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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.

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 6^th 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. 19^th 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.

Major General Anthony L. Punaro is on the Advisory Board of the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and also a military veteran. You should know his story because it’s a Syracuse University story—one that speaks to your past, our present, and our future.

Punaro was born and raised in Macon, Georgia, a city in central Georgia. Punaro left Georgia for his undergraduate degree, attending Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama, where he received a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in English. Soon after graduation, Punaro entered the United States Marine Corps; his first deployment was to Vietnam, where he served as an Infantry Platoon Commander. While in Vietnam, he was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

After his return to the US, Punaro went to Capitol Hill, working for Senator Sam Nunn (D-GA) on National Security matters. Punaro has 24 years of experience in national security legislation and policy, having served as Sen. Nunn’s Director of National Security Affairs, the Staff Director of the Armed Services Committee, and the Staff Director for the Minority. Throughout his time in the Senate chambers, Punaro has been involved in the formulation of all major military and intelligence legislation, in addition to being involved with the review of all major defense and intelligence activities.

In 1993, Punaro was mobilized for a second time, being assigned to Yugoslavia as Commander of Joint Task Force Provide Promise (Forward), which was a humanitarian relief effort (Operation Provide Promise) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. After his tour, Punaro returned to Capitol Hill, where he remained until 1997. Starting in 1997, Punaro worked at Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) as a sector manager. Punaro was able to showcase his leadership skills and managerial expertise from his experience in the Marine Corps while at SAIC, which helped him gain new appointments as the Deputy President of the Federal Business Segment and then lead the SAIC’s Corporate Business Development organization. While at SAIC, he was in charge of all SAIC’s government affairs, worldwide communications, and their Small and Disadvantaged Business Office.

Punaro left SAIC in 2010 to found his own company, The Punaro Group, LLC, a Washington-based firm that specializes in government budget and market analysis, among many other activities. As CEO of the company, Punaro has been very active in Washington, both building his firm and also participating in Department of Defense activities. For example, Punaro was appointed as the Chairman of the Reserve Forces Advisory Board, which reports to Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, the Defense Business Board, and the Chairman of the Statutory Commission on the National Guard and Reserves in 2005, just to name a few. Punaro has experienced a multitude of successes, having been selected by Defense News as one of the 100 most influential people in US Defense in 2012 and 2013.

Punaro still serves as the CEO of The Punaro Group, in addition to his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the National Defense Industrial Association. He also serves on a number of non-profit boards, including the Syracuse University Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs’ Advisory Board, the Georgia Institute of Technology Sam Nunn School of International Affairs’ Board, and the University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs Board of Visitors.

Anthony L. Punaro is an alumnus of Syracuse University and a veteran of the U.S. military. You should know his story.

Dan Piston, vice president Syracuse University’s Student Veteran Organization was recently recognized by Syracuse’s Honors Program as an exceptional student in the program. The full article can be viewed here:

Honors student Dan Piston (’16 ED) can tell you, it’s hard to find your niche in the civilian world when you leave the military. A supportive community is key to a successful transition. Dan served in the Navy from 2007 to 2013 as a helicopter crew chief.  He served three deployments in Bahrain and was part of Operation Unified Response, which assisted Haiti after the 2010 earthquake.

One big question for veterans is how their skills will translate to the civilian sector. SU has helped Dan meet and network with other veterans in the same situation, and he has taken advantage of the many services offered on campus…

Read more here >