The Stalwart Battalion at Syracuse University can trace its roots back to the earliest days of Syracuse University’s historic commitment to veterans. During World War I the Student Army Training Corps, which was the precursor to today’s Reserve Officer Training Corps, began educating students for crucial roles in military service.
News
Forged in Snow: How Syracuse ROTC Shaped a Career of Service in Madison Kaifas-Steiner
Growing up in Buffalo, Madison Kaifas-Steiner was no stranger to the bitter cold and snow-filled winters of Central New York. But when she joined Syracuse University’s cross-town Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program during her time at Le Moyne College, she discovered that Central New York winters hit differently—especially during outdoor field training.
Continue ReadingFrom Marine to Mentor: Jackson Capenos Champions Veteran Success at Syracuse University
For Jackson Capenos, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and the University’s newest school certifying official with the Office of Veteran Success, life has been a journey shaped by resilience, hard work and an unwavering commitment to service.
Continue ReadingBuilding Leaders in the Stalwart Tactical Athlete Center
Earning a commission in the U.S. Army is a challenging process. Among the many attributes necessary to become a commissioned officer, physical fitness is a key element that can make or break a candidate’s potential military career.
In 2019, the U.S. Army implemented a newer, more rigorous physical fitness test to evaluate a soldier’s potential for physical performance in combat. Named the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), the new test required specific equipment and training space that many ROTC detachments across the nation simply did not have readily available.
Continue ReadingProfessor Kubala Named New York State Bar Association’s Veterans Advocate of the Year
Professor Beth Kubala has been selected as the recipient of the New York State Bar Association’s Judge Robert T. Russell Veterans Advocate Award. This award recognizes “an attorney who has positively impacted or provided exemplary services to current and retired members of the U.S. military in New York State.”
Continue ReadingTillman Scholar Zahra Johnson G’25 Interview
U.S. Army ROTC Cadet Zahra Johnson G’25, a graduate student with the College of Arts at Sciences at Syracuse University, speaks about her experience in being selected as a Tillman Scholar by the Pat Tillman Foundation.
Continue Reading2025 Tillman Scholar Applications Now Open
The Pat Tillman Foundation (PTF) has officially opened applications for 2025 Tillman Scholars! The PTF 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.
Continue ReadingCoded for Excellence: Jurgen Baeza Bernal ’26
Jurgen Baeza Bernal ’26 traveled a circuitous path to Syracuse University, but he’s finally cracked the code on what his future holds. Before arriving, the California native explored an array of interests at San Diego State University, served nearly seven years in the U.S. Navy and possessed a longtime fascination with computer coding. “When I was a teenager, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life,” he says. “But as I grew older and the military instilled discipline in me and gave me a sense of direction, I knew I should focus on what I wanted to do and my education when I got out.”
Continue ReadingTillman Scholar Benetta Dousuah G’25 on Service after Service
Earlier this year, student veteran Benetta Dousuah G’25 was named one of Syracuse University’s 2024 Tillman Scholars, joining an elite group of military-connected individuals committed to impactful leadership. Dousuah is currently pursuing a master’s degree in social work in the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, and is among the select few chosen nationwide, and one of three Syracuse University military-connected students, by the Pat Tillman Foundation for her demonstrated potential to lead and serve.
Continue ReadingHometown Hero: Dr. Don Cantwell, ’47, G’48
United States Navy World War II veteran, two-time Syracuse University alum, and renowned musician Don Cantwell was born in Poughkeepsie, New York in 1924 and graduated from Poughkeepsie High School in 1942. He attended St Lawrence University Navy V12 Officers Training Program from 1943-44 and later Notre Dame University’s Navy Midshipman School in 1944. Don attended the U.S. Navy School of Music in Washington, DC, in 1945 and later served with the Navy Flag Band Mediterranean Fleet before being discharged in 1945.
Continue Reading‘Cuse Q&A: Brig. Gen. Stephen Snelson ’97
Brigadier General Stephen Snelson ’97 sat down for an interview with ‘Cuse Q&A to talk about how he originally came to Syracuse University. He goes on to speak about commanding Air Force One and what a person says to the President of the United States when you walk alongside them. Most importantly, he tells us what it means to Be Orange.
You can view the whole interview below!
Continue Reading