veterans

Syracuse University Veteran and Military-Connected Enrollment Reaches Record High

This fall, Syracuse University’s total military-connected enrollment increased 14% from 1,206 to 1,375, including 96 new veteran and military-connected students. This class marks the highest student veteran enrollment in the post-9/11 era and raises the total veteran and military-connected enrollment to its highest mark in five years.

Hometown Hero: Elton Fairbank

Elton Fairbank was born in Jamestown, New York and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1944 as a Seaman First Class, Gunner’s Mate Striker. Elton’s father served in World War I, and his four brothers also served in the Armed Forces.

Military-Connected Students of The Month: Tristan Carson and Zach Watson

Like many potential applicants, Zach Watson ’20 and Tristan Carson ’20 both came from small towns, Watson from Constantia, New York and Carson from Fortuna, California. They both enlisted in the Marine Corps soon after graduating from high school, and both would eventually be awarded an opportunity to study abroad using the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship while attending Syracuse University as student veterans.

Celebrating the Life of Don Waful ’37 G’39

We were saddened to hear of Don Waful’s passing on Thursday, September 12, 2019. Waful has been a season ticket holder for Syracuse University football since 1945 and has only missed three games.

Universities Need to Better Serve Military Students and Veterans

For the 75th anniversary of the original GI Bill, Chancellor Kent Syverud wrote an article for U.S. News discussing how universities need to better serve military students and veterans. He cites the three major problems associated with veteran engagement in academia and how Syracuse University is fixing those issues.

Need-to-Know Facts on the GI Bill

Since its inception, the GI Bill has provided more than just educational benefits to veterans and their families. Originally meant to help WWII veterans returning from war, the GI Bill has also provided low-interest housing loans, medical benefits, and rehabilitation programs.