List identifies Syracuse, N.Y., as the seventh best place in the nation for veterans pursuing higher education opportunities
Syracuse, N.Y., is the seventh best place in the nation for veterans pursuing higher education opportunities, according to a new study commissioned by USAA and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes.
The 2015 “Best Places for Veterans” education list identifies U.S. metro areas that offer higher education opportunities for veterans seeking to leverage their education benefits. The full education list includes:
1. Tuscaloosa, Ala.
2. Lynchburg, Va.
3. Ann Arbor, Mich.
4. College Station, Texas
5. St. Louis
6. Killeen, Texas
7. Syracuse, N.Y.
8. Greenville, N.C.
9. Salt Lake City
10. Columbia, S.C.
“Higher education is one avenue separating service members are encouraged to consider through the military’s Transition Assistance Program, and early planning can help them succeed,” said Eric Engquist, an assistant vice president at USAA and Army veteran. “This list, along with USAA’s other transition resources such as the military separation checklist and assessment tool, can help separating service members map out their financial plan well in advance of transition.”
“Our mission is to make sure every service member leaving the military makes an informed decision about his or her next step,” said Eric Eversole, vice president at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and president of Hiring Our Heroes. “This list identifies the top places for those veterans who want to use their discipline and determination to pursue a college degree.”
USAA, a leading financial services provider to the military community, and Hiring Our Heroes commissioned Sperling’s BestPlaces and the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University to create or provide data for this list. The four organizations worked together to determine measurable variables for 401 major U.S. metropolitan areas, which are defined as one or more central cities including the surrounding county or counties. The variables for the Education list included:
Percentage of Schools with VA VetSuccess on Campus counselors
G.I. Bill Enrollment Per Capita
Percentage Post-9/11 Yellow Ribbon Recipients
U.S. News & World Report “Best Colleges for Veterans”
Graduation Rate
Loan Debt
Presence of Colleges
Veteran Unemployment
Health Resources
Each variable was weighted and each metro area was then ranked based on its total points for all variables. Metro areas with the following attributes were excluded from the list: unemployment rate more than 1 percent above the 2014 national average, property and personal crime in the top five percentile and median cost of living more than 20 percent above the national average. More information about this year’s criteria can be found at http://www.usaa.com/bestplaces
“Navigation of available benefits, services, and opportunities—including education—has been cited as one of veterans’ greatest challenges when exiting the military,” said Nicholas J. Armstrong, PhD, senior director of research and policy at the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University. “This list helps cut through all the noise to identify areas where veterans and their families have the greatest chance for success both in higher education and beyond.”
USAA and Hiring Our Heroes also commissioned lists of the top metro areas for veterans seeking higher education opportunities and careers that align with military skills sets. Visit usaa.com/bestplaces to see all of the lists.
Major General Bernard L. Weiss is an alumnus of Syracuse University, and also a military veteran. You should know his story, because it’s a Syracuse University story—one that speaks to our past, our present, and our future.
Growing up in Brooklyn, NY, Weiss was a hometown hero, dedicated from an early age to serving his country in uniform. He attended New York University, where he was a cadet in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Government and education, cum laude, in 1955. Soon after graduating from NYU, Weiss entered the US Air Force as a commissioned officer in 1956, first serving at the New York Air Procurement District in New York City as an administrative contracting officer. Weiss continued to work in Air Force procurement, being transferred in 1958 to the 20th Tactical Fighter Wing based at Royal Air Force Station in Wethersfield, England, where he served as a base procurement officer. Weiss served in England for two years before returning to the United States, where he was Chief of the Systems Management Division at the Air Defense Command Headquarters in Colorado. While at the Systems Management Division, Weiss was responsible for the procurement and administration of operations contacts supporting the Distant Early Warning line, the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System, and the Spacetrack stations, working closely with Dutch and Canadian officials in these areas.
