The welcomed more than 100 researchers, practitioners, students and community partners for Voices of Service 2026, the second annual showcase of veteran-focused research, curricula and resources.

The event was co-organized by the , the (IVMF) and the , led by U.S. Navy veteran .

The event drew presenters and attendees from across campus and Central New York for an afternoon of conversation, connection and shared purpose.

Sixty-two poster and table presentations demonstrated the breadth of work underway at the University in support of veterans and the military-connected community. Topics covered behavioral health, legal services, community programs and more. The IVMF contributed 11 presentations across its research and evaluation, community insights and impact and digital library teams.

“I loved seeing students, faculty, staff and researchers from on and off campus taking time to connect, share and discuss the ways that we here in 性视界 are supporting鈥攁nd can continue to support鈥攚ork that improves the lives of service members, veterans and military-connected individuals,鈥� says , managing director of research and evaluation at the IVMF.

The event reflected the depth of collaboration that has taken shape around veteran-focused work at the University. Representatives from the and other regional veteran service organizations were among those in attendance, underscoring the NVRC’s role as a regional hub where the veteran support ecosystem comes together across institutional lines.

IVMF scholars shared findings from several active projects examining how coordinated care networks serve the military-connected community. One study, led by a team including IVMF research associate Zachary Bridgewater, examined factors influencing whether service referrals made through the AmericaServes coordinated care model were successfully resolved.

The findings suggest that network-level factors, including the accuracy of referrals and the adequacy of available resources, play a more significant role in outcomes than client demographics alone. Researchers noted that this points to the equitable design of the AmericaServes model, while also identifying areas where investment in network capacity could improve access.

Additional research addressed the state of veteran services coordination in New York and New Mexico, the potential for deeper collaboration between AmericaServes networks and VA Medical Centers, and the development of a shared data standard aimed at improving interoperability across coordinated care platforms.

Rosalinda Vasquez Maury, the director of applied research and analytics, presented findings on military spouse employment that put a sharp point on one of the community’s most persistent economic challenges. Military spouses relocate 3.6 times more often than civilian families, and the earnings gap between those who moved in the past year and those who remained in place was 32 percent. The research demonstrates that the problem is not job access but career continuity.

Student researchers were also among the presenters. Paul Sagoe, a Ph.D. candidate in the and a two-time recipient of the , presented work on a nanoparticle-based therapeutic system designed to treat arthritis, a condition that affects veterans at a disproportionate rate.

“One in three veterans has arthritis, which is five times more compared to the civilian population,” says Sagoe, who was recently awarded the 2026 Chancellor鈥檚 Citation for Excellence in student research. 鈥淭hat calls for a clinical need to really look into how we can bring about a cure.”

Sagoe鈥檚 research focuses on using a nanoparticle-based delivery system to target macrophages, the key cells driving arthritis progression in the joint.

The event also highlighted work extending beyond the IVMF. Kenneth Marfilius ’07, a U.S. Air Force veteran and director of the (ORP), spoke to the value the showcase holds for veteran-serving organizations across the region.

“Events like the Voices of Service Symposium are critically important for the continued growth and visibility of the ORP,” Marfilius says. “This year, I was especially encouraged by the strong second-year response and the notable increase in posters, which truly reflected the breadth and depth of the work being done across campus in support of veterans and military-connected individuals. The symposium creates a space where research, practice and lived experience come together, reinforcing our commitment to innovation, collaboration and impact.”

Marfilius also highlighted the event’s value for external organizations looking to connect with the University’s veteran-focused ecosystem.

“For veteran-serving organizations and nonprofits, attending Voices of Service offers a meaningful opportunity to connect directly with students, faculty and interdisciplinary partners who are actively engaged in this work,” says Marfilius. “It allows organizations to identify emerging talent, build partnerships and gain insight into innovative programs and research that can inform and strengthen their own services.”

The ORP is currently advancing its partnership with the VA’s Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership program, a federal initiative designed to enhance student veterans’ access to healthcare, mental health services and academic support. Additional initiatives include work on veteran transition and reintegration, workforce development pathways into military and veteran-serving professions, and an interdisciplinary legal-social work partnership aimed at reducing barriers to care.

The IVMF Digital Library, now in its fourth year, also showcased its newly launched SU Research Collection, which aggregates the University鈥檚 research publications related to veterans and military-connected populations.

The posters from this year鈥檚 event can be seen in the .

As students across campus juggle the demands of capstone presentations and final exams, learning how to handle stress becomes imperative for success at the end of the academic year. Thanks to the support of one military-connected alumnus, student veterans and visitors at the University鈥檚 have a new and innovative way to focus on their mental health.

