“Now what am I supposed to do with my life?” Veterans often face this question as they transition from active duty to civilian life. The thought terrified U.S. Marine Corps veteran Anthony Ruscitto ’22, G’23, L’27 when he contemplated his future in the spring of 2019.
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Congratulations to The 2025 Syracuse University Tillman Scholar Anthony Ruscitto
On July 10th, the new Pat Tillman Scholars were announced, and we are happy to congratulate Anthony Ruscitto ’22, G’23, L’27 as the Tillman Scholar for Syracuse University.
Tillman Scholars are provided academic scholarships, leadership development opportunities and access to a supportive national network as they embark on career journeys in the fields of health care, public service, business, STEM, law, the humanities and education.
The fellowship program honors Pat Tillman, a starting safety for the National Football League’s Arizona Cardinals, who in 2002 put his football career on hold to serve his country with the U.S. Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan. Tillman’s family and friends established the Pat Tillman Foundation following Tillman’s death in April 2004.
Syracuse University was invited to become a Pat Tillman Foundation University Partner in 2017. To date, the University has seen 14 students honored as Tillman Scholars.
Hometown Hero – Joseph Creager
United States Army Staff Sergeant Joseph Creager was born in Chicago, and hails from Land in Lakes, Illinois. He enlisted in the Army in 2013 as an Infantryman and served as a Scout/Sniper for 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry (Airborne) at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, Alaska from 2013-2017. Staff Sergeant Creager later served as a Stryker Commander and Fire Team Leader at 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry, Fort Carson, Colorado.
Continue ReadingHometown Hero: Rolondo “Jun” Mari
United States Army Sergeant First Class Rolando “Jun” Mari was born in the Philippines and calls Bel Air, Maryland home. Sergeant First Class Mari entered the U.S. Army in 2011, completing Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Jackson, SC, and became a 36 Bravo, Financial Management Technician.
Continue ReadingMarriler 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 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: Dr. Don Cantwell, ’47, G’48
United States Navy World War II veteran, two-time Syracuse University alum, and renowned musician Don Cantwell was born in Poughkeepsie, New York in 1924 and graduated from Poughkeepsie High School in 1942. He attended St Lawrence University Navy V12 Officers Training Program from 1943-44 and later Notre Dame University’s Navy Midshipman School in 1944. Don attended the U.S. Navy School of Music in Washington, DC, in 1945 and later served with the Navy Flag Band Mediterranean Fleet before being discharged in 1945.
Continue ReadingHometown Hero: Mike Frasciello
United States Air Force Veteran, Syracuse University alum, and Syracuse University’s Dean of the College of Professional Studies, Michael J. Frasciello was born in Union City, New Jersey, grew up in Hopatcong, New Jersey, and today calls Clay, New York home. Mike’s family drove his propensity to serve our nation having a grandfather and two of his brothers serve in World War II, and two other uncles serve in World War II and Korea. His family’s military service also included six of his brothers-in-law, one sister-in-law, eight nephews, and one niece who have served or are currently serving. Mike’s amazing wife, Helen, is a retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant after serving 30 years of active, reserve, and guard service.
Continue ReadingHometown Hero: Rebecca King
U.S. Army Second Lieutenant Rebecca King was born in Huntsville, Alabama and calls Madison, Alabama home. Rebecca began her college and military career in August 2020, at Valley Forge Military College in Wayne, Pennsylvania.