, academic outcomes/quality, and cost and financial aid. Military Times also considers data from the departments of Veterans Affairs, Defense and Education.

“���ϲ����� is steadfast in its dedication to making this the nation’s ‘best place’ for military-connected students, veterans and their families,” says J. Michael Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation. “This ranking represents the best of our combined efforts—faculty, staff, students and alumni—to engage and welcome our nation’s veterans.”

���ϲ����� has a proud history of supporting veterans and military-connected students. Chancellor William Tolley helped write the G.I. Bill and was a major contributing factor in helping veterans attend higher education institutions following World War II, welcoming thousands of new students to ���ϲ�����.

The University’s commitment to veterans is reflected in a key theme of the Academic Strategic Plan: to distinguish ���ϲ����� as the premier university for veterans, military-connected students and families. Under Chancellor Syverud’s leadership and his promise to make ���ϲ����� the “best place for veterans,” the University has launched several initiatives and expanded its resources to enhance the military-connected student experience, including establishment of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, expanded capabilities of the Office of Veteran Success and unlimited participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program allowing Post-9/11 GI Bill students to receive additional funding to cover required tuition and fees. The University also redesigned its admissions, registration, transfer of credit, orientation and housing processes to match the needs of people coming out of military service.

Expanding the University’s efforts to engage veterans even further, the under-construction National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC) is a first-of-its-kind multi-use facility dedicated to advancing academic research, programming and community-connected innovation serving the social, economic and wellness concerns of the nation’s veterans and families. The NVRC is scheduled to open next year.

The University is also home to several ground-breaking veteran and military-connected initiatives, including the nationally recognized Institute for Veterans and Military Families, the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans, the Defense Comptrollership Program, the Military Visual Journalism Program, and the V-WISE entrepreneurship program for women veterans, as well as other programs that serve the unique needs of military-connected students.

About ���ϲ�����

���ϲ����� is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York state, with a global footprint and nearly 150 years of history, ���ϲ����� offers a quintessential college experience, as well as innovative online learning environments. The scope of ���ϲ����� is a testament to its strengths. At ���ϲ�����, we offer a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges and 18 online degree programs. We have more than 15,000 undergraduates and 7,500 graduate students, more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, visit .

The meetings will include information on the continuing construction projects across campus and upcoming projects as part of the , including the Barnes Center at The Arch; the National Veterans Resource Center; the Stadium Roof Project construction and impact to campus; classroom improvements; residence hall renovations; and campus accessibility improvements. The meeting will also cover utility work, signage and wayfinding.

The Campus Framework works in coordination with the University’s Academic Strategic Plan to shape, guide and manage the ���ϲ����� campus environment and its physical form in support of the University’s mission. It seeks to foster an inclusive range of strategies to address the student experience, integrate accessibility and mobility, and improve the academic and research environments.

Community members are invited to attend one or more of the following Campus Construction Update Town Hall Meetings:

• Tuesday, March 5, 4-5 p.m., 010 Crouse-Hinds Hall
• Thursday, March 21, 4-5 p.m., Shemin Auditorium, Shaffer Art Building
• Thursday, April 11, 4-5 p.m., Shemin Auditorium, Shaffer Art Building

American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) will be provided at each event. If you have requests for accessibility and accommodations, contact the Equal Opportunity, Inclusion and Resolution Services office at 315.443.4018.

To learn more about individual construction projects and project timelines, visit the .

“It is a proud day for the Orange family,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “We remain steadfast in our efforts to be the ‘best place for veterans’ and military-connected students and are grateful that Military Times recognizes this commitment. I am also thankful to the thousands of veterans, service members and family members who have selected ���ϲ����� as their higher education community. Their great service to our country is most appreciated and there will always be a place for them at ���ϲ�����.”

