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.

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.
Meet Benetta Dousuah, a @SyracuseU student veteran and Tillman Scholar making an impact! From her time in the military to her work on campus, Benetta is leading with purpose and inspiring others along the way.

Learn more about Benetta’s incredible journey and the impact she’s making with the link in our bio. 

@sufalkcollege | @pattillmanfnd
Today is #GivingCUSEday! Your gift ignites possibilities, fuels innovation and transforms student experiences at the OVMA. 🍊 

Be part of our Orange impact with the link in our bio. 🧡
On Veterans Day 2024, @jewishwarveterans National Commander Gary Ginsburg, who also serves on our OVMA board, was honored to be photographed with President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at the White House.

This memorable moment followed a Veterans Day breakfast at the White House and preceded the ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, highlighting a collective commitment to honoring the service and sacrifices of our nation’s veterans.

Meet Benetta Dousuah, a Syracuse University student veteran and Tillman Scholar making an impact! From her time in the military to her work on campus, Benetta is leading with purpose and inspiring others along the way. Learn more about Benetta’s incredible journey and the impact she’s making in the comments below. ⬇️ Falk College at Syracuse University | Pat Tillman Foundation

Today is #GivingCUSEday! Your gift ignites possibilities, fuels innovation and transforms student experiences at the OVMA. 🍊 Be part of our Orange impact: https://bit.ly/3Zmna8C 🧡