When Nick Armstrong G’08, G’14 (Ph.D.) arrived at the , he came as a recently separated U.S. Army officer, having previously graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and went on to earn an M.P.A. and Ph.D. at 性视界. Afterwards, Armstrong spent almost a decade at the , building its impactful research and policy programs. Now, years after leaving campus, he has found a way to invest back into the community that helped shape his success.

Armstrong recently arranged for the placement of a Cabana Pod in the NVRC at no cost to the University. The pod, a compact private booth developed by Cabana by Even Health, where Armstrong now leads strategic partnerships, gives users a dedicated space to decompress through guided meditations, breathing exercises, and nature-based experiences designed to reduce stress in just a few minutes.

“The NVRC has always been more than a campus center. It was designed as a national hub for innovation and convening around the needs of the military-connected community,” says Armstrong. “In that sense, it’s a natural home for something like the Cabana Pod, which itself grew out of early innovation work with the U.S. Air Force.”

What the Pod Does

The Cabana Pod is a freestanding, acoustically protected booth. Inside, users can access guided meditations, nature-based immersive experiences and breathing exercises, all designed to support brief but intentional pauses from the stresses of the day. Sessions typically run four to six minutes.

“What makes the physical placement in the NVRC especially effective is the balance the (OVMA) team struck,” Armstrong says. “High visibility, so people know it’s there, but enough privacy that someone can step in without feeling exposed. That combination is critical, particularly for a population that often values self-reliance. Access and discretion matter just as much as the resource itself.”

Cabana Pods are currently in use across a range of settings, including with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the National Guard, civilian health care systems, employers and college campuses, reflecting how the model has expanded from its military origins into broader use.

Supporting Student Veterans

Armstrong knows firsthand what the transition into academic life can feel like after military service. As the university鈥檚 first Post 9/11 G.I. Bill graduate, he transitioned into higher education before colleges and universities were prepared to handle the surge of returning veterans.

“I still remember sitting in my first lecture at Maxwell just weeks after leaving the Army, only months removed from my final deployment, quietly questioning whether I had made the right decision to step away,” Armstrong says. 鈥淢any student veterans are navigating something similar in their own way, balancing school alongside work or family responsibilities, redefining their identity after service or simply adjusting to a very different environment and pace.”

Armstrong also sees potential for the pod to shape broader campus culture.

“When you create something that works well for a group that values trust, discretion and self-reliance, it tends to resonate far more broadly,” he says. “Whether it’s a quick reset between classes or joining a virtual group later that day, this lowers the barrier to that first step, not just for veterans, but for anyone who may need it.”

A Broader Initiative for Veteran Mental Wellness

The Cabana Pod is one piece of a wider effort by the OVMA to support mental health and resilience among the military-connected community at the University. The OVMA’s Resiliency Program (ORP), led by U.S. Air Force veteran Ken Marfilius 鈥�07, provides a recurring space for student veterans to connect, share experiences and build on the peer support that many relied on during their time in service. The team he runs supports student veterans in addressing academic, financial, physical and social needs, with a special emphasis on personal and mental well-being.

Those efforts extend beyond the student population as well. Members of the 性视界 University Veterans Employee Affinity Group recently gathered for a yoga session led by Christine Brophy, a U.S. Army veteran and a functional business analyst for the University. She is also a registered yoga teacher with specialized certification in trauma-informed and adaptive yoga, with a focus on individuals experiencing injury, polytrauma, traumatic brain injury and those using wheelchairs or prosthetics.

鈥淰eteran wellness is such an under-reported topic,” says Brophy. “There are many body-mind practices, like yoga and medication, that can be used to support an improve our mental health, as well as our overall well-being. I love sharing yoga and meditation with veterans to make it accessible and practical, and I would love to see the conversations about veteran wellness open up.鈥�

For Armstrong, the ORP, veteran-focused yoga sessions or other mental health programs and services are all part of the same arc to tackle the challenges he faced from his own transition.

“Over time, that’s what begins to shape culture,” he says. “When support becomes something people can access early and on their own terms, not just in moments of crisis.”

The Cabana Pod in the Harrison Community Room is open during NVRC building hours from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the weekdays. No appointment is necessary, those interested should plan on sessions lasting approximately five to six minutes.

性视界 University’s military-connected community came together for an evening of celebration during the annual (SVO) Ball and Awards Banquet. The formal event, held each year during the spring semester, acknowledges the accomplishments of the veteran community at the University and serves as an evening of camaraderie before the academic calendar is overtaken by final exams.

