The Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) is pleased to announce the recipients of The Dottle Family ROTC Cadet Scholarship for 2023. The scholars were selected through a competitive process assessing the applicant’s academic standing, physical aptitude, citizenship and potential success as a leader in the U.S. Army or U.S. Air Force. The scholarship is awarded each year and is given specifically to future leaders who participate in one of Syracuse University’s ROTC programs.
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Meet Kelsey Dornfeld: Military Storyteller With a Passion for Education
While growing up outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota, indications that Kelsey Dornfeld’s future would lead to military service were non-existent. Even though she had a grandfather who fought during World War II, she didn’t have much exposure to the military throughout her childhood, and she says most of her hobbies and interests were what most would consider typical for a young girl.
Student Veterans Spend Spring Break in Atlanta
Among the mass exodus of students leaving campus for spring break, eight student veterans from Syracuse University spent three days in Atlanta, Georgia. While their fellow classmates were in pursuit of leisure and relaxation during the time off from classes, these student veterans attended a career immersion trip hosted by the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA).
Hometown Hero: Alexis Perez
United States Navy Mass Communication Specialist Second Class, Alexis Perez was born October 7, 1993, in Syracuse, New York. Lexie is a 2011 graduate of Marcellus High School, where she excelled in lacrosse. Her college journey started at Mount Ida College in Newton, Massachusetts where she played for Mustang Women’s Lacrosse Team from 2011-2013. She transferred to Marymount Manhattan College and in 2015 earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree.
Meet Tia McKinnie, U.S. Army Officer & DCP Student
Being in a position to lead and affect change, rather than caring about ranks and titles, is a guiding principle for Tia McKinnie, an active-duty Captain in the U.S. Army. McKinnie is currently enrolled in the Defense Comptrollership Program (DCP), a prestigious and intensive 14-month program of study specifically for career-level financial managers in the Department of Defense (DoD). Upon graduating this summer, McKinnie will cross the stage with an M.B.A. and Executive M.P.A. from Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.
Forever Orange Hometown Hero Robert L. Gang Jr. ’39, L’42 Passes Away at Age 104
Gang passed away on Feb. 18, 2023, a few months shy of his 105th birthday. The World War II and Korean War Army veteran, attorney, outdoorsman and world traveler demonstrated the meaning of the phrase Forever Orangein his loyalty to his alma mater and his determination to serve others through the skills he learned as a student.
Maxwell Student Veteran, Clifton Washington, Pursuing Life of Foreign Service
Growing up in the chaotic economy of the 90’s, Clifton Washington saw the end-user consequences of the Dot Com Bubble burst from his childhood home outside Chicago. Long before becoming a first-generation college student, he understood the value of an education, and knew that it would require an education to pursue the life he wanted.
Brothers in Arms: The Watts Twins, William & Clarence Watts’94
William Watts ’94 came into the world before the world was aware he was on his way. Medical technology in the early 70’s wasn’t quite as effective as it is today, and Watts’ parents were only expecting to take one son home from the hospital that day. They were understandably surprised when they found out their newborn son, Clarence, would have a twin brother joining him in the world.
Historic Local Educator Added to Syracuse University’s Notable Veteran Alumni List
A Syracuse University alum and historic figure for the Syracuse City School District, was recently added to the list of the University’s Notable Veteran Alumni. Sidney L. Johnson ’59, G’65, a U.S. Air Force veteran, is now among 18 other influential members who have graduated from Syracuse University and have made a substantial impact during or after their military service.
ARMY ROTC Cadets Host CNY JROTC Fitness Challenge
Cadets from Syracuse University’s U.S. Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) welcomed more than 120 Junior ROTC cadets to the JMA Wireless Dome on the evening of February 8. The JROTC students came from seven high schools around Central and Western New York, and collectively had representation from the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps JROTC programs.