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.
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Congratulations to The 2025 Syracuse University Tillman Scholar Anthony Ruscitto
On July 10th, the new Pat Tillman Scholars were announced, and we are happy to congratulate Anthony Ruscitto ’22, G’23, L’27 as the Tillman Scholar for Syracuse University.
Tillman Scholars are provided academic scholarships, leadership development opportunities and access to a supportive national network as they embark on career journeys in the fields of health care, public service, business, STEM, law, the humanities and education.
The fellowship 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 was invited to become a Pat Tillman Foundation University Partner in 2017. To date, the University has seen 14 students honored as Tillman Scholars.
The Rewards of Army ROTC
Rebecca Lee ’24, L’27 and Mackenzie Kirsch ’26 found a shared sense of purpose in the Army ROTC—one that has shaped their academic journeys and guided them toward future careers in military law.
Continue ReadingHannah Kang ’25 Builds a Future in Architecture With Army ROTC Support
While Hannah Kang ’25 was growing up in Houston, Texas—by way of South Korea, where she was born—pursuing a degree at Syracuse University was never on her radar.
Continue ReadingU.S. Army ROTC Aviation Leadership Lab
On April 18, 2025, U.S. Army ROTC Cadets from Syracuse University were able to learn about military aviation from aviators from the New York Army National Guard. The cadet were able to run drills and board aircrafts for a hands on experience that only Syracuse can provide.
ROTC Cadet Michael Bianchi, previously enlisted in the U.S. Army and is currently enrolled at the Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs, shares a bit about his experience throughout the day. “I would recommend anyone who is thinking about attending Syracuse University that is one of the many opportunities Syracuse really offers… and I would highly recommend looking into this program as an ROTC student.”
Watch the video below to learn more about the full experience.
Continue ReadingTradition and Triumph: University Honors ROTC Excellence at 108th Chancellor’s Review and Awards Ceremony
A time-honored celebration of academic achievement, leadership and military history was on full display at the JMA Wireless Dome during the 108th Chancellor’s Review and Awards Ceremony on March 28.
Continue ReadingRooted in Service: From Army Lawyer to Student Advocate
After years of legal service in the U.S. Army, Jaime Jacobson G’25 is continuing her commitment to public service through academia. Jacobson is currently a pursuing a master’s degree in higher education in the School of Education and draws a strong connection between her military experience and her future supporting college students.
Continue ReadingHometown Hero: Jurgen Baeza Bernal
Jurgen Baeza Bernal was born and raised in San Diego, California. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on February 16, 2016, and served for six years and ten months as an Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety Equipment) (AME). His expertise was in maintaining and inspecting the ejection seats of F/A-18F Super Hornets, ensuring their functionality and the safety of the pilots. Jurgen’s responsibilities included removing, inspecting, and reinstalling ejection seats, as well as replacing expired explosive components crucial for emergency ejections. Throughout his career, he upheld the highest standards of precision and accountability in his work.
Continue ReadingHometown Hero – Joseph Creager
United States Army Staff Sergeant Joseph Creager was born in Chicago, and hails from Land in Lakes, Illinois. He enlisted in the Army in 2013 as an Infantryman and served as a Scout/Sniper for 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry (Airborne) at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, Alaska from 2013-2017. Staff Sergeant Creager later served as a Stryker Commander and Fire Team Leader at 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry, Fort Carson, Colorado.
Continue ReadingHometown Hero: Mykala Keckeisen
United States Navy Mass Communications Specialist 2nd (MC2) Class Mykala Keckeisen was born and raised in the city of Madison, Wisconsin. She enlisted in the United States Navy and attended Recruit Training Command (RTC), Great Lakes, Illinois in December 2020. Following RTC, MC2 Keckeisen spent seven months at the Defense Information School in Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. MC2 Keckeisen graduated in the top five in her class and after completing “A” school, she arrived at her first duty station on the USS Nimitz (CVN 68).
Continue Reading‘Lasting Impact’: Sergeants Major on Giving Back Through Instructional Design
In January 2025, instructional design, development and evaluation (IDDE) professors Moon-Heum Cho and Rob Pusch visited the latest cohort of students in the IDDE Fellowship Program.
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