As a Marine combat engineer with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, John Gibson’s job was to identify improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and mines, place and clear obstacles, lay out concertina wire and build bunkers. This essential, physical and tactile combat zone work not only requires close attention to detail but also an understanding of how the lives of fellow servicemembers rely on your skill. The sights, sounds and intense memories of combat left a deep impression on Gibson ’20, one that he invites others to experience through his immersive art exhibition, “A Sapper’s Abyss.”
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You Don’t Surrender: Journal and Memoirs of Don Waful, a World War II POW
Lieutenant Donald R Waful ’37, G’39 kept a journal during part of the “3 Christmases and 3 birthdays” he spent behind enemy lines. Captured by the German army and held captive from 1942-44, Waful recorded details of daily life, diversions the prisoners employed to pass the time, and his burgeoning love for Cassie, the enlisted nurse he’d become engaged to weeks before his capture.Lieutenant Donald R Waful ’37, G’39 kept a journal during part of the “3 Christmases and 3 birthdays” he spent behind enemy lines. Captured by the German army and held captive from 1942-44, Waful recorded details of daily life, diversions the prisoners employed to pass the time, and his burgeoning love for Cassie, the enlisted nurse he’d become engaged to weeks before his capture.
Honoring Ernie Davis, Syracuse Alumnus and First African American to Win the Heisman Trophy
While Ernie Davis ’62 attended Syracuse University more than 60 years ago, he remains a campus legend who broke barriers as the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy. While he is known as a football star whose life was cut short by his battle with leukemia, many aren’t aware that Davis has a connection to the military as well. When he wasn’t busy playing football, he was a candidate in the University’s Army ROTC program and was commissioned as a second lieutenant following graduation. Due to his illness, he never got the chance to serve his nation outside of the ROTC program.
Jared Lyon, president and CEO of Student Veterans of America, and His Journey to Syracuse University and Beyond
Jared Lyon, president and CEO of Student Veterans of America, and His Journey to Syracuse University and Beyond.
From Combat Aviator to Successful Business Owner—Jennifer Vollbrecht’s Journey to Entrepreneurship
When Jennifer Vollbrecht returned from serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, she wasn’t sure what her next step would be. Now the owner and primary consultant at J Vollbrecht Consulting, Inc., Vollbrecht’s path to entrepreneurship started with the skills and traits she developed during her military service.
Shanon Meeks—Veteran, Military Spouse, Mom, and Syracuse DCP Candidate
Shanon Meeks knows these challenges firsthand. Originally from South Korea, she met her now-husband while he was stationed there. After they married and returned to the U.S., she recalls having difficulty figuring out what she wanted to do for work. “When I first came to the U.S., I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do,” she says. “Even though I spoke English as my second language, it seemed difficult to find opportunities for myself.”
Director of Transfer and Veteran Admissions Scott Taylor Part of Network that Supports Student Veterans
Transitioning from military life back into civilian life can be extremely challenging for veterans. It can be even more difficult when veterans return from duty to continue their education at a higher education institution. This is where Scott Taylor steps in.
University College Dean Mike Frasciello Committed to Helping Veterans Succeed
Frasciello worked as an airman during the day and took college courses at night and on weekends. His dedication allowed him to finish three degrees. Twenty years after leaving the Air Force, Frasciello completed a Ph.D. while working full-time. Today he serves as dean of University College, Syracuse University’s gateway for part-time students whose goal is to pursue a degree or earn a certificate or credential from any of the University’s schools and colleges. “So maybe college was for me,” he says.
Inside The NVRC Gallery and the Healing Ability of Art
Professor Jennifer DeLucia worked with faculty and administrators from across the University to lay the framework for programs and curricula rooted in existing University strengths. “Syracuse is a great place for creative arts therapy,” she says. “Not only will our programs draw on the wealth of expertise and breadth of knowledge within the other VPA departments; Falk College’s marriage and family therapy, human development and family science, and social work programs; and the School of Education’s clinical mental health counseling program, but we are also distinguished by our unique connection with the University’s veteran resources.”
Janina Rios Brings Her Passion for Film to Campus
That belief has certainly changed now that she is in her first semester at Syracuse University. After graduating from Suffolk County Community College earlier this year with an associate’s degree in radio and television production, she’s now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in film in the College of Visual and Performing Arts.