Mike Drum’s and Colleen Shuster’s amazing journey to Syracuse University began with both serving in the United States Marine Corps. Mike was born and raised in Syracuse, New York, and he enlisted in the US Marine Corps Reserve as an Infantry Rifleman in July 2010 following his high school graduation.
SU alumni
OVMA Connect Offers Veterans a Chance to Build Relationships With Students, Alumni and Mentors in Their Community
In summer 2021, the University’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) announced the launch of OVMA Connect, a mentoring platform powered by PeopleGrove that builds professional networks by connecting student veterans and alumni with career mentors in support of their career journey.
Orange Pride Fuels Jordan Nuber’s ’19 Path From Syracuse to Japan
Jordan Nuber ’19 is stationed in Okinawa, Japan, more than 7,400 miles away from Syracuse University. Even though he’s more than half a world away from his alma mater, the impact Syracuse University had on Nuber is profound.
Hometown Hero: Eileen Collins, ’78
Collins was the second woman ever accepted to the prestigious Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Upon graduation in 1990, NASA selected her for the astronaut program. At NASA, she famously became the first woman astronaut to both pilot (1995) and then command (1999) a Space Shuttle mission.
Alumnus, John Gibson’s, Journey into a Combat Engineer’s Traumatic Memories Featured in Wordgathering
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.”
Gordon D. Hoople
Major Gordon D. Hoople graduated magna cum laude from Syracuse University in 1915, and summa cum laude from its College of Medicine in 1919.
Wilmeth Sidat-Singh
After graduating from Syracuse, Wilmeth joined the police force in Washington, D.C. Once the United States entered World War II, Wilmeth chose to serve his country by joining the Tuskegee Airmen, the U.S.’s only African-American Unit in the Army Air Force.
William Shemin
President Barack Obama announced that he would posthumously bestow the Medal of Honor, the U.S. military’s highest decoration for valor, to Sergeant William Shemin of Bayonne, New Jersey and Private William Henry Johnson of Harlem, New York for their heroic efforts on the Western front in World War I.
The Honorable Norman A. Mordue
Following his distinguished military service, Norman returned to Syracuse University in 1971 to earn a degree in law. After graduating with his J.D., he served as the district attorney for Onondaga County. He eventually worked his way up to the bench, serving as the State Supreme Court justice in the county from 1986 until 1998.
Seymour ‘Cy’ Leslie
After graduating from DeWitt Clinton High School, Cy went on to Syracuse University, and then wartime service with the United States Army’s Signal Corps during World War II.