The Best for Vets: Colleges 2019 rankings are an editorially independent news project that evaluates the many factors that help make colleges and universities a good fit for service members, veterans and their families to include academic outcomes, veteran culture on campus, support services, special policies and accommodations and financial incentives. Military Times also considers data from the departments of Veterans Affairs, Defense and Education. Roughly 500 colleges took part in this year’s survey with just 137 making the list.

“This ranking reflects the hard work and commitment of many at ���ϲ�����,” says Mike Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation. “Our goal to be the ‘best place for veterans’ and military-connected students is prioritized across campus. The ranking is a testament to the collaboration among faculty, staff, students and alumni and the shared willingness to go the extra mile for those who served our country.”

Since Chancellor Syverud took office and made the commitment to be the “best place for veterans” among his strategic initiatives, veteran and military-connected enrollment on campus has grown over 500 percent and the campus community has launched several initiatives to improve the military-connected student experience, including the following:

• Establishment of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA)
• Expanded capabilities of the Office of Veteran Success (OVS)
• Unlimited participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program allowing Post-9/11 GI Bill students to receive additional funding to cover required tuition and fees
• Dedicated veteran career services, advising and resources
• Peer Advisors for Veteran Education (PAVE) Program
• One of only 15 Pat Tillman Foundation University Partners recognized for innovative veteran services, strong culture of support for military veterans and spouses, and rigorous academic programs

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

Other University initiatives designed to meet the unique needs of veterans and their families include programs offered by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families, including the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans, other entrepreneurship training programs, career preparation and training through the Onward to Opportunity program, community-based care coordination through AmericaServes, and the ���ϲ����� Veterans’ Writing Group, among many others.

About ���ϲ�����

���ϲ����� is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and nearly 150 years of history, ���ϲ����� offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of ���ϲ����� is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit .

The first shipment of steel is delivered to the National Veterans Resource Center construction site. (Photos by Steve Sartori)

Three years ago it was a vision, today ���ϲ�����’s National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC) is becoming a reality, as each day, major construction milestones are achieved. For example, on Thursday, Oct. 18, the first steel truck arrived on the NVRC construction site at the corner of South Crouse and Waverly avenues. And the next day, the first piece of steel went into the ground.

A first-of-its-kind facility, the NVRC seeks to advance academic research, actionable programs and community-connected innovation in service to our nation’s veterans and military families. The NVRC also represents a key point of intersection between the University’s Academic Strategic Plan and the Campus Framework, both of which support the University’s aspiration to be the best place for veterans and their families. A LEED-certified facility, the NVRC will house the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), which recently surpassed 100,000 people served, through programming and resources designed to enhance the lives of veterans, service members and military families.

Michael Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and executive director of IVMF, says the campus and broader ���ϲ����� communities can expect to witness substantial construction activity in the weeks and months ahead now that the bulk of the site preparation work has been completed.

“It’s exciting to observe this incredible vision coming to life right before us,” says Haynie. “The University team spearheading this project is doing an excellent job keeping this transformative project on schedule. And each day, it becomes more and more apparent just how central this facility will be, not only to the University but also to the region and the nation. I am grateful for the many partners who are helping transform this concept into a concrete testament of ���ϲ�����’s commitment to veterans, their families and military-connected individuals.”

Pete Sala, vice president and chief facilities officer, says this project is among the most innovative he has ever been a part of during his time at ���ϲ�����.

“This facility will help us meet a key objective, as identified in the Academic Strategic Plan and the Campus Framework: be the best place for veterans and military-connected individuals,” says Sala. “Along with being entirely accessible, everything about this building is cutting-edge and will allow ���ϲ����� to serve those who have served in an unparalleled manner.”

To learn more about the NVRC and to stay up-to-date on project progress and milestones, visit . To view the live construction camera, streaming activity from the NVRC site 24 hours a day, visit .

