Seven military-connected students have been awarded scholarships by the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA). The recipients represent a broad and diverse community of military-affiliated students, from those who are currently serving to the children of those who have served.
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National Veterans Resource Center Recognized for Being Green
While several iconic buildings on campus have been illuminated with green light during the evenings in honor of Veterans Day, the National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC) at the Dan and Gayle D’Aniello Building has been recognized for being green in an entirely different way. Last week, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) recognized Syracuse University for the NVRC at its 2022 Upstate Leadership Awards Gala with the presentation of the Judge’s Choice Award.
Hometown Hero: Samuel Ruiz
United States Marine Corps Sergeant Samuel Ruiz was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. SGT Ruiz enlisted in the Marine Corps on November 25, 2015, and he has served in the 2nd Marine Division in Jacksonville, North Carolina, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing in Miramar, California, and the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response Central Command in Camp Pendleton, California. He currently serves with Echo Company, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion in Syracuse, New York.
Meet Tillman Scholar Anthony Ornelaz
Almost every year Syracuse University adds at least one military-connected student to its growing roster of Tillman Scholars. In 2022, Syracuse was honored with four students being selected for the prestigious scholarship by the Pat Tillman Foundation. Aside from being the largest cohort of Tillman Scholars selected from Syracuse, this year also featured the first addition from the English Department at the College of Arts and Sciences, student veteran Anthony Ornelaz.
Celebrating Veterans Day at the Best Place for Veterans
Every year the nation pauses on Nov. 11 to honor those who have served in the military on Veterans Day. With Syracuse University being renowned as the Best Place for Veterans, it’s no surprise the University goes the extra mile to recognize the day each year. This year saw a flurry of activity around Veterans Day, most of which is planned and executed by the University’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA). The activities would not be possible, however, without the community coming together to support the day—including by illuminating many campus buildings in green light in honor of all veterans past and present.
Hometown Hero: Rear Admiral John Okon
United States Navy Rear Admiral (RADM) John Okon was born and raised in “the 315,” having grown up in Camillus, and he has bled orange his whole life. John attended the last game in both Manley Field House and Archibald Stadium, as well as the first game in the Carrier Dome. During high school, he worked for Syracuse University parking cars in the west lots of the Carrier Dome and at Manley Field House. John says while the money was good, it was the free ticket to see his ‘Orange’ that was the most valuable benefit!
Veterans Day 2022 Profile – Adrian Byrne
The opportunity to travel the world is an enriching experience that many college students take advantage of through semester abroad programs every year. There are far fewer students who get to have that opportunity earlier in their education though. Adrian Byrne, a student veteran in the College of Law at Syracuse University, spent every other summer in his mother’s home country of Hungary. Eventually he would have the opportunity to study abroad in Holland for a year, an experience that would aid him in the travel-filled journey he would set out on after high school.
Veteran Day 2022 Profile – Jennifer Aquino
As a non-traditional student, Jennifer Aquino often finds herself in classes with other students who are much younger than she is. In fact, she has a teenage son who probably has more in common with her classmates than she does. Aquino also brings a far different experience to the classroom after she first left her home in Puerto Rico almost 20 years ago to join the U.S. Navy.
Veterans Day 2022 Profile – Dr. Jack Graver
The Great Depression often conjures images of long bread lines, sagebrush rolling over dusty farmlands baren from drought, and sprawling shantytowns full of families struggling through unemployment. For one Syracuse University professor with the College of Arts and Sciences, however, the era was a time where families often got together to support one another, and large pot-luck meals were served with other families in the community.
Student Veterans Visit the Big Apple to Connect With Industry Leaders
Student veterans recently traveled to New York City on a four-day trip sponsored by the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA). The 13 students weren’t going to make the standard tourist rounds the city is known for though. They were stepping through the doors of some of the most renowned corporations to gain a better understanding of the corporate world and network with representatives they may find themselves working alongside in the future.