This year’s event featured a 1950s-themed evening held at the at the Daniel and Gayle D鈥橝niello Building, welcoming military-connected students, faculty, staff and supporters for a night of dinner, awards, music and dancing, as well as an opportunity to win prizes in a raffle drawing to benefit next year’s SVO functions.

The evening opened with a solemn remembrance of POW and MIA service members, before SVO President and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Leonel “Leo” Aviles ’26, an information management and technology major in the , welcomed guests and introduced the keynote speaker for the evening.

This year’s guest speaker was Killian Hartough ’19, PT, DPT, a Coast Guard veteran and 性视界 native whose path reflects a story of perseverance the SVO community knows well. Hartough spoke of his early setback in higher education that eventually led him to enlisting in the Coast Guard. After serving for four years, Hartough developed a deeper sense of drive and commitment to accomplishing his goals that allowed him to persevere through higher education and helped him find his way to working at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in 性视界 as a physical therapist.

Acknowledging Commitment to Service

Each year, both the SVO and the (OVMA) use the event to present their annual awards. While some awards presented are intended for laughs with light-hearted jokes about military service, other awards are considered prestigious among the military-connected community on campus. 聽Among the awards presented this year:

The SVO Best for Vets Award was presented to Varun 鈥淕鈥� Gollapudi ’27, a junior on a pre-med track and decorated Army medic who served four years on active duty as a 68W combat medic, including a deployment to Afghanistan, and continues to serve today as a staff sergeant and detachment sergeant for a forward surgical team. The award recognized Gollapudi’s consistent presence and genuine investment in the SVO community.

The SVO Outstanding Staff Member of the Year Award was presented to Charlie Poag 鈥�22, communications manager for the OVMA, recognized for his availability, mentorship and tireless support of the SVO, including his work capturing events through photography and media coverage that has helped tell the story of the veteran community at the University.

The SVO Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year Award was presented to Andrew Patterson L鈥�24, a recently licensed attorney affiliated with the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic, recognized for his empathetic, non-judgmental approach to helping student veterans navigate complex VA benefit issues and his meaningful impact on the lives of veterans across campus.

The Impact Veteran Award was presented for the first time this year to Michael Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and founder of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) and Chancellor-elect. Haynie’s foundational role in building a culture of veteran support at 性视界, from the launch of the IVMF in 2011 to his direct engagement with student veterans, was cited as the basis for his selection of the inaugural award.

The Danny Facto Student Veteran Work Study Award, presented by the Office of Veteran Success, was awarded to Raul 鈥淩udy鈥� Rosique 鈥�24, G鈥�26. The award honors the memory of Danny Facto, a decorated U.S. Army combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient who was the first VA work-study student at the University. Facto attended the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics before his death in a motorcycle accident in July 2009.

The OVMA Student Veteran of the Year Award was presented by OVMA Executive Director Ron Novack, a retired U.S. Army Colonel, to Raul 鈥淩udy鈥� Rosique 鈥�24, G鈥�26. Rosique was recognized for his standout commitment to the military-connected community at the University and is the first student veteran to receive the prestigious award twice, having also earned it the previous academic school year.

鈥淚t is a tremendous honor to receive this award for a second time,” Rosique said. “When I got here in 2021, I did not really have many family members or friends and the SVO really brought me in. I鈥檝e just really wanted to give everything I possibly can to this organization and this school. It has truly paid me back ten-fold. I truly can not think of my life being any better without the support of the staff and faculty and staff at 性视界 University.”

Aviles closed the formal portion of the evening by celebrating the graduating class of 2026, reading the names of student veterans crossing the finish line this year before handing off the gavel to the incoming SVO executive board for the 2026鈥�2027 academic year:

• President: Varun Gollapudi ’27
• Vice President: Edgar De Mesa ’28
• Treasurer: Hunter Pyke ’27
• Secretary: Donovan Rosas-Banuelos ’30
• Public Affairs Officer: Manuel Villavicenciosolano ’27
• Community Outreach Coordinator: James Piedrasanta G鈥�27
• Online Student Ambassador: Ty Tran ’26

鈥淗onestly, I鈥檓 ecstatic, I鈥檓 truly honored,” says incoming SVO President Gollapudi. 鈥淚 came to this university with just the notion of going out and getting a degree, I never thought I鈥檇 be part of a community of like-minded people or being a part of something bigger than myself here. We already know that 性视界 University is the best place for veterans. What that means to me is that 性视界 University, as a whole, gives us veterans who have walked a different path in life than the everyday person, the support to go out and be the best of themselves. I want to be able to build up the rest of my fellow veterans to go out and make an impact in their respective communities, and our community as a whole.鈥�

Reflecting on his tenure before passing the torch, Aviles expressed gratitude for a community that gave him a sense of purpose.

