After years of legal service in the U.S. Army, Jaime Jacobson G’25 is continuing her commitment to public service through academia. Jacobson is currently a pursuing a master’s degree in higher education in the School of Education and draws a strong connection between her military experience and her future supporting college students.
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Marriler Wilson G’25 – Learning the Craft of Diplomacy
“Girl, go join the military.”
That’s what Marriler Wilson G’25 told herself before enlisting in the Air National Guard after struggling in college. “I honestly had no direction of where I wanted to go in my life,” Wilson says. “I decided I wanted to do something bigger than myself.”
Continue ReadingFrom Marine to Mentor: Jackson Capenos Champions Veteran Success at Syracuse University
For Jackson Capenos, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and the University’s newest school certifying official with the Office of Veteran Success, life has been a journey shaped by resilience, hard work and an unwavering commitment to service.
Continue ReadingTillman Scholar Zahra Johnson G’25 Interview
U.S. Army ROTC Cadet Zahra Johnson G’25, a graduate student with the College of Arts at Sciences at Syracuse University, speaks about her experience in being selected as a Tillman Scholar by the Pat Tillman Foundation.
Continue Reading2025 Tillman Scholar Applications Now Open
The Pat Tillman Foundation (PTF) has officially opened applications for 2025 Tillman Scholars! The PTF unites and empowers remarkable military service members, veterans and spouses as the next generation of public and private sector leaders committed to service beyond self.
Continue ReadingCoded for Excellence: Jurgen Baeza Bernal ’26
Jurgen Baeza Bernal ’26 traveled a circuitous path to Syracuse University, but he’s finally cracked the code on what his future holds. Before arriving, the California native explored an array of interests at San Diego State University, served nearly seven years in the U.S. Navy and possessed a longtime fascination with computer coding. “When I was a teenager, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life,” he says. “But as I grew older and the military instilled discipline in me and gave me a sense of direction, I knew I should focus on what I wanted to do and my education when I got out.”
Continue ReadingTillman Scholar Benetta Dousuah G’25 on Service after Service
Earlier this year, student veteran Benetta Dousuah G’25 was named one of Syracuse University’s 2024 Tillman Scholars, joining an elite group of military-connected individuals committed to impactful leadership. Dousuah is currently pursuing a master’s degree in social work in the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, and is among the select few chosen nationwide, and one of three Syracuse University military-connected students, by the Pat Tillman Foundation for her demonstrated potential to lead and serve.
Continue ReadingHometown Hero: Benetta Dousuah
U.S. Army veteran, Syracuse University student, and 2024 Tillman Scholar Benetta Dousuah was born in a resettlement refugee camp in Ghana, West Africa. Benetta and her family won the lottery to relocate to the United States when she was ten years old. She grew up in Newark, New Jersey.
Continue ReadingHometown Hero: Michelle Johnson
United States Army retired Sergeant Major and current Syracuse University doctoral candidate Michelle M. Johnson was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. After graduating from high school in 1992, Michelle attended Cleveland State University and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in communications. Later, she would complete her master’s degree in communications and leadership from Park University. Michelle joined the Ohio Army National in 1997 and completed basic training and advanced individual training at Ft. McClellan, Alabama, becoming a military police officer.
Continue ReadingU.S. Marine Corps Veteran Anthony Ruscitto Continues Commitment to Service Through the Law
Anthony J. Ruscitto ’22, G’23, L’27, has lived a life of service since he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at age 17. And, while he’s no longer flying in military helicopters around the world, he has landed in a place close to home where he can be a voice to those in need: the Syracuse University College of Law.
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