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

This year’s event featured a 1950s-themed evening held at the at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building, welcoming military-connected students, faculty, staff and supporters for a night of dinner, awards, music and dancing, as well as an opportunity to win prizes in a raffle drawing to benefit next year’s SVO functions.

The evening opened with a solemn remembrance of POW and MIA service members, before SVO President and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Leonel “Leo” Aviles ’26, an information management and technology major in the , welcomed guests and introduced the keynote speaker for the evening.

This year’s guest speaker was Killian Hartough ’19, PT, DPT, a Coast Guard veteran and Syracuse native whose path reflects a story of perseverance the SVO community knows well. Hartough spoke of his early setback in higher education that eventually led him to enlisting in the Coast Guard. After serving for four years, Hartough developed a deeper sense of drive and commitment to accomplishing his goals that allowed him to persevere through higher education and helped him find his way to working at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Syracuse as a physical therapist.

Acknowledging Commitment to Service

Each year, both the SVO and the (OVMA) use the event to present their annual awards. While some awards presented are intended for laughs with light-hearted jokes about military service, other awards are considered prestigious among the military-connected community on campus.  Among the awards presented this year:

The SVO Best for Vets Award was presented to Varun “G” Gollapudi ’27, a junior on a pre-med track and decorated Army medic who served four years on active duty as a 68W combat medic, including a deployment to Afghanistan, and continues to serve today as a staff sergeant and detachment sergeant for a forward surgical team. The award recognized Gollapudi’s consistent presence and genuine investment in the SVO community.

The SVO Outstanding Staff Member of the Year Award was presented to Charlie Poag ’22, communications manager for the OVMA, recognized for his availability, mentorship and tireless support of the SVO, including his work capturing events through photography and media coverage that has helped tell the story of the veteran community at the University.

The SVO Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year Award was presented to Andrew Patterson L’24, a recently licensed attorney affiliated with the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic, recognized for his empathetic, non-judgmental approach to helping student veterans navigate complex VA benefit issues and his meaningful impact on the lives of veterans across campus.

The Impact Veteran Award was presented for the first time this year to Michael Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and founder of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) and Chancellor-elect. Haynie’s foundational role in building a culture of veteran support at Syracuse, from the launch of the IVMF in 2011 to his direct engagement with student veterans, was cited as the basis for his selection of the inaugural award.

The Danny Facto Student Veteran Work Study Award, presented by the Office of Veteran Success, was awarded to Raul “Rudy” Rosique ’24, G’26. The award honors the memory of Danny Facto, a decorated U.S. Army combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient who was the first VA work-study student at the University. Facto attended the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics before his death in a motorcycle accident in July 2009.

The OVMA Student Veteran of the Year Award was presented by OVMA Executive Director Ron Novack, a retired U.S. Army Colonel, to Raul “Rudy” Rosique ’24, G’26. Rosique was recognized for his standout commitment to the military-connected community at the University and is the first student veteran to receive the prestigious award twice, having also earned it the previous academic school year.

“It is a tremendous honor to receive this award for a second time,” Rosique said. “When I got here in 2021, I did not really have many family members or friends and the SVO really brought me in. I’ve just really wanted to give everything I possibly can to this organization and this school. It has truly paid me back ten-fold. I truly can not think of my life being any better without the support of the staff and faculty and staff at Syracuse University.”

Aviles closed the formal portion of the evening by celebrating the graduating class of 2026, reading the names of student veterans crossing the finish line this year before handing off the gavel to the incoming SVO executive board for the 2026–2027 academic year:

• President: Varun Gollapudi ’27
• Vice President: Edgar De Mesa ’28
• Treasurer: Hunter Pyke ’27
• Secretary: Donovan Rosas-Banuelos ’30
• Public Affairs Officer: Manuel Villavicenciosolano ’27
• Community Outreach Coordinator: James Piedrasanta G’27
• Online Student Ambassador: Ty Tran ’26

“Honestly, I’m ecstatic, I’m truly honored,” says incoming SVO President Gollapudi. “I came to this university with just the notion of going out and getting a degree, I never thought I’d be part of a community of like-minded people or being a part of something bigger than myself here. We already know that Syracuse University is the best place for veterans. What that means to me is that Syracuse University, as a whole, gives us veterans who have walked a different path in life than the everyday person, the support to go out and be the best of themselves. I want to be able to build up the rest of my fellow veterans to go out and make an impact in their respective communities, and our community as a whole.”

Reflecting on his tenure before passing the torch, Aviles expressed gratitude for a community that gave him a sense of purpose.

“As a first-generation college student and a veteran, this role has meant a lot to me,” Aviles said. “The friendships, the trust, and the way we show up for each other, that’s what makes the SVO what it is.”

A time-honored celebration of academic achievement, leadership and military history was on full display at the JMA Wireless Dome during the 109th Chancellor’s Review and Awards Ceremony on March 27.

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

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

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

“Over the course of time our success is attributed to our military-connected students, and how they achieve their post-graduation goals,” says retired U.S. Army Colonel Ron Novack, executive director of the (OVMA). “Those ROTC cadets who are graduating in five weeks are going to take a very big step in their personal and professional lives. They’re going to go out and lead, they’re going to take the values that they learn from their families, their parents, the values they learn here at Syracuse University, and the values of the Army and the Air Force, and they’re going to go out and lead with distinction.  We couldn’t be prouder of them as they go out and embark on their careers.”

Top Cadets Recognized for Leadership and Academic Excellence

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

This year, the General Edward C. Meyer Leadership Award was presented to Sophia Terlecky ’26, a U.S. Army ROTC cadet, for demonstrating exceptional officer potential and leadership. Terlecky, a Buffalo, New York,  native, is enrolled  in the . She also serves as the cadet battalion commander for the Stalwart Battalion, and will receive a commission in the U.S. Army alongside 24 other Syracuse University Army ROTC cadets in May.

For the Air Force, The Professor John A. and Dean Marion Meyer Scholar Award was presented to Matthew Gratch, a cross-town ROTC cadet from Le Moyne College, for exemplary performance and inspirational leadership. Gratch, who is studying political science at Le Moyne, also serves as the mission support flight commander for Detachment 535 and will commission into the Air Force as an acquisitions manager.

“Being my fourth and final one, it hits a little different than it did in other years,” says U.S. Air Force ROTC Cadet James Hrdy ’26, a senior in the . “This program really challenges you, it’s taught me to appreciate certain things and I’m looking forward to working in the U.S. Air Force.”

The ceremony closed with a formal pass in review, a military tradition symbolizing honor and respect, as the cadets marched in formation across the field in front of their families and University leaders to showcase the military precision of basic unit drill and individual standards of each cadet.

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

came to Syracuse University as a with an urgent purpose: to learn all she could about helping veterans return to civilian life and bring that knowledge home to war-torn Ukraine.

Pohorielova is an associate professor and head of the Department of Pedagogy, Foreign Philology and Translation at in , near the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine War. Her journey to Syracuse began after she heard a high-level Ukrainian official observe that is about to become a city of veterans.

The comment was a turning point. Pohorielova realized that, when the war ends, hundreds of thousands of veterans will need support transitioning to civilian life: finding jobs, housing and educational pathways and, hopefully, a society aware of and responsive to their unique psychological needs. Yet Pohorielova also knew her country was far from ready to provide that help. “I felt like I didn’t know anything about veterans. I had no clue. And I felt like other establishments weren’t ready for the influx of veterans, either,” she says.

The next day, she learned about the Fulbright Visiting Scholar program and applied. To her surprise, she became just the second person from her university to receive a Fulbright in 30 years.

Right Place, Right Time

The Fulbright program matches host institutions with a scholar’s research goals, making Syracuse University, with its emphasis on veterans, a natural fit. Pohorielova’s visit is being hosted through the (CHB), drawing on the expertise and engagement of the (IVMF), the (OVMA), the (SOE), and colleagues at the . Among those who facilitated Pohorielova’s residency was IVMF founder and University Chancellor-elect .

“[This] is one of the best places in the U.S. to observe veteran re-entry services. Practices here have been validated. We need to learn, borrow, start them and adjust American practices to existing Ukrainian realities,” Pohorielova says.

Since her arrival, Pohorielova has attended monthly CHB seminars, worked closely with faculty sponsors , professor of psychology and CHB director; and , SOE faculty director of online programs and strategic initiatives, associate teaching professor in the School of Social Work and CHB associate director. She also engaged with faculty, staff, doctoral students and researchers across campus.

“Their contribution to my research is incredible,” she says of her sponsors. The broader campus culture has been welcoming, too. “Every person I meet here is trying to support me and give me the information I need.”

Facilitating the Transition

Ukrainian soldiers face the same reintegration challenges as American veterans: psychological health risks, substance use, financial instability and difficulty transitioning back to civilian life. But for Ukrainian veterans who are returning to communities still under threat, with shattered economies and disrupted families, those risks may be even more acute, Pohorielova says.

Reintegrating also involves other obstacles, including funding, cultural resistance and a general distrust of mental health services, which is a legacy of Soviet-era political repression. Ukraine’s military culture, which prizes toughness and stigmatizes psychological struggles as weakness, presents another hurdle, Pohorielova says.

Pohorielova believes Ukrainian educational institutions can help facilitate veterans’ transition from military service to civilian life. At the same time, they can leverage veterans’ leadership, experience and a strong sense of purpose, qualities that can make them active contributors to postwar recovery efforts in Ukraine.

“Investing in veterans’ wellbeing, education and vocational pathways supports not only individual reintegration but also broader social and economic stability,” she says.

Insights from Pohorielova’s research at Syracuse form the basis of her recovery action plan, “Veteran Reintegration Ecosystem for Ukrainian Universities.” The scalable, locally grounded program can be implemented within existing institutions, she believes. The plan’s three pillars are institutional capacity and coordination; behavioral health and wellbeing; and workforce and economic integration.

Components include:

• Clear coordination and referral pathways to help veterans navigate academic and support services
• Faculty and staff training to strengthen the university’s ability to support veteran students
• Behavioral health awareness and referral pathways
• Flexible online and hybrid learning options
• Short-course retraining, microcredentials and entrepreneurship pathways aligned with workforce needs
• Structured employer and community partnerships to support job placement, entrepreneurship and business development

Pohorielova and her 13-year-old daughter, who came with her to the U.S. and attends school locally, have been here since February and will return to Ukraine this summer. By then, Pohorielova will be ready to present her fully developed framework to her university’s leadership as a ready-to-go strategy, and she hopes to see its immediate adoption.

Success would fulfill her dream of helping her country, her university and her community, and ensure that veterans will have proven systems in place to support their return.

“Following a dream is a good thing,” she says. “Once you succeed, you will get to a new level. That’s what happened to me. I didn’t expect it, but I’m very happy to be here.”