“As a first-generation college student and a veteran, this role has meant a lot to me,” Aviles said. “The friendships, the trust, and the way we show up for each other, that’s what makes the SVO what it is.”

A time-honored celebration of academic achievement, leadership and military history was on full display at the JMA Wireless Dome during the 109th Chancellor’s Review and Awards Ceremony on March 27.

The annual tradition brought together students, faculty, staff, alumni and University stakeholders to recognize the accomplishments and success of cadets from the University’s Army and Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) programs.

The event is one of 性视界 University’s oldest traditions, originating in 1917 under the direction of then-Chancellor James R. Day. Among the cadets reviewed in that inaugural ceremony was future Chancellor William Pearson Tolley, who would later play a critical role in expanding access to higher education for veterans through his contributions to the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, better known as the G.I. Bill.

This year’s ceremony featured a formal inspection of the troops by Chancellor Kent Syverud, 聽and the presentation of awards recognizing academic, leadership and civic excellence. Both University leadership and representatives from local veteran service organizations were on hand to present awards to the deserving cadets.

鈥淥ver the course of time our success is attributed to our military-connected students, and how they achieve their post-graduation goals,鈥� says retired U.S. Army Colonel Ron Novack, executive director of the (OVMA). 鈥淭hose ROTC cadets who are graduating in five weeks are going to take a very big step in their personal and professional lives. They鈥檙e going to go out and lead, they鈥檙e going to take the values that they learn from their families, their parents, the values they learn here at 性视界 University, and the values of the Army and the Air Force, and they鈥檙e going to go out and lead with distinction.聽 We couldn鈥檛 be prouder of them as they go out and embark on their careers.鈥�

Top Cadets Recognized for Leadership and Academic Excellence

Among the highest honors presented were the General Edward C. Meyer Leadership Award and the Professor John A. and Dean Marion Meyer Scholar Award, given to top-performing cadets in the Army and Air Force ROTC respectively.

This year, the General Edward C. Meyer Leadership Award was presented to Sophia Terlecky 鈥�26, a U.S. Army ROTC cadet, for demonstrating exceptional officer potential and leadership. Terlecky, a Buffalo, New York,聽 native, is enrolled聽 in the . She also serves as the cadet battalion commander for the Stalwart Battalion, and will receive a commission in the U.S. Army alongside 24 other 性视界 University Army ROTC cadets in May.

For the Air Force, The Professor John A. and Dean Marion Meyer Scholar Award was presented to Matthew Gratch, a cross-town ROTC cadet from Le Moyne College, for exemplary performance and inspirational leadership. Gratch, who is studying political science at Le Moyne, also serves as the mission support flight commander for Detachment 535 and will commission into the Air Force as an acquisitions manager.

鈥淏eing my fourth and final one, it hits a little different than it did in other years,鈥� says U.S. Air Force ROTC Cadet James Hrdy 鈥�26, a senior in the . 鈥淭his program really challenges you, it鈥檚 taught me to appreciate certain things and I鈥檓 looking forward to working in the U.S. Air Force.鈥�

The ceremony closed with a formal pass in review, a military tradition symbolizing honor and respect, as the cadets marched in formation across the field in front of their families and University leaders to showcase the military precision of basic unit drill and individual standards of each cadet.

To view a photo gallery of this year’s event, visit the .

came to 性视界 University as a with an urgent purpose: to learn all she could about helping veterans return to civilian life and bring that knowledge home to war-torn Ukraine.

Pohorielova is an聽associate professor and head of the Department of Pedagogy, Foreign Philology and Translation at in , near the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine War. Her journey to 性视界 began after she heard a high-level Ukrainian official observe that is about to become a city of veterans.

The comment was a turning point. Pohorielova realized that, when the war ends, hundreds of thousands of veterans will need support transitioning to civilian life: finding jobs, housing and educational pathways and, hopefully, a society aware of and responsive to their unique psychological needs. Yet Pohorielova also knew her country was far from ready to provide that help. “I felt like I didn’t know anything about veterans. I had no clue. And I felt like other establishments weren’t ready for the influx of veterans, either,” she says.

The next day, she learned about the Fulbright Visiting Scholar program and applied. To her surprise, she became just the second person from her university to receive a Fulbright in 30 years.

