Syracuse University’s Office of Veteran & Military Affairs is pleased to announce the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Endowed Florence Scholarship recipients for the Spring semester of 2025. The scholarship program, exclusive to Syracuse University’s military-connected students, offers a comprehensive semester-long study abroad opportunity in Florence, Italy, for student veterans and military dependents studying at any of the thirteen schools and colleges across campus and online.
The Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Endowed Florence Scholarship is named for U.S. Navy veteran Daniel D’Aniello ’68, H’20 and his wife, Gayle. D’Aniello studied abroad in Florence, Italy, when he was a student at Syracuse, and seized the opportunity to ensure other military-connected students at his alma mater could also benefit from studying overseas. D’Aniello’s support for the City of Florence and the university’s study abroad program there were at the center of his being awarded the keys to the city in 2023.
The scholarship covers a military-connected student’s needs for a full semester abroad, including tuition, travel, lodging, and a spending stipend. Beyond the direct impact to a student’s academic experience, the scholarship also saves a full semester’s worth of time on their Post 9/11 G.I. Bill tuition benefits.
Kira P. Donegan ‘26
Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs / S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
Kira Donegan ‘26, whose father served in the U.S. Navy, is pursuing a dual degree in Geography as well as Magazine, News, and Digital Journalism. As the Digital Editorial Director for Baked Magazine, a Syracuse University student-ran food magazine, she says she’s excited for the cultural opportunities, especially when it comes to exploring the culinary side of Florence.
“I hope this experience furthers my knowledge of cultures and places other than my own so that I can incorporate this understanding into my writing and work in geography,” says Donegan, Renée Crown Honors student. “I hope to try as much cuisine as possible and meet new people while stepping outside of my comfort zone.”
Sabrina P. Lussier ‘26
Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
Sabrina Lussier ’26, also daughter to a U.S. Navy veteran, is pursuing a dual degree in Citizenship & Civic Engagement, Geography, and Environment Sustainability & Policy at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. A student fellow at the Lender Center, and the professional development chair at the student-run Slice Consulting, Lussier says she is looking forward to the inter-cultural immersion for the opportunity to grasp the complexity of Italian culture and history.
“I wanted to study in a non-English speaking country to challenge myself and experience a culture entirely different from my own to foster the most personal growth,” says Lussier. “I admire the Florence Center’s commitment to sustainability, as it not only mirrors my own academic interests but also a general Italian culture of mindfulness and stewardship that I hope to embrace while abroad.”
Brian Small ‘27
College of Engineering & Computer Science
Brian Small, a sophomore pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, is looking forward to the opportunity for international travel and says the generous benefits of the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Endowed Florence Scholarship will allow him to focus entirely on embracing the many academic and cultural opportunities available to Syracuse University students in Florence. Along with his father, Small was active with the Boy Scouts growing up and he believes this trip will help fuel his
“This opportunity will truly expand my horizons and allow me to fully experience everything Florence has to offer,” said Small, whose father served in the U.S. Air Force. “Living and studying in such a historic and vibrant city is the chance of a lifetime and I’m sure I will learn so much, and grow both personally and academically.”
Those students interested in taking advantage of studying overseas for a semester are encouraged to learn what programs are available through Syracuse Abroad. Those eligible students interested in applying for the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Endowed Florence Scholarship are encouraged to attend future information sessions hosted by the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs and apply for opportunities to study abroad for future semesters.