About the National Veterans Resource Center

The National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC) will serve as a class-leading exemplar of academic, government and community collaboration and will build upon and advance ���ϲ�����’s already strong national leadership in the veterans community. The NVRC will house state-of-the-art vocational and educational programs designed to advance the economic success of the region’s and the nation’s veterans and military families, and also serve as a platform through which to seed, nurture and coordinate veteran-connected academic research and technology commercialization. The NVRC will also house the ���ϲ����� and Regional Student Veteran Resource Center; the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps; the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs “Vet-Success on Campus”; the National Center of Excellence for Veteran Business Ownership; Veteran Business Outreach Center and Accelerator; and ���ϲ�����’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs. Designed as a LEED-certified facility and constructed in accordance with universal design practices, the NVRC will be an inclusive facility that welcomes and accommodates veterans and visitors with disabilities. To learn more about the NVRC, visit .

About the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at ���ϲ�����
The Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) is the first interdisciplinary national institute in higher education focused on the social, economic, education and policy issues impacting veterans and their families. Through its professional staff and experts, the IVMF delivers leading programs in career, vocational and entrepreneurship education and training while also conducting actionable research, policy analysis and program evaluations. The IVMF also supports communities through collective impact efforts that enhance delivery and access to services and care. The institute, supported by a distinguished advisory board, along with public and private partners, is committed to advancing the lives of those who have served in America’s armed forces and their families. For more information, visit  and follow the IVMF on ,�������Ի���.

About ���ϲ�����

���ϲ����� is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic , with a global footprint, and , ���ϲ����� offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of ���ϲ����� is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit .

Photo courtesy of: Rob Rivera/NPPA
PAO, SUSVO

“To grow 60 percent in just four years is truly a testament to the hard work being done around this campus to make ���ϲ����� the best place for veterans and for our military-connected population,” says Ron Novack, executive director of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs at ���ϲ����� (OVMA).

The significant increase in veteran and military-connected enrollment comes as a result of the dedicated work of the OVMA and the Office of Veteran Success (OVS) and the support of the University’s schools and colleges. Such offices have rolled out an impressive number of initiatives aimed at improving the military-connected student experience on campus, including:

• unlimited participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program allowing Post 9/11 GI Bill students to receive additional funding to cover required tuition and fees;
• veteran-dedicated staff across campus;
• expanded capability of the OVS;
• increased number of VA school certifying officials;
• dedicated veteran admission advisors;
• dedicated veteran career services advising;
• student veteran career immersion trips to New York City and Washington, D.C.;
• Vet Success on Campus Program;
• early registration benefits;
• Orange Door Liaison program;
• Peer Advisors for Veteran Education Program;
• Student Veteran Organization;
• The Wohl Family Veterans Legal Clinic; and
• increased Air Force and Army ROTC enrollment.

Consistently ranked among the top 10 best universities for veterans, SU is also one of only 15 Pat Tillman Foundation University Partners. In its second year as a partner institution, the University was selected for its innovative veteran services and strong culture of support for military veterans and spouses, and its rigorous academic programs.

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

“What’s in my mind is that I’m investing in people,” he said. “It might be through a building or a program, but I’m investing in people. And the people that I’m investing in are underprivileged or hold a core value that I believe in.”

The NVRC, when complete, will be the first-of-its-kind facility in the United States and a leading example of academic, government and community collaboration committed to supporting research, programming and community initiatives to serve the nation’s veterans and military-connected families. Torrance was deployed in Afghanistan when he was involved in an IED explosion. Now he is employed at ���ϲ�����’s Carrier Dome and also owns ZeroPoint Aerial.

“It is only fitting we have a veteran-owned business as part of this historic moment at ���ϲ�����. It is truly an exciting time to be on campus as we begin work on preparing the site for the future home of the NVRC, which will become a university, community, regional and national asset in support of our nation’s veterans and families,” says Office of Veteran and Military Affairs Executive Director Ron Novack.

Torrance will conduct continual flyovers illustrating construction developments as it progresses. A live webcam and archived drone footage can be seen .

About ���ϲ�����

���ϲ����� is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic , with a global footprint, and , ���ϲ����� offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of ���ϲ����� is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit .