We are excited to announce the 10-year anniversary of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA)! For a decade, OVMA has been dedicated to supporting and empowering our veteran and military-connected students. We invite you to join us in commemorating this significant milestone throughout 2024-2025.

Syracuse University has a long history of serving veterans and military-connected students, dating back to World War I and the post-World War II era when we welcomed home thousands of veterans through the G.I. Bill. The establishment of the OVMA in 2014 marked a significant milestone solidifying the commitment to this community and embedding it intrinsically into the culture of the campus. Our mission remains steadfast: to be the university’s central hub for all veteran and military-connected students, programs, and initiatives

Committed to being the “Best Place for Veterans™,” OVMA has achieved remarkable milestones, including:
  • Simplified Admissions Process: Streamlining the application process and waiving application fees for veteran and military-connected students, increasing enrollment by 300% over ten years.
  • Creation of Robust Support Systems: Establishing tailored support services to address the unique needs of veteran and military-connected students.
  • Innovative Career Services: Developing innovative, career programming that has led to a 100% placement rate for student veterans.
  • Community Building: Fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment through various initiatives and affinity groups.
  • Partnerships and Collaborations: Building strong relationships with campus and community partners, employers, and organizations to expand opportunities for our students.
  • Scholarship Programs: Securing significant funding for scholarships, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder educational pursuits.
  • Recognition and Awards: Consistently ranked annually in the Top 10 Military Times Best Colleges for Vets ranking.

A Decade of Dedication

For over a decade, the Office of Veterans and Military Affairs (OVMA) has been dedicated to supporting the educational and personal growth of our veterans and military-affiliated students.

As we celebrate these accomplishments, we remain committed to building on this foundation of success. With your continued support, we look forward to another decade of empowering and uplifting our veteran and military-affiliated students. Join us in commemorating our journey and envisioning a brighter future for our community. With your help, we can continue this vital work for another ten years and beyond.

$391K increase in giving from 2022 to 2023.

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There are six videos in this playlist.

Explore our journey and see why Syracuse University stands as a leader in veteran support.

This collection of videos highlights our commitment to veterans, showcasing Syracuse University’s unique
resources and historical dedication to those who have served. From the WWII era to today, discover why Syracuse is the best place for veterans and how we continue to open doors for America’s heroes.

OVMA’s Accomplishments

FINALCIAL SUPPORT AND SCHOLARSHIPS

  • $135M+ in VA education payments facilitated since 2015.
  • $22M+ in Yellow Ribbon scholarships awarded.
  • $391K in scholarships for 41 military-connected students in 2022-2023.
  • $31K in emergency funding provided in 2022-2023.

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS

  • 400+ undergraduate student veterans graduated since 2014.
  • 570+ military-connected undergraduates graduated since 2014.

ROTC & ECP EXCELLENCE

  • 240+ Army cadets commissioned since 2014.
  • 89 Air Force cadets commissioned since 2014.
  • Highest enrollment of Army Early Commissioning Program (ECP) students in the nation over the last 20 years.

COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT PROGRAMS

  • Office of Veteran Success
  • Vet-Success on Campus
  • OVMA Resiliency Program

VETERAN CAREER SERVICES

  • 100% job placement rate for undergraduate student veterans for over six years.
  • 160+ unique career services events since 2015.
  • 15 exclusive employer networking receptions.
  • $100,000 internship awards.

NATIONAL RECOGNITION

  • Consistently ranked among the top universities for veterans.
  • Notable alumni:
    Col (Ret.) Eileen Collins ’78
    SGT William Shemin ’1924.
Today, Brig. Gen. Stephen P. Snelson ’97 continued his visit at @SyracuseOVMA, meeting with cadets from the @afrotc_det535. He shared insights from his own career, offered advice on leadership, and encouraged the next generation of @USAirForce officers as they prepare to serve. It was an inspiring moment for our cadets to connect directly with an accomplished alum and leader in the Air Force.

Today, Brig. Gen. Stephen P. Snelson ’97 continued his visit at @SyracuseOVMA, meeting with cadets from the @afrotc_det535. He shared insights from his own career, offered advice on leadership, and encouraged the next generation of @USAirForce officers as they prepare to serve. It was an inspiring moment for our cadets to connect directly with an accomplished alum and leader in the Air Force.

Brig. Gen. Stephen P. Snelson ’97 recently visited @SyracuseU’s National Veterans Resource Center, meeting with leaders from the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs to discuss expanding support for military-connected students. He also met with @USAirForce Col. Michael Skarda, Commander of the University’s Air Force ROTC Detachment (@afrotc_det535), Dr. Haynie, Vice Chancellor of the Strategic Initiatives, and Ron Novack, Executive Director of the OVMA, to explore new initiatives aimed at empowering student veterans and ROTC cadets.

Brig. Gen. Stephen P. Snelson ’97 recently visited @SyracuseU’s National Veterans Resource Center, meeting with leaders from the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs to discuss expanding support for military-connected students.

He also met with @USAirForce Col. Michael Skarda, Commander of the University’s Air Force ROTC Detachment (@afrotc_det535), Dr. Haynie, Vice Chancellor of the Strategic Initiatives, and Ron Novack, Executive Director of the OVMA, to explore new initiatives aimed at empowering student veterans and ROTC cadets.

The OVMA was honored to host Bob Lyons and the Syracuse DKE brothers in support of the James Lyons '03 Sons & Daughters Memorial Scholarship Fund. It was truly inspiring to see our community come together for such a meaningful cause. Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate and support this special legacy!

The OVMA was honored to host Bob Lyons and the Syracuse DKE brothers in support of the James Lyons ’03 Sons & Daughters Memorial Scholarship Fund. It was truly inspiring to see our community come together for such a meaningful cause. Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate and support this special legacy!

Syracuse University Office of Veteran and Military Affairs
Syracuse University Office of Veteran and Military Affairs️ 9 hours ago

We’re incredibly proud to celebrate our board member, Col. Eileen M. Collins United States Air Force Ret. ’78, H’01, whose inspiring journey as the first woman to pilot and command a space shuttle is featured in SPACEWOMAN! This remarkable documentary debuts at the DOCNYC festival, showcasing Eileen’s trailblazing legacy and her impact on space exploration.

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Syracuse University Office of Veteran and Military Affairs
Syracuse University Office of Veteran and Military Affairs️ 1 day ago

Today, Brig. Gen. Stephen P. Snelson ’97 continued his visit at Syracuse University Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, meeting with cadets from the Syracuse University-Air Force ROTC Det 535. He shared insights from his own career, offered advice on leadership, and encouraged the next generation of United States Air Force officers as they prepare to serve. It was an inspiring moment for our cadets to connect directly with an accomplished alum and leader in the Air Force.

Photo
Syracuse University Office of Veteran and Military Affairs
Syracuse University Office of Veteran and Military Affairs️ 2 days ago

Brig. Gen. Stephen P. Snelson ’97 recently visited Syracuse University’s National Veterans Resource Center, meeting with leaders from the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs to discuss expanding support for military-connected students. He also met with United States Air Force Col. Michael Skarda, Commander of the University’s Air Force ROTC Detachment (Syracuse University-Air Force ROTC Det 535), Dr. Haynie, Vice Chancellor of the Strategic Initiatives, and Ron Novack, Executive Director of the OVMA, to explore new initiatives aimed at empowering student veterans and ROTC cadets.

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