, a program instructor at the and associate professor of entrepreneurship in the , has been named one of eight , providing national recognition for his role helping U.S. service members chart their own path from uniform to business ownership.

From the Korean Marine Corps to the Whitman School Classroom

Park’s path to the classroom began in uniform. He served as an officer in the Republic of Korea Marine Corps, where one of his most formative roles was as a liaison officer to the U.S. Marine Corps. “I loved working side-by-side with U.S. Marines, and that experience gave me a lasting respect and affection for the U.S. military community,” Park says. “I feel fortunate that I can continue contributing in a way that supports service members and their families.”

After his military service, Park co-founded a high-tech startup before entering academia, giving him direct experience with both the challenges of transition and the realities of launching a business. “After leaving the military, I went through my own transition into entrepreneurship. It was exciting, but also uncertain, especially because at the time in Korea there wasn’t a robust transition assistance program like the one that exists here,” Park says. “I learned the hard way through trial and error, and I still remember how steep that learning curve can be.”

That experience now shapes how he teaches. Park joined the Whitman School faculty in 2017 and teaches Opportunity Recognition and Ideation, Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Strategic and Entrepreneurial Management. His teaching has earned multiple honors, including recognition by in 2022.

Helping Veterans and Military Spouses Shorten the Learning Curve

“I am passionate about helping service members, veterans and military spouses shorten the trial-and-error cycle, build confidence and move forward with practical tools and a clear roadmap to launch and grow successful ventures,” he says. “Being named SBA’s Boots to Business Instructor of the Year means a great deal to me because it reflects the privilege of supporting participants at a pivotal moment in their lives.”

“What makes David’s contribution to the IVMF, the Whitman School and Boots to Business so impactful is that he has lived the very journey he’s teaching,” says Mike Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation, executive dean of the Whitman School and founder and executive director of the IVMF.

“He served in uniform, navigated his own transition, co-founded a business and then chose to dedicate his career to preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs. For the service members and military spouses sitting in his classroom, that credibility matters,” Haynie says. “David’s recognition by the SBA is well-deserved, and it speaks to the kind of impact that’s possible when world-class teaching and a genuine commitment to the military community come together.”

The recognition comes during a period of momentum for entrepreneurship education at Syracuse. In November 2025, the Princeton Review ranked Whitman’s graduate entrepreneurship programs No. 17 nationally, up seven spots from the previous year. Whitman’s undergraduate business program held at No. 11 in the country.

“Professor David Park’s exceptional work with Syracuse University’s IVMF embodies the spirit of the Boots to Business program by transforming military experience into entrepreneurial success,” says Matt Coleman, SBA Atlantic Region administrator. “His dedication provides our veterans and military families with the vital tools and confidence needed to launch their next chapters after service in uniform.”

Park also credited his program manager, Brigid Purtell, for making everything seamless for instructors, which allows Park to focus on delivering the best possible workshop experience.

Park earned a Ph.D. from the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington, a master’s degree from Seoul National University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Seoul. He was honored alongside other recipients during a ceremony on Feb. 19.

About Boots to Business

The program, part of the Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program, provides foundational entrepreneurship courses to service members, veterans and military spouses exploring business ownership. The IVMF serves as a key partner in delivering Boots to Business instruction, including to service members and military spouses stationed outside the continental United States.

When Sgt. First Class Andrew Zellar began basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, on June 6, 2006, he thought he knew what his career in military service would look like.

Twenty years later, as he moves on from years as a military science instructor at Syracuse University and prepares to retire later this year from the New York Army National Guard, he reflects on a career that took unexpected turns and allowed him to impact hundreds of lives in ways he never imagined.

“The most unexpected part was the chance to have the assignment at ROTC. I had a vague understanding of what I would be doing, but my experience was a lot more rewarding than I expected,” Zellar says. “The thing I am most proud of is seeing past soldiers and cadets performing in the Army and in life.”

Zellar’s journey began like many of his generation, shaped by the events of Sept. 11, 2001. Fresh out of high school in 2004, the Cazenovia native wanted to serve, but his parents encouraged him to pursue college first.

After two years, the pull toward service won out. He enlisted in the Army National Guard as a military police officer, initially planning to combine service with the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).

When plans to deploy overseas did not materialize, Zellar found himself in limbo—until an opportunity emerged that would define his career.

Finding His Calling in Recruiting

In 2007, during one of the most challenging periods for military recruiting, Zellar stepped into a role that would test every interpersonal skill he possessed. The economy was collapsing, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were intensifying, and the National Guard needed people who could connect with potential recruits and their families.

“Most people that join the military always have a desire to do it,” Zellar says. “It’s just that the opportunity to do it has to intersect with the motivation.”

He saw this firsthand at career fairs, where he met not teenagers but 25- and 30-year-old adults with impressive resumes who simply had no jobs. The 2008 economic crisis had created both challenges and opportunities for recruiting.

His approach was simple but demanding: show up.

“I probably failed more than I succeeded in a lot of things, but I would just show up,” he says. That first year, he worked every single day, meeting potential recruits whenever and wherever they needed—late nights, weekends, holidays.

His work in St. Lawrence County, located along New York’s northern border, juxtaposed recruiting Clarkson University, SUNY Potsdam, SUNY Canton and St. Lawrence University with the county’s rural residents.

One memory stands out in particular. Zellar visited a young man living in dire poverty—a home heated with wood pallets, with essentially nothing. “You need this. You got to get out of here,” he remembers thinking. The National Guard gave the young man a path forward.

The rural assignment taught Zellar invaluable lessons, sharpening his skills and deepening his understanding of how people struggle.

Preparing the Next Generation

In 2018, Zellar was chosen for a new role with the New York Army National Guard. He joined Syracuse University as a military science instructor with the Army ROTC program, a position that joined his recruiting expertise with a deeper mission of developing young leaders.

Over the next eight years, he worked with more than 325 cadets and contributed to the commissioning of 215 Army second lieutenants.

“The thing I’ll look back on and enjoy the most is watching them achieve what they’re capable of achieving,” Zellar says. He remembers helping a cadet, an Iraqi refugee, obtain her citizenship, presenting her with a pocket Constitution at the ceremony.

His teaching philosophy challenges students to expand their perspectives.

“Whatever news source you get, whatever stuff you like to read, read the opposite,” he tells first-year students. “Just for no other reason than to see something a little bit different.”

His advice extends beyond tactics and strategy. “Swing at the pitch. If you get an opportunity, you can strike out. I’ll deal with it. We will figure it out. But nothing’s worse than watching the pitch go by,” he says.

A Legacy Beyond the Uniform

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Zellar and his ROTC colleagues proved indispensable, running testing sites and helping keep the University operational. It exemplified what he values most about service: being there when it matters.

As Zellar retires from military service later this year, he leaves behind more than statistics. He leaves young officers commissioned and ready to lead, recruits who found purpose and opportunity, and countless individuals whose lives changed because one person was willing to show up every time, without fail.

As he moves forward, Zellar will continue to pursue his real estate career. And he is looking forward to spending more time on what matters most: his wife Gloriann, daughters Audrey and Gabriella, and son Andrew Jr.

Amid the rhythm of early morning drills and the high demands of military service, Ty Tran ’24 knew he could not compromise his duties in pursuit of higher education.

Tran, having served through multiple deployments and duty stations throughout his eight-year career in the U.S. Navy, naturally approached his education with the same enduring discipline and purpose. Now a seasoned leader in operations and team leadership, Tran recounts his journey with deep care, reflecting on the critical role of his service in shaping his experience in education and the workforce.

When Tran began researching where to pursue higher education, he knew he had to be intentional with both his time and resources. He sought institutions that were equipped to support both his academic goals and the demands of military life. During this search, he returned to a critical question: At what place would he fit and feel supported as both a student and a service member?

Learning to Lead With Empathy

The stood out immediately with its flexible learning, strong advising and a culture built around supporting working professionals and military service members.

The real anchor came in the form of his advisor, Cherri Wells, whose mentorship carried him through deployments, breaks, cross-country moves and degree changes. Over four years, Wells became more than an advisor but a guiding light amidst the uncertainty and challenges of balancing service and studies.

“Before Syracuse, I was very focused on structure and execution—doing my job well, checking the boxes,” says Tran. “But my experience here, especially the people who’ve guided me, taught me to look beyond that. I’ve learned to lead with empathy and to see the value in slowing down and truly learning from the process.”

As that stability took root, so did Tran’s sense of direction. He initially entered the program under the liberal arts core, but soon shifted toward a more focused path, a blend between his passion for leadership, operations and creativity.

The college’s track became the ideal path to his long-term dream of working in the beauty and luxury marketing industry. Tran lauded the program’s versatility, allowing him to merge the leadership skills he had developed through years of military service with a longtime dream of his.

Ultimately, Tran’s discipline and commitment to growth led him to the —an opportunity rooted in the very values he had embraced both in the U.S. Navy and the classroom.

Becoming a Seinfeld Scholar was not a mere accolade for him but an embodiment of his journey throughout military service and education. It was a celebration of individuals like Tran who overcame significant personal and professional obstacles to realize their own unique aspirations. The program’s credo, “Never Give Up,” became a guiding philosophy as he pursued a non-traditional educational path.

Embracing a Mosaic of Experiences

Among fellow Seinfeld Scholars, Tran reveals what he calls a “modern folklore,” individuals whose stories carried their own forms of magic. Veterans, parents, career changers, students rebuilding their lives—all under one guiding philosophy. Despite their vastly different paths and challenges, Tran recognized pieces of himself in those stories, and pieces of them in his own.

Today, Tran sees his education as more than a credential. He reflects on his journey as a veteran and student, seeing his life as a mosaic of experiences that have shaped who he is and who he continues to become.

He embraces persistence, wisdom and the courage to pursue his goals relentlessly. He encourages others to move forward thoughtfully, balancing discipline with compassion, and to trust that their paths will unfold with purpose.

In sharing his story, Tran shows that purpose is not found in a single moment, but in the steady, deliberate steps that carry us forward, and he hopes others will find their own sense of direction along the way.

Story by Katie Huang

The announced the hiring of Marine Corps veteran Justin Machain as the director of the (OVS), bringing to campus more than a decade of experience supporting student veterans and military-connected students in higher education.

The former director, retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief Keith Doss, entered retirement in early December after 35 years at Syracuse University. Doss began his career on campus in 1990, serving in various capacities around the university before joining the OVS in 2011, known as the Veterans Resource Center at the time. Doss steered the OVS through some of the most transformative years in the University’s recent history in supporting student veterans and military-connected students. He has been referred to by many student veterans over the years as a critical component to their success in higher education.

Machain, a native of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, comes to Syracuse from the University of Colorado where he served as the assistant registrar, which included the responsibility of being the lead school certifying official (SCO). SCOs are a vital component for military-connected students using their education benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Not only do they ensure all administrative requirements are met, they serve as a vital conduit of information between the VA and students.

“Playing a proactive role really helps offset any kind of financial or academic issues that may come up,” Machain says. “If student veterans inform the staff here of any issues or questions, we can get ahead of any potential problems and tackle any roadblocks before the veteran experiences any difficulties or disruptions with their benefits.”

Machain brings with him a wide variety of experience from institutions in higher education across the country. From Austin Peay State University in Tennessee, to his home state of Pennsylvania with Montgomery County Community College and Villanova University.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Kutztown University, and later, a master’s degree in political science from East Stroudsburg University.

“I started in higher education after I completed graduate school in 2012, and I’ve been in higher education ever since,” says Machain. “The majority of my job descriptions and duties have been working with student veterans, whether it be certifying benefits or running student veteran centers on campus.”

Machain  joined the Marine Corps in 1999 after graduating from high school. After four years of service, which included a deployment to Iraq in early 2003 with the 1^st Marine Division, he left the Corps and leveraged the education benefits of his G.I. Bill.

Aside from being closer to home, Machain says a big appeal for coming to Syracuse was the university’s reputation with veterans in higher education.

“It was just a great opportunity to finally transition to a school where veterans kind of took front seat,” says Machain. “The university treats veterans with the same priority most educational institutions treat student athletes, and it’s just great to be at a place that puts military-connected students at the forefront.”

The University has seen a 300% increase in veteran and military-connected enrollment since 2015, and in that time, the OVS has handled more than $156 million in VA education payments to the University. With more than 700 students typically requiring certification for VA benefits each semester, Machain enters an office that is critical to making the University the “Best Place for Veterans.”

“The expansion of professional staff that work with student veterans has definitely grown in spaces across higher education,” Machain says. “Since I started in higher ed, offices and personnel have expanded on college campuses for student veterans because the VA and state regulations can change so much. It takes much more time for the staff to be able to figure out the new guidelines and everything.”

As Machain settles into his new position, he says he wants veteran and military-connected students to be reminded of how crucial communication with the OVS is.

“You can only give out so much information,” he says. “Every student situation is different, so without them asking about their particular life circumstances, situations or things they are experiencing, we may not know how to best answer or help them through that. This office and these certifying officials do a great job of getting information out to students like I’ve never seen anywhere else, so they’re doing their part. It also falls on the student a little bit when they have an issue or situation to reach out, and I highly encourage them to do so.”

Students using their VA benefits at the University are highly encouraged to reach out to the OVS if they have any questions or concerns about their benefits. The OVS is located in Suite 012 on the bottom floor of the National Veterans Resource Center in the Dan and Gayle D’Aniello Building. Students are encouraged to contact the OVS via e-mail or by calling 315.443.0358.

After serving her country as a U.S. Navy Seabee and continuing her service in the Air National Guard, Nadia Morris-Mitchell ’24, G’26 is answering a new call: teaching. The Syracuse native has enrolled as a in the University’s , where she is pursuing a master’s degree in .

Seeing the Impact

The Baldanza Fellows program, a partnership of the School of Education, and several Central New York school districts, aims to recruit and retain teachers who bring diverse life experiences to the classroom. Fellows receive tuition assistance, a stipend and a guaranteed teaching position in a partner district upon graduation.

“Nadia is paired with the Syracuse City School District, so she will have a middle or high school teaching position in special education when she successfully completes the program,” says , professor and program coordinator. “Local school districts are looking for teachers who bring varied life experiences into the profession, and we know this benefits students. With her military background, Nadia exemplifies the kinds of life and work experiences the fellows program supports. We are excited to have her and look forward to seeing the impact she will have on Syracuse students over her career.”

Helping the Community

Morris-Mitchell began her educational journey as a part-time undergraduate in creative leadership through the . While completing a bachelor’s degree, she continued serving in the Air National Guard’s 174th Attack Wing public health team—a unit responsible for disease monitoring, occupational safety and vaccination programs for nearly 2,000 members. She continues to serve during her graduate studies.

Her commitment to service extends beyond the military. She works part-time as a fitness instructor and volunteers in her community, balancing what she calls “organized chaos” with a disciplined routine shaped by her years in uniform. “In the military, I got used to waking up early and getting things done,” she says. “Even today, it’s lights out at 10 p.m.”

Morris-Mitchell’s decision to teach was sparked by outreach from the School of Education’s graduate admissions team. Recognizing the need for special education teachers in Syracuse, she embraced the opportunity. “Joining a program like this fulfills me and gives me more purpose,” she says. “It makes me feel as though I’m helping the community.”

One of Us

As part of her application process, Morris-Mitchell interviewed with the Syracuse school district, in anticipation of being offered a teaching position when she graduates. Beginning her program in summer 2025, she already has two field experiences under her belt, one in the Solvay Union Free School District and another helping teach English language arts in Syracuse’s Nottingham High School.

Mitchell-Morris says her field experiences have helped her to understand resource disparities between city schools and the suburban high school—Cicero-North Syracuse—she attended: “This experience has opened my eyes to differences in classroom behaviors and class management.”

Moreover, her keen eye and military understanding of logistics and public health have led her to notice other distinctions, such as how many Syracuse students rely on city transportation instead of school buses or the narrow food choices at Nottingham’s sports complex concession stand. “There’s little choice other than hot dogs and chips in an area of food insecurity,” says Morris-Mitchell. “It makes me wonder why things here have to be at a bare minimum.”

Most importantly, she says, the students in her placement classes “have been great” and—an especially good sign for the Baldanza Fellows program—some have voiced appreciation about having a teacher who looks like them: “‘You’re one of us,’ they’ve said to me.”

Standing before the at , surrounded by his peers in the 10th annual class of , Ray Toenniessen ’06 felt clarity, focused by the stillness and weight of sacrifice around them.

In that moment, three of his classmates and the program’s retiring co-director Mike Hemphill—all fellow veterans—laid a wreath at the tomb. Watching them, the deputy executive director of the felt the lessons of everything he’d learned, questioned and wrestled with throughout the program—and through lectures and meetings with two former presidents—coalesce into one realization. Leadership is about responsibility.

“It’s hard to put into words, but it was a very deep moment of connection and reflection amongst the class,” he says.

The  cemetery visit was made during the six-month program’s final module. During a block of free time, Toenniessen and the handful of other veterans in the cohort arranged to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

But the entire class ended up joining the group.

With the evidence of the ultimate sacrifice made in service around them, following months of lessons on leadership, Toenniessen says everyone was overcome with emotion.

“We had all formed deep connections, deep relationships by this point,” he says. “Arlington and the tomb, to many of us who served, holds a very personal meaning. And so seeing the class gathered around the tomb was really powerful.”

What It Was Like Participating

Over the course of program, Toenniessen and his 57 classmates gathered for six modules, starting in Philadelphia and ending in the nation’s Capitol, visiting the participating presidential centers in-between: the , the , the and then the .

During each module, the class went through the lessons and learnings from the presidents.

“We did a lot of reading around that specific president, key legislation, oftentimes key speeches, looking at their actions,” Toenniessen says. “Then when you were on site, you were really looking at, ‘Well, what led them to those decisions? Why did LBJ need to be so persuasive? Why was it important to President Bush to build coalitions and partnerships? How is President Clinton such an effective communicator?”

In College Station, , who served as George H.W. Bush’s secretary of transportation and later as George W. Bush’s chief of staff, gave a firsthand account of 9/11, telling the scholars about the moment he about the attacks.

In Dallas, the scholars heard Bush speak, then they heard from both President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in Little Rock. The talks were followed by dinners, closed to the press, where participants could talk candidly with the former presidents.

“That part of the program is just hands-down one of those experiences that you’ll probably never get again,” Toenniessen says.

Learning also happened outside the focus on the former presidents, Toenniessen says.

The class was composed of people from all walks of life, different industries and backgrounds, and outside the lectures and program events, the scholars took the opportunity to get to know one another and learn from each other’s experiences.

“We clicked as a cohort very early,” Toenniessen says. “You’re able to lean on folks, not just for things going on in the program, but things that might be happening in your work or professional life.”

The Lessons on Leadership

Toenniessen says one of his biggest takeaways from the program is that with humility and intention—through listening, compromise, courage—it is possible to bridge divides to serve your community.

“In an environment that seems so politically hostile, how do you bring people together with differing views, differing backgrounds and get them to a place where it’s OK to disagree,” Toenniessen says. “But how do we do it from a place of respect and civil discourse and still even be able to maintain friendships and relationships through it.”

Humility was also touched upon by General Peter Pace, a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

“He spoke a lot about starting with humility and not going in guns blazing, but really taking this stance of humility as you’re speaking truth to power,” Toenniessen says.

It’s a lesson from the program that made clear to Toenniessen that real leadership is about showing up, quietly and consistently in service to something greater than oneself.

In a Linkedin post, Toenniessen reflected on his experience in the program, saying it deepened his understanding of leadership.

“​​It reshaped how I want to lead,” he wrote. “With humility. With intention. And with a commitment to showing up when it matters.”

The College of Professional Studies (CPS) plays in the University’s support for veterans and military-connected students, offering flexible degree pathways and innovative military credit evaluation.

As of the Fall 2025 semester, 19% of all currently serving military students attending Syracuse University are enrolled in CPS degree programs. Currently serving military students are service members on active duty, National Guard or reserve status.

This leadership is driven by the College of Professional Studies’ innovative and progressive work to standardize the University’s military credit evaluation, which evaluates military technical training and professional military education for academic credit.

“Bachelor of professional studies [BPS] degrees are designed specifically for individuals like currently serving members of the armed forces juggling service obligations and life responsibilities with their educational goals,” says Michael Frasciello, dean of the College of Professional Studies. “We offer an accessible combination of flexibility, applied and focused career preparation, progressive credit transfer [up to 90 credits], and recognition of military experience and training.”

Currently serving military students admitted to the College of Professional Studies’ BPS programs are being recommended and awarded an average of 30 equivalency credits for their military technical training and professional military education.

Diverse Support for Military-Connected Students

The College of Professional Studies supports 33% of all military-connected students at Syracuse University, including active duty, veterans and military dependents. Through its nationally recognized military advising model, CPS has achieved skyrocketing persistence and graduation rates.

Persistence Rate

• College of Professional Studies: 93%
• National average: 45%

Graduation Rate

• College of Professional Studies: 70%
• National average: 20%

“Our ability to successfully support one-third of the University’s military-connected students is only possible because of our advisors who are specifically trained to understand the unique challenges military-connected students face,” says Liz Green, executive director of the student experience for Online Student Success. “This success starts with a recognition that military-connected students are non-traditional, adult learners with distinct needs.”

The college provides holistic support that proactively addresses academic, administrative and military service-related challenges, such as deployment interruptions, VA benefits navigation, credit transfer from military training and work-life-study balance, in an integrated way.

