For many, joining the military is as much a matter of family tradition as it is a commitment to serve. For Syracuse graduate student and third-generation Naval officer Chris Giglio, it was also a matter of building on a personal history.
“I served six years in the U.S. Coast Guard. Within two years of leaving active duty, I knew I belonged back in the military,” Giglio says. “I was raised on sea stories from my father and grandfather, both naval officers, and I set my sights on following in their footsteps.”
After an initial tour in public affairs, Giglio was offered the opportunity to attend one of several Navy-sponsored graduate programs in public relations. After being assigned to a different program, he jumped at the opportunity to attend Syracuse. Giglio credits the quality and reputation of the public relations program at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, as well as the prospect of simultaneously pursuing a certificate of advanced studies in public administration from the Maxwell School, in guiding his decision.
“The opportunity to participate in both programs was a huge draw for me,” says Giglio. “I find that the Maxwell courses complement what I learn at Newhouse. I think my time at Syracuse is not only enhancing my public relations skillset, but also making me a more well-rounded officer with a more nuanced worldview and better understanding of national security.”