Weiss’ time in Colorado allowed him to develop his managerial and leadership skills, which would become important for his time at Syracuse University. While at SU, Weiss received a Master’s in Business Administration with honors in 1966 from the SU School of Management through the Air Force Institute of Technology. Having traveled to the East Coast to attend SU, Weiss was transferred back to the West Coast, where he served at the Defense Contract Administration Services Division in Los Angeles, California as a manufacturing officer and plant office chief at Garrett Air Research Corporation. He would later serve as Chief of the Contract Administration Directorate for the region before returning to the East Coast to serve in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Systems and Logistics at the Pentagon. While in Washington DC, he became a procurement staff officer and was responsible for contract policy formulation and implementation for major weapons systems such as the A-10 and F-15. His successes in the office at the Pentagon were incredibly valuable for the Air Force, who decided to transfer him back “into the field” and send him to many Air Force Bases around the country, including Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. While at Andrews and Wright-Patterson, Weiss was in charge of major systems procurement and acquisition programs.
Weiss’ track record of success in systems acquisition for the Air Force definitely helped Weiss move up the chain of command to his second-to-last post at the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Research, Development, and Acquisition. While here, he served as the Director of contracting and manufacturing policy from 1983-1985, where he was responsible for developing contract and manufacturing policy related to all major military systems acquisition. Weiss’ last post was at the Air Force Systems Command at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he served as Commander of the Air Force Contract Management Division. He was responsible in this post for the administration of major weapons systems acquisition contracts within the United States. He remained in New Mexico from 1985 until his retirement from the Air Force in 1988.
Weiss has received many commendations from the Air Force, from the Distinguished Service Medal and the Legion of Merit with two oak clusters to the Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters and the Meritorious Service Award. He is also a Fellow of the National Contract Manager Association, where he served on the Board of Directors.
Major General Bernard L. Weiss is an alumnus of Syracuse University, and a veteran of the U.S. military. You should know his story.
Presence at New York Stock Exchange signifies commitment to veteran and military community
L-R: Margaret Lambrecht, Ray Toenniessen ’06, Kristina Donzella, G’15, Jesse Cannella, Mike Haynie, Charles Preuss, ’17, Michael Bianchi, John Tuttle/NYSE, Paul Dottle, Ross Brown
Representatives and guests of Syracuse University and the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) will ring the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Closing Bell® this afternoon at 3:55 p.m., to highlight the university’s continuing commitment to the veteran and military community.
Joining Dr. Mike Haynie, Syracuse University Vice Chancellor and Executive Director of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), today are the following Syracuse University employees, alumni, and public-private partners:
Michael Bianchi, National Program Director, Onward to Opportunity, Institute for Veterans and Military Families, Syracuse University
Ross Brown, a retired U.S. Army Colonel, Director of Military and Veterans Affairs, JPMorgan Chase (JPMC) – founding partner of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University
Jesse Cannella, Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) graduate, and President & Co-Founder of HonorVet Services
Kristina Donzella, G’15, Academic Advisor, Veterans Career Transition Program (VCTP), Institute for Veterans and Military Families, Syracuse University
Paul Dottle, Executive Vice President, American Express
Margaret Lambrecht, Executive Assistant to the Vice Chancellor, Institute for Veterans and Military Families, Syracuse University
Charles Preuss, ’17, Student Veteran, Syracuse University
Ray Toenniessen ‘06, Managing Director, Development and External Affairs, Institute for Veterans and Military Families, Syracuse University
Earlier this year, Intercontinental Exchange – the leading network of regulated exchanges and clearinghouses for financial and commodity markets, including the New York Stock Exchange – formally announced their support of the work of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) and Syracuse University.
“Syracuse University is dedicated to being the best place for veterans,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “We are proud to have the Intercontinental Exchange as a partner in our work to serve transitioning service members, veterans and their families.”
Vice Chancellor Mike Haynie added that, in addition to the positive exposure the NYSE closing bell brings Syracuse University, “the ongoing partnership with Intercontinental Exchange will help us strengthen the education and resource initiatives already in place, and help Syracuse University and the IVMF develop new ways to help our veterans be successful in their post-service lives.”
HI-RES PHOTO (group ringing the closing NYSE bell) – Available upon request
About The Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA):
The Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) serves as Syracuse University’s single point of entry for all veteran and military related programs and initiatives. It collaborates and coordinates with all stakeholders to best serve veterans, military connected students, and military family members who are students or employees at Syracuse University. For more information about the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, visit https://veterans.syracuse.edu.
