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.”
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OVMA Opens Applications for Popular Program Supporting Summer Internships
The Office of Veteran and Military Affairs at Syracuse University is seeking applications for the 2024 OVMA Undergraduate Internship Award.
Music City Welcomes 16th Annual Conference for Student Veterans
Before the start of the spring semester, members of Syracuse University’s military-connected community, including students, faculty and staff, journeyed to Tennessee for the 16th Annual Student Veterans of America (SVA) National Conference (NATCON).
Meet John Nipper: Student and Veterans Advocate at Syracuse University
John Nipper is a master’s student at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School. He serves as the president of the Student Veterans Organization, offering unique insights into the university experience. As he discusses the abundant resources, dedicated advisors, and specialized programs, Nipper emphasizes how Syracuse University equips student veterans for a successful transition from military service to higher education.
New Scholarship for Military-Connected Students Tackles Barriers for Studying Abroad
Spending a semester abroad can be a formative experience for college students, both traditional and non-traditional students alike, but military-connected students are often unable to enjoy the experience of studying abroad due to limitations with the G.I. Bill.
Office of Veteran and Military Affairs Announces Spring Scholarships for Military-Connected Students
The Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023 OVMA Spring Scholarships. Funded entirely by the generosity of donors, these scholarships support the broad community of military-connected students at Syracuse University. The scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis, and most are specifically focused to support select groups of military-connected students.
Continue ReadingSavion Pollard ’25 Steps Outside Comfort Zone to Inspire Fellow Student Veterans
But when U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer’s office invited Savion Pollard to be an honored guest during the annual State of the Union inside the U.S. Capitol, Pollard, an admitted introvert, knew the opportunity to tell his story was too good to pass up.
Student Veterans Travel to Disney World for 15th Annual NATCON
Military-connected students from Syracuse University returned from a three-day trip to Walt Disney World Resort earlier this month. While many of their classmates enjoyed the remaining class-free days of their winter break, the group of 14 students were in Florida attending the Student Veterans of America 15th Annual National Conference (NATCON).
OVMA Applauds the College of Professional Studies for Achievement in Veterans Education
The U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 Best Online Programs ranked the College of Professional Studies (CPS) at Syracuse University in third place among private schools, and thirteenth place overall, for the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans.
Hometown Hero: Samuel Ruiz
United States Marine Corps Sergeant Samuel Ruiz was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. SGT Ruiz enlisted in the Marine Corps on November 25, 2015, and he has served in the 2nd Marine Division in Jacksonville, North Carolina, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing in Miramar, California, and the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response Central Command in Camp Pendleton, California. He currently serves with Echo Company, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion in Syracuse, New York.