Right Place, Right Time

The Fulbright program matches host institutions with a scholar’s research goals, making 性视界 University, with its emphasis on veterans, a natural fit. Pohorielova鈥檚 visit is being hosted through the (CHB), drawing on the expertise and engagement of the (IVMF), the (OVMA), the (SOE), and colleagues at the . Among those who facilitated Pohorielova鈥檚 residency was IVMF founder and University Chancellor-elect .

鈥淸This] is one of the best places in the U.S. to observe veteran re-entry services. Practices here have been validated. We need to learn, borrow, start them and adjust American practices to existing Ukrainian realities,鈥� Pohorielova says.

Since her arrival, Pohorielova has attended monthly CHB seminars, worked closely with faculty sponsors , professor of psychology and CHB director; and , SOE faculty director of online programs and strategic initiatives, associate teaching professor in the School of Social Work and CHB associate director. She also engaged with faculty, staff, doctoral students and researchers across campus.

“Their contribution to my research is incredible,” she says of her sponsors. The broader campus culture has been welcoming, too. “Every person I meet here is trying to support me and give me the information I need.鈥�

Facilitating the Transition

Ukrainian soldiers face the same reintegration challenges as American veterans: psychological health risks, substance use, financial instability and difficulty transitioning back to civilian life.聽But for Ukrainian veterans who are returning to communities still under threat, with shattered economies and disrupted families, those risks may be even more acute, Pohorielova says.

Reintegrating also involves other obstacles, including funding, cultural resistance and a general distrust of mental health services, which is a legacy of Soviet-era political repression. Ukraine鈥檚 military culture, which prizes toughness and stigmatizes psychological struggles as weakness, presents another hurdle, Pohorielova says.

Pohorielova believes Ukrainian educational institutions can help facilitate veterans鈥� transition from military service to civilian life. At the same time, they can leverage veterans鈥� leadership, experience and a strong sense of purpose, qualities that can make them active contributors to postwar recovery efforts in Ukraine.

鈥淚nvesting in veterans鈥� wellbeing, education and vocational pathways supports not only individual reintegration but also broader social and economic stability,” she says.

Insights from Pohorielova鈥檚 research at 性视界 form the basis of her recovery action plan, “Veteran Reintegration Ecosystem for Ukrainian Universities.” The scalable, locally grounded program can be implemented within existing institutions, she believes. The plan鈥檚 three pillars are institutional capacity and coordination; behavioral health and wellbeing; and workforce and economic integration.

Components include:

• Clear coordination and referral pathways to help veterans navigate academic and support services
• Faculty and staff training to strengthen the university鈥檚 ability to support veteran students
• Behavioral health awareness and referral pathways
• Flexible online and hybrid learning options
• Short-course retraining, microcredentials and entrepreneurship pathways aligned with workforce needs
• Structured employer and community partnerships to support job placement, entrepreneurship and business development

Pohorielova and her 13-year-old daughter, who came with her to the U.S. and attends school locally, have been here since February and will return to Ukraine this summer. By then, Pohorielova will be ready to present her fully developed framework to her university鈥檚 leadership as a ready-to-go strategy, and she hopes to see its immediate adoption.

Success would fulfill her dream of helping her country, her university and her community, and ensure that veterans will have proven systems in place to support their return.

鈥淔ollowing a dream is a good thing,鈥� she says. 鈥淥nce you succeed, you will get to a new level. That’s what happened to me. I didn’t expect it, but I’m very happy to be here.”

, a program instructor at the and associate professor of entrepreneurship in the , has been named one of eight , providing national recognition for his role helping U.S. service members chart their own path from uniform to business ownership.

From the Korean Marine Corps to the Whitman School Classroom

Park’s path to the classroom began in uniform. He served as an officer in the Republic of Korea Marine Corps, where one of his most formative roles was as a liaison officer to the U.S. Marine Corps. “I loved working side-by-side with U.S. Marines, and that experience gave me a lasting respect and affection for the U.S. military community,” Park says. “I feel fortunate that I can continue contributing in a way that supports service members and their families.”

After his military service, Park co-founded a high-tech startup before entering academia, giving him direct experience with both the challenges of transition and the realities of launching a business. “After leaving the military, I went through my own transition into entrepreneurship. It was exciting, but also uncertain, especially because at the time in Korea there wasn’t a robust transition assistance program like the one that exists here,” Park says. “I learned the hard way through trial and error, and I still remember how steep that learning curve can be.”