About the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF)
The IVMF is the first interdisciplinary national institute in higher education focused on the social, economic, education and policy issues impacting veterans and their families post-service. Through our focus on veteran-facing programming, research and policy, employment and employer support, and community engagement, the institute provides in-depth analysis of the challenges facing the veteran community, captures best practices and serves as a forum to facilitate new partnerships and strong relationships between the individuals and organizations committed to making a difference for veterans and military families. For more information, visit http://vets.syr.edu/.
Syracuse University alumna exhibits in the SUArt Galleries; Pearsall will also photograph university and community veterans Nov. 4 and 5 as part of her Veterans Portrait Project
Daniel Oppelaar Navy E-6 Submarine Nuclear Machinist Mate 07/18/06-Present
Veterans Portrait Project Virginia Beach, VA
Syracuse, NY (October 29, 2015) – The Syracuse University Office of Veteran and Military Affairs is pleased to join the Syracuse University Art Galleries in welcoming Stacy Pearsall and her exhibit: “Hard Earned: The Military Photographs of Stacy Pearsall” to campus this fall through – Jan. 24, 2016.
Sgt. Stacy Pearsall got her start as an Air Force photographer at the age of 17. During her time in the service, she traveled to over 41 countries, and attended S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. Now combat disabled and retired from military service, Pearsall continues to work worldwide as a freelance photographer, and is an author, educator, military consultant, public speaker and founder of the Veterans Portrait Project. Learn more about Pearsall’s visit to SU in feature article written by Jordan Robinson, Marine Corps veteran and president of the Student Veterans Organization (SVO) at Syracuse University.
In addition to exhibiting her work in the SU Art Galleries, and collaborating with students and faculty during her November visit, Pearsall is inviting current veterans and active duty service members of Syracuse University, and the local Syracuse veteran community to meet with her and participate in her Veterans Portrait Project on the following days:
Wednesday, Nov. 4 (10 am to 2 pm) Veterans Portrait Project (open to SU campus veterans and active duty servicemembers) Dick Clark Studios Lobby, Newhouse 2
Waverly Ave., Syracuse, N.Y.
Thursday, Nov. 5 (9 am to 11 am) Veterans Portrait Project
(open to SU and Syracuse community veterans and active duty servicemembers) Dick Clark Studios Lobby, Newhouse 2
Waverly Ave., Syracuse, N.Y.
There is no cost for those wishing to be photographed. Attire – uniform or civilian clothes – for photo is up to the veteran or active-duty service member. Bringing a military memento or old photo always helps, and is encouraged, but it isn’t necessary.
Pearsall will provide each veteran a free high resolution file of their portrait, which they may use for private purposes. They may have them printed wherever, and however, they choose.
According to Pearsall, “The primary use is for the veteran – a gift of thanks for their service.” She adds that no portrait is used for any other purpose, including using some of the portraits taken for her Veteran Portrait Project, without the veteran’s consent.
Portrait sittings are arranged on a first come, first served basis during the established dates and time blocks. For more information, contact Nancy Austin at njaustin@syr.edu.
About the Veteran Portrait Project:
Some are smiling. Others gaze at a distant point. All are veterans. The Veterans Portrait Project (VPP) began while Stacy Pearsall recovered from combat injuries sustained in Iraq. Spending hours in VA waiting rooms surrounded by veterans from every generation and branch of service, Pearsall was compelled to honor and thank them in the only way she knows how, photography. The Veterans Portrait Project totals 3,000 veterans and grows daily. Visit http://www.veteransportraitproject.com for more information.
About the Exhibit:
“Hard Earned: The Military Photographs of Stacy Pearsall” presents over fifteen years of Pearsall’s career documenting military events and persons. Curated by Theresa Moir, a second year Syracuse University graduate student pursuing concurrent degrees in Museum Studies and Art History, this exhibition draws its content from Pearsall’s combat photography taken overseas on active duty in the Air Force, as well as her more recent Veterans Portrait Project.
Graduate student serves as curator for exhibit in the SUArt Galleries; Pearsall will photograph university and community veterans Nov. 4 and 5 as part of her Veterans Portrait Project
By: Jordan Robinson
U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Jonathan Hicks attempts to access the upper levels of a building, which was just recaptured from enemy insurgents in Baqubah, Iraq on Jan. 22, 2007. The staircase hangs precariously from the second story after being heavily bombed by American fighter jets during the battle to recover the key location. Hicks’ translator managed to climb the obstacle to be sure the entire building was free of enemy forces.