Coupled with its national ranking as the among private universities, CPS is at the forefront of Syracuse University’s commitment to being the

To learn more about military-connected support, visit .

The Syracuse University (OVMA) invites the campus community to the National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC) at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building for the annual observance of Syracuse University’s Veterans Day ceremony.

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

Hosted by the OVMA, the Veterans Day observance reflects Syracuse University’s long-standing commitment to serving military-connected students, veterans and their families. The tradition dates back to World War I, when the University established the Student Army Training Corps, the precursor to today’s Reserve Officer Training Corps.

Syracuse University Chancellor and President Kent Syverud will deliver remarks recognizing the contributions of veterans across the campus community and beyond. This year’s ceremony coincides with the celebration of the OVMA’s 10th anniversary.

This year’s keynote address will be delivered by retired U.S. Air Force General Lester L. Lyles, former vice chief of staff of the Air Force and commander of Air Force Materiel Command. A 35-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Gen. Lyles oversaw major defense acquisition, logistics and technology programs and later served as chair of the National Science Board and the NASA Advisory Council.

“By any measure, veterans are part of the ‘secret sauce’ of our national security community,” says Lyles, a Washington, D.C., native and Howard University alumnus. “We should always strive to value them; to respect and honor their service to our country; and learn from them.”

All students, faculty, staff, alumni and local community members are invited to attend.

Those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP through the . The NVRC has limited accessible parking spaces available for those who require parking accommodations; email vma@syr.edu to make parking arrangements. General parking is available throughout campus.

and the , in partnership with the (IVMF) and the National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC), are hosting a discussion of art, identity and conflict featuring Veterans Writing Award-winning authors on Friday, Nov. 7, at 5 p.m. at the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building at 101 Waverly Ave. The event is featured in the Humanities Center’s on “Creativity.”

Robin Caudell, the 2023 Veterans Writing Award winner, will read an excerpt from her upcoming book, “Black Heel Strings: A Choptank Memoir,” published by Syracuse University Press. In addition, the panel discussion will include award-winning veteran writers Dewaine Farria, Brian O’Hare, Jenny Pacanowski and Maurice Decaul. Those interested in attending should . A reception and book signing will take place following the panel discussion.

As an extension of the Veteran’s Writing Award, the University will also host a on Nov. 8 and 9 at the NVRC. Participants will have the opportunity to receive instruction and develop their writing under the direction of Farria, O’Hare and Pacanowski.

The workshop provides veterans a space to reflect on their experiences, gain insight and solace, process complex emotions, and build public voices and community with other service members while sharing stories with varied audiences. Those interested in applying to participate in the workshop should complete the by Oct. 1. The cost of participating in the workshop is $100, which covers the cost of instructional material and food. A limited number of need-based scholarships are available. If you would like to be considered, please contact vwasubmissions@syr.edu.

The weekend workshop includes two public readings by workshop leaders and participants. A full schedule of events is available on the .

About the veteran writer panelists on Friday, Nov. 7:

• Robin Michel Caudell is an award-winning Press-Republican staff writer. A Native of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Caudell served in the U.S. Air Force and was a John L. Levitow Honor Graduate. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Goddard College. Her poetry has been anthologized in national and international publications. She is the director/screenwriter for “Witness Tree at Union Road,” a documentary in collaboration with Skidmore College. Veteran, activist and author Anuradha Bhagwati selected Caudell’s memoir “Black Heel Strings: A Choptank Memoir” as the 2023 winner of the Veterans Writing Award.
• Dewaine Farria served in Jordan and Ukraine as a U.S. Marine. In addition to his military service, Farria served in the United Nations’ Department of Safety and Security. He supervises field security for the Asian Development. He holds an MA in international relations from the University of Oklahoma and an MFA in creative writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Farria’s writing has appeared in Literary Hub, The New York Times, Southern Humanities Review, The Daily Beast and War on the Rocks. Tobias Wolff selected his novel “” as the winner of the inaugural Veterans Writing Award.
• Brian O’Hare is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, former Marine officer and Gulf War veteran. He is an award-winning writer and filmmaker living in Los Angeles. National Book Award winner Phil Klay selected his short story collection “” as the winner of the 2021 Veterans Writing Award. His film “Rizoo,” about a young girl deciding whether to wear the hijab for a class picture, was released in 2025 by The New Yorker. His feature documentary “Cannon Shot” about the world’s largest croquet match between the U.S. Naval Academy and St. John’s College, will premiere later this year.
• Jenny Pacanowski is a poet, playwright, military combat veteran and public speaker. She is the founder and artistic director of Women Veterans Empowered and Thriving (WVE&T), which has expanded its programming to include men, civilian support members and LGBTIA+ community members. Her writing has appeared in The War Horse, Spring St, Aquila Theater, The Journal of Military Behavioral Health and multiple poetry anthologies. She wrote the original drama “Dionysus in America,” which premiered in October 2019 at Canopy Theater and The Vortex. In June 2025, Jenny earned an MFA degree in performance creation.
• Maurice Decaul is a former Marine, poet, essayist and playwright. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Daily Beast, Sierra Magazine, Epiphany, Callaloo, Narrative and other outlets. His poems have been translated into French and Arabic and his theatrical works, “Holding it Down” and “Sleep Song,” collaborations with composer Vijay Iyer and poet Mike Ladd, have been produced and performed at New York City’s Harlem Stage, the Atlas Intersections Festival in Washington, D.C., and in Paris and Antwerp. He holds degrees in creative writing from Columbia University and New York University.

