Syracuse University’s military-connected community has consistently earned national attention for being the “Best Place for Veterans” when it comes to higher education. A significant reason for those accolades has been the support of the donors and stakeholders who make the growing list of programs and services for veteran and military-connected students possible. One area where philanthropic giving directly impacts the lives of those students students is through the availability of exclusive scholarships which are made available through the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA).
Over the ’23-’24 Academic Year, the OVMA awarded more than $400,000 in scholarship funding to military-connected students across the university’s 13 schools and colleges.
The scholarships awarded, and their recipients, are as follows:
James Lyons ’03 Sons & Daughters Memorial Scholarship Endowment
The James Lyons ’03 Sons and Daughters Memorial Scholarship is named after Syracuse University alumnus 1st Lt. James Lyons, who graduated with an undergraduate degree in biochemistry. Lyons was killed in action in southern Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006 and is believed to be the first Syracuse University graduate killed in the conflict. His friends and family established the scholarship to provide aid for the children of fallen or disabled veterans.
- Awarded to Khloe Gage ’25
Gerald B. Faigle, Jr. & Roberta M. Faigle Student Veteran Endowed Scholarship
The Gerald B. Faigle Jr. (’58, ’59); and Roberta M. Faigle (’60) Student Veteran Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship that will empower currently enrolled graduate student veterans to pursue their educational goals and reach their fullest potential. This scholarship was made possible by the generosity of Gerald B. Faigle Jr. (’58, ’60) and Roberta M. Faigle (’60). The application is open to all Syracuse University graduate Student Veterans.
- Awarded to Latisa Kennebrew G’24
Captain Michael William Kryzewski Award for Leadership and Civic Engagement
The Captain Michael William “Coach K.” Kryzewski Award for Leadership and Civic Engagement is presented annually to a student veteran, serving military member, or a military family member enrolled at Syracuse University, who through their actions and aspirations embodies Coach Krzyzewski’s public and demonstrated commitment to the virtues of honor, empathy, and servant-leadership. Uniformed Air Force and ROTC cadets, and student veterans, gave Coach Krzyzewski a plaque to commemorate the award.
- Awarded to Army ROTC Cadet Micah Collins ‘25
Lucy & Joseph Napoli Veterans Scholarship Endowed Fund
The Lucy & Joseph Napoli Veterans Scholarship empowers currently enrolled undergraduate student veterans to pursue their educational goals and reach their fullest potential. The scholarship is open for applications by all Syracuse University Undergraduate Student Veterans.
- Awarded to Justin Sauve ’25
Lt. Colonel Michael Novakovic, USAF Ret. Endowed Scholarship
The Lt. Colonel Michael Novakovic, USAF Ret. Endowed Scholarship was established by Phebe B. Novakovic ’53, along with her daughter, Phebe N. Novakovic, and son, Michael B. Novakovic, in honor of her husband and their father, Lt. Col. Michael Novakovic ’55. This scholarship provides financial assistance to undergraduate students at the University who are veterans or participating in the ROTC programs.
Michael Novakovic came to this country as a refugee from war-torn WWII Europe. Among the many obstacles he faced, financial hardship was pervasive. He worked several jobs to put himself through Syracuse University, prioritizing education over sufficient food and clothing. He went on to have a successful career in the United States Air Force. In honor of his service to our great nation, his family established this scholarship in his name so others can benefit from all that Syracuse University provides.
- Awarded to Jack M. Pullano ’25
Richardson Family Scholarship for Military Family Members and Dependents
The Richardson Family Scholarship for Military Family Members and Dependents provides scholarship and financial assistance to currently enrolled undergraduate students who are U.S. military family members or dependents, enabling them to pursue their educational goals and reach their fullest potential. The scholarship is open to all currently enrolled Syracuse University Undergraduate military family members or dependents.
- Awarded to Arren L. Cuyler ’24
The Daniel & Gayle D’Aniello Endowed Florence Scholarship
The Daniel & Gayle D’Aniello Endowed Florence Scholarship supports veterans and military-connected students with demonstrated financial need and have an interest in learning about Italian history and culture can study in Florence without cost or use of their GI Bill benefits. The scholarship provides the recipient funding for tuition for the semester, housing, and a spending stipend to explore the rich culture of Florence.
Awarded to:
- Christian Margita ‘24
- Jean Castilla ‘24
- Grace Newell ‘24
Spall Endowed Scholarship Fund for Veterans Endowed Fund
Awarded to:
- Joshua Bejenaru ‘24
- Ulysses Briggs ‘26
- Stephen Crossley ‘25
- Joanna Delacruz ‘25
- Tyler Forti ‘25
- Ryan Peluso ‘25
- Mykhaylo Rafalskyy ‘24
Dottle Family ROTC Cadet Endowed Scholarship
The Dottle Family ROTC Cadet Scholarship is awarded each year exclusively to deserving future leaders in the Army and Air Force Reserve Officer Training programs at Syracuse University in recognition of their hard work, dedication and commitment to service. The scholarship allows both ROTC detachments to recognize deserving cadets and ensure the university’s ROTC programs continue to train the best military leaders in the nation.
Awarded to:
- Isabella Gardea ’27
- James Hrdy ’26
- Byron Levi ’25
- Bradley Miller ’25
- Aizhan Moore ’26
- Alejandro Parra ’24
- Gabriel Tetreault ’26
- Jose Venegas ’25
Flanik Family Scholarship for Student Veterans
The Flanik Family Scholarship for Student Veterans provides scholarship and financial assistance to currently enrolled undergraduate students who are U.S. military veterans, enabling them to pursue their educational goals and reach their fullest potential. The application is open to all currently enrolled Syracuse University Undergraduate Student Veterans.
Awarded to:
- Schuyler Nesbitt ’24
- Michael Wilder ’26
Wilder J. Leavitt and Mary P. Morningstar Scholarship for Military-Connected Students
The Wilder J. Leavitt and Mary P. Morningstar Scholarship for Military-Connected Students provides scholarship and financial assistance to undergraduate veteran and/or military-connected students enrolled at Syracuse University. The scholarship is open to all Syracuse University undergraduate military-connected students who are taking classes virtually or in-person with a priority given to students studying science or engineering.
Awarded to:
- Anthony J. Giovanni ’25
- Matthew McCarthy ’24
Louis A. & Patricia H. Mautino Veteran Scholarship
The Louis A. & Patricia H. Mautino Veteran Scholarship empowers undergraduate student veterans to pursue their educational goals and reach their fullest potential. The scholarship is open to all Syracuse University Undergraduate Student Veterans.
Awarded to:
- Wyatt G. Bush ’24
- Nicholaus J. Miller ’24
ROTC Cadet Endowed Scholarship
Awarded to:
- Emily M. Weaver ’24
- Giovanna E. Barsalona ’24