Shadow and light play tricks on the walls of the dimly lit Syracuse University Art Galleries. The weight of mixed emotions linger over the room like an ominous cloud. A soldier looks up a winding and broken staircase to his comrade, who peers back with a look of bewilderment in his eyes. The sun sets as a soldier is being medically evacuated after being blown up by an improvised explosive device in Baghdad, Iraq. The wild eyebrows of an eighty-year-old WWII veteran lend tangibility to an era fraught with confusion and angst. All the eyes in these images have something in common: they’ve seen hardship.
Looking through the Stacy Pearsall gallery exhibit titled “Hard Earned: The Military Photographs of Stacy Pearsall” with Theresa Moir, Art History and Museum Studies graduate student and curator of the exhibition, I could feel the solemnity and emotions pouring from these images. As curator, Moir was responsible for selecting, researching, and arranging the photos currently on display in the SUArt Galleries in the Shaffer Art Building: October 6, 2015 – January 24, 2016. Through countless hours of research, she was effectively able to provide context to the photographs and make decisions as to what should be displayed. When asked how she decided which photos to include in the exhibit, she said, “I wanted to be authentic to the artist, true to her work, and true to her style. I noted [Pearsall’s] balanced compositions and use of light and shadow, and selected photographs that reflected those elements.”
Much of Stacy Pearsall’s work is dark, but not in the sense of violence. The collection from her deployments is one that inspires feelings of anxiety, depression, resistance, and despair, mixed among other emotions such as boredom and fear. Rather than depict scenes of blood and gore, Pearsall’s vision of war is something much darker and certainly more foreboding. It applies more of a humanistic aspect to war, which forces the viewer to take a cold hard look at the realities of the people living in those moments. “I wanted to humanize what people had grown to feel was inhuman – the American soldier,” said Pearsall. She believes that the true challenge as a journalist who covers war was having the ability to convey what was unseen more than what was seen. “Trying to live through these moments, to capture the everyday in a foreign place, that was the true challenge.”
As an Airforce combat photographer and graduate of the Newhouse Military Photojournalism Program, Pearsall has gone on to document the lives and stories of people in over 41 countries, capturing over 500,000 images in the process. Her outstanding work has led her to achieve the National Press Photographers Association award for Military Photographer of the Year twice. She is one of only two women to ever receive the award. Pearsall’s work began at the age of 17, when she enlisted in the U.S. Airforce. During her service, she first entered combat as a photographer in Iraq in 2003. Several of her images were used by the White House and senior officials to make informed decisions regarding the battle space.
After attending the Military Photojournalism Program at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, Pearsall went on to return to war zones where she witnessed more than just tragedy. She lived it. Having lost her closest companions in battle, Pearsall knew she wanted to do something more to immortalize her fellow brothers and sisters. She began by taking portraits of soldiers at large, in the very real event that they might not come back. This was the inspiration for her Veterans Portrait Project.
While the Veterans Portrait Project began as a way to immortalize and thank veterans across all ranks and services, it also served as a sort of therapy for Pearsall. “When I started this project, I was in a really dark place in my life, recovering physically and emotionally.” For her, it was healing to take the photos of men and women who had served. She wanted to not only educate herself but to educate others, to show that people come from all walks of life and from different regions across the world.
When asked about her training at Syracuse University, Pearsall said, “I found that the training I received at Newhouse really evolved the way I approached my technique. A lot of artists have a vision to begin with, but with photography it’s hard to take that vision and match it with technical skill. I’m very thankful for my Newhouse training, as it helped me grow and learn in ways I never imagined.” The support system Pearsall found at Syracuse University was unrivaled. “The relationships I fostered in school helped me at a time when I was right out of deployment. They were like a family to me.”
Pearsall will be returning to her alma mater in early November to meet the current veterans and active duty service members of Syracuse University. An event will be held in the lobby of Newhouse 2 for Stacy to photograph current veterans of the campus community on November 4th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for all student and employee veterans, and on November 5th from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for all other veterans in the community who wish to have their picture taken. Following the event, Stacy will give each veteran a high-resolution file of their photo. She may even decide to use some of the portraits taken for her Veteran Portrait Project. Free and open to the public, this event is sure to leave a lasting impression with all of her sitters.