Syracuse University Press, in cooperation with the D’Aniello Institute, 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.

Story by Lisa Kuerbis

The (IVMF) is proud to announce the appointment of Stacy Hawkins as the new managing director of research and evaluation. A nationally respected behavioral research scientist, Hawkins brings more than 15 years of experience leading applied research focused on the health, resilience, and readiness of military service members, veterans, and their families.

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

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

“I’ve always been drawn to applied research. Even in graduate school, I knew I wanted my work to not only be high-quality, but to have a meaningful impact on real people,” says Hawkins. “The IVMF’s work is exceptional—I’ve followed it for years, especially on the research and evaluation side. I love bringing data, evidence and science into the conversation for policymakers and program leaders, giving them findings they can apply in ways that truly help.”

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

“Syracuse University is proud to be an R1 institution where research drives national impact,” says Ray Toenniessen, deputy executive director of the IVMF. “Stacy brings academic rigor and a deep understanding of the human experiences behind the data. Her expertise in the military and veteran community has already produced impactful work, and we look forward to her leadership in ensuring our research at the D’Aniello IVMF remains both relevant and actionable.”

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

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

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

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

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

“This grant program demonstrates New York state’s dedication to improving the lives of veterans and their ongoing support of law school outreach programs.”

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

“The Veterans Legal Clinic exemplifies our commitment to experiential learning, community service, and public interest law,” says Terence J. Lau L’98, dean of the College of Law. “We are proud of the clinic’s impact and grateful to the Department of Veterans’ Services for supporting this important work.”

“Working in the VLC has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my law school journey,” says Raul Rosique L’27, a student attorney and U.S. Navy veteran. “This grant will help ensure more veterans get the legal support they deserve, while giving students like me the chance to serve those who’ve served our country.”

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

“Now what am I supposed to do with my life?” Veterans often face this question as they transition from active duty to civilian life. The thought terrified U.S. Marine Corps veteran Anthony Ruscitto ’22, G’23, L’27 when he contemplated his future in the spring of 2019.

Today, Ruscitto is a two-time Syracuse graduate and a rising second-year law student in the . When he graduates, Ruscitto plans to provide legal aid to his fellow veterans. Ruscitto’s passion for service and helping veterans is one of the reasons he was recently recognized as a 2025 Tillman Scholar by the .

The award unites and empowers remarkable military service members, veterans and spouses as the next generation of public and private sector leaders committed to service beyond self.  receive academic scholarships, leadership development opportunities and access to a supportive national network as they embark on career journeys in all fields, including health care, public service, business, STEM, law, the humanities and education.

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

Syracuse University is a proud Pat Tillman Foundation University Partner. To date, . Eligible current or prospective Syracuse University students interested in applying for the 2026 Tillman Scholarship should contact the after the application opens in November.

Ruscitto has assisted veterans applying for disability benefits or seeking to increase their benefits through the Onondaga County Veterans Service Agency. This fall, Ruscitto will work as a student lawyer in the , providing pro bono legal services to area veterans.

He sat down with SU News to discuss why he wanted to become a Tillman Scholar, reflect on the prestigious honor and share how he will use the scholarship to make a difference.

Academic degrees: Bachelor’s degrees in forensic science and psychology (); master’s degree in public administration (); current student in the J.D. program ().

What drew you to study at Syracuse University? “Syracuse stood out right away because of its resources for transitioning service members and veterans. The scholarship and financial support were excellent and mentorship from previous student veterans showed me how to thrive on a college campus and made me realize I could go to college and be successful after service. Organizations like the Student Veteran Organization, the Office of Veteran Success and the were extremely helpful in navigating the obstacles I faced.”

Where did your interest and passion for the law come from? “Early in my service in the Marines, I learned to love ‘learning the rules and regulations.’ One of the most important skills I learned as a professional was how to leverage rules and regulations to better serve others. As an emergency medical technician, we often arrived at the scene of the worst day of someone’s life. The care we provided ended at the hospital, with no ability to check in and see what else we can do for the patient.”

“As a lawyer, I will develop the skills necessary to aid others in navigating the rules and regulations of society, and I can help those in need, advocating for them in and out of the courtroom. Being someone’s advocate has always motivated me to better understand how to help others with the law.”

What motivated you to apply to be a Tillman Scholar? “One of the first veterans I met at Syracuse was Katy Quartaro ’18, G’20, a fellow Marine veteran and a 2019 Tillman Scholar. I saw how she carried herself on and off campus as an advocate for others through several different professional roles. Seeing how Katy and other Tillman Scholars positively impact others motivated me to apply, and I quickly knew that the resources, leadership training and network provided to Tillman Scholars was the best way to realize my career goals.”

How does it feel to be recognized as a Tillman Scholar? “The more I learn about Pat Tillman’s life and legacy, the more I realize honoring his legacy will take a lifetime—and I have the responsibility of ensuring I honor that legacy every day. I’ve been reflecting on the impact and legacy I have had so far in my career and realized that with the opportunity being a Tillman Scholar is providing for me and my community, my best work and biggest impacts are yet to come.”

How will this experience help you make an impact in your community? “Engaging with volunteer opportunities and programs that promote positive change in our community. Besides working with the Veterans Legal Clinic, I will teach literacy skills to elementary school students in the Syracuse City School District through the United Way of Central New York’s Book Buddy program. Long term, I am focused on expanding the resources available to veterans and marginalized citizens locally.”