veterans

Maxwell Student Veteran, Clifton Washington, Pursuing Life of Foreign Service

Growing up in the chaotic economy of the 90’s, Clifton Washington saw the end-user consequences of the Dot Com Bubble burst from his childhood home outside Chicago. Long before becoming a first-generation college student, he understood the value of an education, and knew that it would require an education to pursue the life he wanted.

Brothers in Arms: The Watts Twins, William & Clarence Watts’94

William Watts ’94 came into the world before the world was aware he was on his way. Medical technology in the early 70’s wasn’t quite as effective as it is today, and Watts’ parents were only expecting to take one son home from the hospital that day. They were understandably surprised when they found out their newborn son, Clarence, would have a twin brother joining him in the world.

Historic Local Educator Added to Syracuse University’s Notable Veteran Alumni List

A Syracuse University alum and historic figure for the Syracuse City School District, was recently added to the list of the University’s Notable Veteran Alumni. Sidney L. Johnson ’59, G’65, a U.S. Air Force veteran, is now among 18 other influential members who have graduated from Syracuse University and have made a substantial impact during or after their military service.

ARMY ROTC Cadets Host CNY JROTC Fitness Challenge

Cadets from Syracuse University’s U.S. Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) welcomed more than 120 Junior ROTC cadets to the JMA Wireless Dome on the evening of February 8. The JROTC students came from seven high schools around Central and Western New York, and collectively had representation from the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps JROTC programs.

Meet Amanda Higginson: Doctor, Aspiring Lawyer, and Tillman Scholar

For many, earning a doctoral degree in medicine and being an officer in the Navy are lifetime achievements all on their own, but for Higginson it was just a start. Currently enrolled in the JDinteractive program at the Syracuse University College of Law, Higginson was also named a Tillman Scholar in 2022.

Celebrating Veterans Day at the Best Place for Veterans

Every year the nation pauses on Nov. 11 to honor those who have served in the military on Veterans Day. With Syracuse University being renowned as the Best Place for Veterans, it’s no surprise the University goes the extra mile to recognize the day each year. This year saw a flurry of activity around Veterans Day, most of which is planned and executed by the University’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA). The activities would not be possible, however, without the community coming together to support the day—including by illuminating many campus buildings in green light in honor of all veterans past and present.

Hometown Hero: Rear Admiral John Okon

United States Navy Rear Admiral (RADM) John Okon was born and raised in “the 315,” having grown up in Camillus, and he has bled orange his whole life. John attended the last game in both Manley Field House and Archibald Stadium, as well as the first game in the Carrier Dome. During high school, he worked for Syracuse University parking cars in the west lots of the Carrier Dome and at Manley Field House. John says while the money was good, it was the free ticket to see his ‘Orange’ that was the most valuable benefit!

Veterans Day 2022 Profile – Adrian Byrne

The opportunity to travel the world is an enriching experience that many college students take advantage of through semester abroad programs every year. There are far fewer students who get to have that opportunity earlier in their education though. Adrian Byrne, a student veteran in the College of Law at Syracuse University, spent every other summer in his mother’s home country of Hungary. Eventually he would have the opportunity to study abroad in Holland for a year, an experience that would aid him in the travel-filled journey he would set out on after high school.

Veteran Day 2022 Profile – Jennifer Aquino

As a non-traditional student, Jennifer Aquino often finds herself in classes with other students who are much younger than she is. In fact, she has a teenage son who probably has more in common with her classmates than she does. Aquino also brings a far different experience to the classroom after she first left her home in Puerto Rico almost 20 years ago to join the U.S. Navy.