Stacy’s photographs mean something different to each person who looks upon her work. “One thing I really enjoy about Stacy’s work is how she uses passageways and thresholds in a lot of her photographs. She has an eye for seeing the bigger picture, for capturing ways of looking through and looking past,” said Theresa Moir. To say that Stacy Pearsall has an eye for capturing a shot is an understatement. It is more of her vision that enables her to take such moving photographs. Her ability to capture emotion in non-verbal ways demonstrates her intensive knowledge of her subjects and their surroundings. According to Moir, “Every portrait and photograph Stacy takes forces you to question what you see. The photographs ask the viewers to confront difficult subject matter, and do so in a way that emotionalizes both combat and our veterans. Pearsall’s ability to provide this humanizing context is what makes her such a brilliant photographer.”
About the Author: Jordan Robinson is a Marine Corps veteran who served at American Embassies in Mozambique, Austria, and Cuba. She currently serves at the Student Veterans Organization (SVO) President of Syracuse University and is an active member of the Syracuse University Veterans Writing Group. Her dream is to become a public diplomacy officer in the Department of State in order to facilitate positive communication between nations.
Daniel D’Aniello is an alumnus of Syracuse University, and also a military veteran. You should know his story, because it’s a Syracuse University story – one that speaks to our past, our present, and our future.
Daniel D’Aniello grew up in Butler, Pennsylvania and was raised by his Italian Catholic mother and grandmother. As a “good Italian boy” as he put it, he used to help his single mother pay the bills by bagging groceries at his uncles produce company, while she earned a living working four jobs. D’Aniello’ s childhood consisted of his working at an early age, being an altar boy and singing in the church choir, and competing on the gymnastics team. He was voted most popular in high school, but higher education would be what “changed his life”.
Opportunity presented itself: Daniel D’Aniello was accepted to Syracuse University to study transportation economics. He graduated magna cum laude in 1968 and was inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma, an honor society for business students and scholars. Drafted in the U.S. Navy that same year, D’Aniello spent the next three years serving as a supply officer before continuing to Harvard Business School. He received his M.B.A. in 1974 and was also a Teagle Foundation Fellow.
He served as a financial officer at PepsiCo and Trans World Airlines (TWA), developing skills he would need when he later served as Vice President for Finance and Development at the Marriott Corporation from 1981-1987. While at Marriott, he was responsible for the valuation of major mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, debt and equity offerings, and project financings.
With his partners William Conway Jr. and David Rubenstein, he cofounded the Carlyle Group in 1987. They used politically connected advisors such as former President George H.W. Bush and former British Prime Minister John Major to buy defense-oriented firms, turning them around and selling them for profit. He serves as Chairman of the Board, running the firm’s daily operations. Today the firm manages around $203 billion across 129 buyout, leveraged finance, real estate, and venture capital funds. The Carlyle Group bought pipeline outfit Kinder Morgan for $22 billion, acquired Philadelphia Energy Solutions in 2012 saving 850 local jobs, and even has minority investments in Beats Electronics. It has become a famed Washington-based private equity firm with expansions and investments internationally, and was even inducted into the Dow Jones Private Equity Analyst Hall of Fame. The Carlyle Group’s geographical reach spans the globe in 23 countries on six continents, making it one of the largest private equity firms in the world.
Currently, D’Aniello serves as Vice Chairman of the American Enterprise Institute’s Board of Trustees, in addition to serving on the Board of Trustees of his alma mater, Syracuse University, and on the Corporate Advisory Council of the Whitman School of Management.
According to the Forbes 400 richest people in America this year, Daniel D’Aniello made #229, with a net worth of $2.8 Billion, which he has made through private equity. The Carlyle Group’s big returns have made D’Aniello and his family rich and continues to show his gratitude through donations to several institutions, one of which is Syracuse University. The D’Aniello Entrepreneurship Internships, an internationally recognized initiative, are named after him as a testimony to what he stands for: the entrepreneurial spirit, hard work, imagination, aggressiveness, tenacity, and strong moral values. D’Aniello also made a huge contribution to the American Enterprise Institute of $20 million, in order to help the conservative think tank move into its first permanent home in history.
