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.
stories of service
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.
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.
Meet Miguel Pica: Student Veteran and New Dad
When Miguel Pica goes home from campus, he faces a lot of distractions. Cell phones, television, social media and, of course, all the noise and chaos that comes with being a college student. For Miguel though, a lot of the screaming and yelling is not coming from noisy roommates—it’s coming from his newborn son, Lorenzo.
Stories of Service: Adrian Weekly ‘20 and Joe Alfieri
Marine Corps Veteran Combat Photographer Adrian Weekly ‘20
It’s said a picture is worth a thousand words. For military service members who go forward into combat with a rifle and a camera, it’s more than just an adage. Syracuse University student veteran Adrian Weekly ‘20 knows this all too well.
“I had enlisted in the Marine Corps to be an aviation mechanic,” said Weekly, a senior at the College of Visual and Performing Arts, studying Communications and Rhetorical Studies. “Then some people found out I could draw pretty well, and I was made into a combat photographer instead.”
Stories of Service: Amanda Sullivan ’21 and Ken Marfilius ’11
In celebration of Veterans Week 2019, the University is recognizing stories of student veterans and faculty/staff who are veterans or have especially strong connections to the military. These stories are just some of the many from the veteran and military-connected community on campus whom the University is dedicated to supporting. From welcoming veterans to campus as far back as World War I, and having the longest consecutively running ROTC program in the country, the University is committed to being the “best place for veterans.”
Today, read the stories of Whitman School student Amanda Sullivan ’21 and Ken Marfilius ’11, visiting teaching professor in the Falk College’s School of Social Work.
Stories of Service: Dan Cordial ’18 and LaVonda Reed
Today, read the stories of alumnus and current graduate student Dan Cordial and LaVonda Reed, professor of law and associate provost for faculty affairs.
Stories of Service: Amanda Ryle
Amanda Rylee is a U.S. Army active-duty member that is currently attending Syracuse University for entrepreneurship in Whitman. After she graduates, she plans to continue her active duty.
Stories of Service: Vonn Read
I grew up in Wisconsin and joined the U.S. Army about five months after I graduated from high school. Higher education was my ultimate goal and I knew if I served, I could use the G.I. Bill to go to school.