That experience now shapes how he teaches. Park joined the Whitman School faculty in 2017 and teaches Opportunity Recognition and Ideation, Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Strategic and Entrepreneurial Management. His teaching has earned multiple honors, including recognition by in 2022.

Helping Veterans and Military Spouses Shorten the Learning Curve

“I am passionate about helping service members, veterans and military spouses shorten the trial-and-error cycle, build confidence and move forward with practical tools and a clear roadmap to launch and grow successful ventures,” he says. “Being named SBA’s Boots to Business Instructor of the Year means a great deal to me because it reflects the privilege of supporting participants at a pivotal moment in their lives.”

“What makes David’s contribution to the IVMF, the Whitman School and Boots to Business so impactful is that he has lived the very journey he’s teaching,” says Mike Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation, executive dean of the Whitman School and founder and executive director of the IVMF.

“He served in uniform, navigated his own transition, co-founded a business and then chose to dedicate his career to preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs. For the service members and military spouses sitting in his classroom, that credibility matters,鈥� Haynie says. 鈥淒avid’s recognition by the SBA is well-deserved, and it speaks to the kind of impact that’s possible when world-class teaching and a genuine commitment to the military community come together.”

The recognition comes during a period of momentum for entrepreneurship education at 性视界. In November 2025, the Princeton Review ranked Whitman’s graduate entrepreneurship programs No. 17 nationally, up seven spots from the previous year. Whitman’s undergraduate business program held at No. 11 in the country.

“Professor David Park’s exceptional work with 性视界 University’s IVMF embodies the spirit of the Boots to Business program by transforming military experience into entrepreneurial success,” says Matt Coleman, SBA Atlantic Region administrator. “His dedication provides our veterans and military families with the vital tools and confidence needed to launch their next chapters after service in uniform.”

Park also credited his program manager, Brigid Purtell, for making everything seamless for instructors, which allows Park to focus on delivering the best possible workshop experience.

Park earned a Ph.D. from the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington, a master’s degree from Seoul National University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Seoul. He was honored alongside other recipients during a ceremony on Feb. 19.

性视界 Boots to Business

The program, part of the Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program, provides foundational entrepreneurship courses to service members, veterans and military spouses exploring business ownership. The IVMF serves as a key partner in delivering Boots to Business instruction, including to service members and military spouses stationed outside the continental United States.

When Sgt. First Class Andrew Zellar began basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, on June 6, 2006, he thought he knew what his career in military service would look like.

Twenty years later, as he moves on from years as a military science instructor at 性视界 University and prepares to retire later this year from the New York Army National Guard, he reflects on a career that took unexpected turns and allowed him to impact hundreds of lives in ways he never imagined.

鈥淭he most unexpected part was the chance to have the assignment at ROTC. I had a vague understanding of what I would be doing, but my experience was a lot more rewarding than I expected,鈥� Zellar says. 鈥淭he thing I am most proud of is seeing past soldiers and cadets performing in the Army and in life.鈥�

Zellar’s journey began like many of his generation, shaped by the events of Sept. 11, 2001. Fresh out of high school in 2004, the Cazenovia native wanted to serve, but his parents encouraged him to pursue college first.

After two years, the pull toward service won out. He enlisted in the Army National Guard as a military police officer, initially planning to combine service with the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).

When plans to deploy overseas did not materialize, Zellar found himself in limbo鈥攗ntil an opportunity emerged that would define his career.

Finding His Calling in Recruiting

In 2007, during one of the most challenging periods for military recruiting, Zellar stepped into a role that would test every interpersonal skill he possessed. The economy was collapsing, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were intensifying, and the National Guard needed people who could connect with potential recruits and their families.

“Most people that join the military always have a desire to do it,” Zellar says. “It’s just that the opportunity to do it has to intersect with the motivation.”

He saw this firsthand at career fairs, where he met not teenagers but 25- and 30-year-old adults with impressive resumes who simply had no jobs. The 2008 economic crisis had created both challenges and opportunities for recruiting.

His approach was simple but demanding: show up.

“I probably failed more than I succeeded in a lot of things, but I would just show up,” he says. That first year, he worked every single day, meeting potential recruits whenever and wherever they needed鈥攍ate nights, weekends, holidays.

His work in St. Lawrence County, located along New York鈥檚 northern border, juxtaposed recruiting Clarkson University, SUNY Potsdam, SUNY Canton and St. Lawrence University with the county鈥檚 rural residents.

One memory stands out in particular. Zellar visited a young man living in dire poverty鈥攁 home heated with wood pallets, with essentially nothing. “You need this. You got to get out of here,” he remembers thinking. The National Guard gave the young man a path forward.