Daniel D’Aniello has also been married to his wife Gayle for thirty-six years and are the parents of two daughters. They currently reside in Vienna, Virginia. His rags to riches life has inspired other entrepreneurs and will continue to do so.
Daniel D’Aniello is an alumnus of Syracuse University and a veteran of the U.S. military. You should know his story.
Have you heard of the “VSOC” program? It stands for the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) VetSuccess on Campus program – and Syracuse University is a location spot! Through the VSOC program, VA places experienced vocational rehabilitation counselors on college campuses to assist the growing number of Servicemembers, Veterans, and dependents attending school under the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and other VA educational programs.
These VSOC counselors are trained to provide academic and vocational guidance to Veterans, and help connect them to other VA benefits, including health care and mental health services. The VSOC counselors maintain close relationships with local VA Vet Centers and VA medical facilities, referring Servicemembers, Veterans and dependents as needed and providing assistance applying for VA medical and nonmedical benefits. Syracuse University VSOC counselor can be found on campus at 700 University Ave, Suite 326 G.
VetSuccess on Campus services are available to Servicemembers and Veterans eligible for any of VA’s educational programs, including the Post 9/11 GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill, as well as VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program. VSOC counselors can also assist dependents of Veterans who are receiving VA education benefits, including eligible spouses attending school through the Post 9/11 GI Bill and eligible children.
In addition, VA’s Education and Career Counseling Program offers a great opportunity for transitioning Servicemembers and Veterans to get personalized counseling and support to guide their career paths, ensure most effective use of their VA benefits, and help them achieve their goals. Visit Syracuse University’s VSOC counselor on campus to learn more about this program.
VA’s GI Bill website offers tools to help Veterans transition from military service to student success. For career assistance, including connecting to employers looking to hire Servicemembers, Veterans and dependents, the new Veterans Employment Center on eBenefits is a one-stop-shop offering online tools and resources.
Lance Corporal Kevin Lee (United States Marine Corps) was honored at Saturday’s Syracuse University football game against the LSU Tigers. At every home game, the Syracuse University Athletics Department and the Office for Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) honor a “Hometown Hero” and their family, recognizing their service and sacrifice to our nation and the Central New York community.
Lee enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2012 as a Telephone System and Personal Computer Repairman. He is currently serving with the 6th Communications Battalion Reserve Unit in Brooklyn, NY, where he repairs communications equipment at the first echelon level.
Lee serves as the Syracuse University Student Veterans Organization’s Public Affairs Officer and is responsible for promoting the organization’s events and managing their social media outlets. Last month, he received the honor of Student Veteran of the Month at Syracuse University. Additionally, Lee is working on his undergraduate degree in Marketing Management at The Martin J. Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University.
LCPL Lee’s proudest military moment was when he earned the historic U.S. Marine Corps Eagle, Globe and Anchor during his graduation at Recruit Training in Parris Island, SC. Steeped in history, purpose, and pride, the receiving of the EGA signifies the transition from a civilian to a Marine. The eagle represents the proud nation we defend; the globe represents a worldwide presence; and the anchor points both to the Marine Corps’ naval heritage and its ability to access any coastline in the world. Together, the eagle, globe and anchor symbolize a commitment to defend our nation—in the air, on land and at sea.
LCPL Lee was accompanied on the field by New York State Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Vice Chancellor Dr. Mike Haynie, NFL Hall of Famer and Syracuse University alumnus Floyd Little, and Teri Kappler, representing SEFCU.
Bernard R. Kossar is an alumnus of Syracuse University, and also a military veteran. You should know his story, because it’s a Syracuse University story – one that speaks to our past, our present, and our future.
A man with a vision of expansion and philanthropy, Bernard “Bernie” Kossar started his journey in higher education. He graduated from Syracuse University with his Bachelor’s of Science degree in 1953, followed by his law degree in 1955 from the SU College of Law. Upon graduation he served in the United States Marine Corps, stationed in Camp Lejeune in ’57.
