Manuel Villavicenciosolano (U.S. Marine Corps)

Manuel Villavicenciosolano serves as the Student Veteran Outreach Coordinator for Syracuse University’s Student Veterans Organization while pursuing a degree in Art Photography at the School of Visual and Performing Arts, with an expected graduation in 2027. A United States Marine Corps veteran, Manuel served four years of active duty from 2018 to 2022 as a Towed Artillery Systems Technician. In this role, he was responsible for inspecting, troubleshooting, repairing, and performing preventive maintenance on artillery weapons and related systems—work that required precision, accountability, and technical expertise in high-pressure environments. He honorably served and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal for his disciplined performance and mission support.

Manuel is drawn to SVO because of the intentional support network it fosters across campus. He values the camaraderie built through peer mentorship and dedicated staff who understand the unique transition from military to student life. As he explains, “What really stands out to me about SU is the intentional support network that builds camaraderie from peer mentorship to dedicated staff and resources that understand the unique transition from military to student life. The SVO helps bridge that gap by creating a space where students can connect, advocate, and succeed together.” Outside of academics and leadership, Manuel enjoys playing basketball and exploring new foods—considering himself a true culinary explorer. His favorite color is green, he loves poetry, and after graduation, he plans to launch his own photography business.