“Now what am I supposed to do with my life?” Veterans often face this question as they transition from active duty to civilian life. The thought terrified U.S. Marine Corps veteran Anthony Ruscitto ’22, G’23, L’27 when he contemplated his future in the spring of 2019.
Today, Ruscitto is a two-time Syracuse graduate and a rising second-year law student in the College of Law. When he graduates, Ruscitto plans to provide legal aid to his fellow veterans. Ruscitto’s passion for service and helping veterans is one of the reasons he was recently recognized as a 2025 Tillman Scholar by the Pat Tillman Foundation.
The award 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. Tillman Scholars receive academic scholarships, leadership development opportunities and access to a supportive national network as they embark on career journeys in all fields, including health care, public service, business, STEM, law, the humanities and education.
The scholarship 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 is a proud Pat Tillman Foundation University Partner. To date, 15 University students have been honored as Tillman Scholars. Eligible current or prospective Syracuse University students interested in applying for the 2026 Tillman Scholarship should contact the Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising after the application opens in November.
Ruscitto has assisted veterans applying for disability benefits or seeking to increase their benefits through the Onondaga County Veterans Service Agency. This fall, Ruscitto will work as a student lawyer in the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic, providing pro bono legal services to area veterans.
He sat down with SU News to discuss why he wanted to become a Tillman Scholar, reflect on the prestigious honor and share how he will use the scholarship to make a difference.