The rural assignment taught Zellar invaluable lessons, sharpening his skills and deepening his understanding of how people struggle.

Preparing the Next Generation

In 2018, Zellar was chosen for a new role with the New York Army National Guard. He joined 性视界 University as a military science instructor with the Army ROTC program, a position that joined his recruiting expertise with a deeper mission of developing young leaders.

Over the next eight years, he worked with more than 325 cadets and contributed to the commissioning of 215 Army second lieutenants.

“The thing I’ll look back on and enjoy the most is watching them achieve what they’re capable of achieving,” Zellar says. He remembers helping a cadet, an Iraqi refugee, obtain her citizenship, presenting her with a pocket Constitution at the ceremony.

His teaching philosophy challenges students to expand their perspectives.

“Whatever news source you get, whatever stuff you like to read, read the opposite,” he tells first-year students. “Just for no other reason than to see something a little bit different.”

His advice extends beyond tactics and strategy. “Swing at the pitch. If you get an opportunity, you can strike out. I’ll deal with it. We will figure it out. But nothing’s worse than watching the pitch go by,鈥� he says.

A Legacy Beyond the Uniform

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Zellar and his ROTC colleagues proved indispensable, running testing sites and helping keep the University operational. It exemplified what he values most about service: being there when it matters.

As Zellar retires from military service later this year, he leaves behind more than statistics. He leaves young officers commissioned and ready to lead, recruits who found purpose and opportunity, and countless individuals whose lives changed because one person was willing to show up every time, without fail.

As he moves forward, Zellar will continue to pursue his real estate career. And he is looking forward to spending more time on what matters most: his wife Gloriann, daughters Audrey and Gabriella, and son Andrew Jr.

Amid the rhythm of early morning drills and the high demands of military service, Ty Tran 鈥�24 knew he could not compromise his duties in pursuit of higher education.

Tran, having served through multiple deployments and duty stations throughout his eight-year career in the U.S. Navy, naturally approached his education with the same enduring discipline and purpose. Now a seasoned leader in operations and team leadership, Tran recounts his journey with deep care, reflecting on the critical role of his service in shaping his experience in education and the workforce.

When Tran began researching where to pursue higher education, he knew he had to be intentional with both his time and resources. He sought institutions that were equipped to support both his academic goals and the demands of military life. During this search, he returned to a critical question: At what place would he fit and feel supported as both a student and a service member?

Learning to Lead With Empathy

The stood out immediately with its flexible learning, strong advising and a culture built around supporting working professionals and military service members.

The real anchor came in the form of his advisor, Cherri Wells, whose mentorship carried him through deployments, breaks, cross-country moves and degree changes. Over four years, Wells became more than an advisor but a guiding light amidst the uncertainty and challenges of balancing service and studies.

鈥淏efore 性视界, I was very focused on structure and execution鈥攄oing my job well, checking the boxes,鈥� says Tran. 鈥淏ut my experience here, especially the people who鈥檝e guided me, taught me to look beyond that. I鈥檝e learned to lead with empathy and to see the value in slowing down and truly learning from the process.鈥�

As that stability took root, so did Tran鈥檚 sense of direction. He initially entered the program under the liberal arts core, but soon shifted toward a more focused path, a blend between his passion for leadership, operations and creativity.

The college’s track became the ideal path to his long-term dream of working in the beauty and luxury marketing industry. Tran lauded the program鈥檚 versatility, allowing him to merge the leadership skills he had developed through years of military service with a longtime dream of his.

Ultimately, Tran鈥檚 discipline and commitment to growth led him to the 鈥攁n opportunity rooted in the very values he had embraced both in the U.S. Navy and the classroom.

Becoming a Seinfeld Scholar was not a mere accolade for him but an embodiment of his journey throughout military service and education. It was a celebration of individuals like Tran who overcame significant personal and professional obstacles to realize their own unique aspirations. The program鈥檚 credo, 鈥淣ever Give Up,鈥� became a guiding philosophy as he pursued a non-traditional educational path.

Embracing a Mosaic of Experiences

Among fellow Seinfeld Scholars, Tran reveals what he calls a 鈥渕odern folklore,鈥� individuals whose stories carried their own forms of magic. Veterans, parents, career changers, students rebuilding their lives鈥攁ll under one guiding philosophy. Despite their vastly different paths and challenges, Tran recognized pieces of himself in those stories, and pieces of them in his own.