After his service time, he continued to practice law in the civilian sector. From 1960 to 1965, Kossar worked with the firm of Van Buren, Schreiber & Kaplan. His experience in law working for Van Buren, Schreiber & Kaplan, in addition to the skills he developed while at SU’s College of Law, provided him with many opportunities, including his tenure from 1965 to 1978 as President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Franklin Stores, which operated 278 retail apparel and discount department stores throughout the United States. After a successful thirteen years at Franklin Stores, he continued to improve other corporations, becoming the President and COO of Vornado, a company engaged in retail and real estate ventures from 1978-1980. By 1981, Kossar was President and the COO of Regal Accessories and Special Advisor to the Chairman and CEO of Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, but left a year later to serve as a Senior Vice President in W.R. Grace & Company’s retail group.
In 1984, the chemical manufacturing company, W.R. Grace & Co., decided to enter the home improvement retail business by creating an American Chain of “big box” home improvement stores named Home Quarters Warehouse (HQ). Kossar, with Frank Doczi, became the head of this new chain, based in Virginia Beach, VA. As founder, Chairman and CEO, Kossar purchased from NYSE-listed W.R. Grace & Co. and sold it later to Hechinger. Four years later, Kossar moved on to found OW Office Warehouse, an office supply store that used a logo and branding similar to HQ. From 1988 to 1994, Kossar was Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. The OfficeMax division of K-Mart Corporation in 1994 later acquired OW Office Warehouse.
In the early 2000s, Bernard R. Kossar was still full of entrepreneurial ambition, founding the Millennium Partners, LLC, a private investment partnership focused on investment opportunities. He served for over 20 years as a principle. Within that era, he also invested time in philanthropy. For example, in 2003, he helped build the Israel Air Force Center Foundation (IAF) and has been a proud supporter for nearly a decade. In 2010, Kossar joined Augme Technologies’ Advisory Board, a leading developer and provider of patented and innovated smart mobile marketing technology. In 2011, he was presented with the Whitman School of Management’s Distinguished Service Award. Kossar’s service and support is evident also with his recent work with the Tel Aviv-Yafo Foundation, an international fund-raising arm of the City of Tel Aviv-Yafo, the epicenter of Israel’s economy. Kossar focused his efforts on educational reform by dedicating three new projects to the foundation: a resource center for the Nofei Yam Elementary School, a fitness center for the Tkuma Special Education School, and a new elementary school in Palm Beach and Boca Raton, Florida. As the Major of Tel Aviv-Yafo stated, “For decades now, this remarkable family has been on the forefront of important municipal development: building kindergartens, libraries, daycares, and home environment centers in the lower income neighborhoods…improving the lives of Israel’s young generation.” Kossar’s philanthropy has proven to have an international outreach.
Currently, Kossar is a Trustee, active Board of Advisors member, and guest lecturer at Syracuse University, his alma mater. He also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Tel-Aviv Foundation-American Committee, amongst many other companies and corporations.
Bernard R. Kossar is an alumnus of Syracuse University and a veteran of the U.S. military. You should know his story.
Staff Sergeant Joseph DiGirolamo (United States Marine Corps) and his family were in attendance at Syracuse University’s Sept. 19th football game against the Central Michigan Chippewas. At every home game, the Syracuse University Athletics Department and the Office for Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) honor a “Hometown Hero” and their family, recognizing their service and sacrifice to our nation and the Central New York community.
SSGT DiGirolamo enlisted into the United States Marine Corps in 2004 as a military photojournalist. Throughout his eleven years of photojournalism, SSGT DiGirolamo has traveled extensively and captured some amazing photos. He is currently a student in the Military Photojournalism Program at the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.
SSGT DiGirolamo has received numerous accolades for his achievements in photojournalism. While working at the Marine Corps Recruiting Station in Albany, New York, he was named “Marketing Public Affairs Marine of the Year.” Additionally, he has served as an instructor at the Defense Information School in Fort Meade, Maryland where he was recognized for outstanding leadership. Most recently, SSGT DiGirolamo led a public affairs team that provided extensive coverage of the relief efforts following Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.
Staff Sergeant DiGirolamo’s proudest military moment was in 2006 when he deployed with the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment to Ramadi, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During that time he was able to witness and document the incredible heart, grit, and bravery of his fellow Marine infantrymen.
SSGT DiGirolamo was accompanied on the field by his wife, Amy, and daughters, Kaylee and Skylar.
Syracuse, N.Y., is the seventh best place in the nation for veterans pursuing higher education opportunities, according to a new study commissioned by USAA and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes.