Today, Tran sees his education as more than a credential. He reflects on his journey as a veteran and student, seeing his life as a mosaic of experiences that have shaped who he is and who he continues to become.

He embraces persistence, wisdom and the courage to pursue his goals relentlessly. He encourages others to move forward thoughtfully, balancing discipline with compassion, and to trust that their paths will unfold with purpose.

In sharing his story, Tran shows that purpose is not found in a single moment, but in the steady, deliberate steps that carry us forward, and he hopes others will find their own sense of direction along the way.

Story by Katie Huang

The announced the hiring of Marine Corps veteran Justin Machain as the director of the (OVS), bringing to campus more than a decade of experience supporting student veterans and military-connected students in higher education.

The former director, retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief Keith Doss, entered retirement in early December after 35 years at 性视界 University. Doss began his career on campus in 1990, serving in various capacities around the university before joining the OVS in 2011, known as the Veterans Resource Center at the time. Doss steered the OVS through some of the most transformative years in the University鈥檚 recent history in supporting student veterans and military-connected students. He has been referred to by many student veterans over the years as a critical component to their success in higher education.

Machain, a native of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, comes to 性视界 from the University of Colorado where he served as the assistant registrar, which included the responsibility of being the lead school certifying official (SCO). SCOs are a vital component for military-connected students using their education benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Not only do they ensure all administrative requirements are met, they serve as a vital conduit of information between the VA and students.

鈥淧laying a proactive role really helps offset any kind of financial or academic issues that may come up,” Machain says. “If student veterans inform the staff here of any issues or questions, we can get ahead of any potential problems and tackle any roadblocks before the veteran experiences any difficulties or disruptions with their benefits.”

Machain brings with him a wide variety of experience from institutions in higher education across the country. From Austin Peay State University in Tennessee, to his home state of Pennsylvania with Montgomery County Community College and Villanova University.

He earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in secondary education from Kutztown University, and later, a master鈥檚 degree in political science from East Stroudsburg University.

鈥淚 started in higher education after I completed graduate school in 2012, and I鈥檝e been in higher education ever since,鈥� says Machain. 鈥淭he majority of my job descriptions and duties have been working with student veterans, whether it be certifying benefits or running student veteran centers on campus.”

Machain聽 joined the Marine Corps in 1999 after graduating from high school. After four years of service, which included a deployment to Iraq in early 2003 with the 1^st Marine Division, he left the Corps and leveraged the education benefits of his G.I. Bill.

Aside from being closer to home, Machain says a big appeal for coming to 性视界 was the university鈥檚 reputation with veterans in higher education.

鈥淚t was just a great opportunity to finally transition to a school where veterans kind of took front seat,鈥� says Machain. 鈥淭he university treats veterans with the same priority most educational institutions treat student athletes, and it鈥檚 just great to be at a place that puts military-connected students at the forefront.鈥�

The University has seen a 300% increase in veteran and military-connected enrollment since 2015, and in that time, the OVS has handled more than $156 million in VA education payments to the University. With more than 700 students typically requiring certification for VA benefits each semester, Machain enters an office that is critical to making the University the 鈥淏est Place for Veterans.鈥�

鈥淭he expansion of professional staff that work with student veterans has definitely grown in spaces across higher education,” Machain says. “Since I started in higher ed, offices and personnel have expanded on college campuses for student veterans because the VA and state regulations can change so much. It takes much more time for the staff to be able to figure out the new guidelines and everything.”

As Machain settles into his new position, he says he wants veteran and military-connected students to be reminded of how crucial communication with the OVS is.

鈥淵ou can only give out so much information,” he says. “Every student situation is different, so without them asking about their particular life circumstances, situations or things they are experiencing, we may not know how to best answer or help them through that. This office and these certifying officials do a great job of getting information out to students like I鈥檝e never seen anywhere else, so they鈥檙e doing their part. It also falls on the student a little bit when they have an issue or situation to reach out, and I highly encourage them to do so.鈥�

Students using their VA benefits at the University are highly encouraged to reach out to the OVS if they have any questions or concerns about their benefits. The OVS is located in Suite 012 on the bottom floor of the National Veterans Resource Center in the Dan and Gayle D鈥橝niello Building. Students are encouraged to contact the OVS via e-mail or by calling 315.443.0358.

After serving her country as a U.S. Navy Seabee and continuing her service in the Air National Guard, Nadia Morris-Mitchell 鈥�24, G鈥�26 is answering a new call: teaching. The 性视界 native has enrolled as a in the University鈥檚 , where she is pursuing a master鈥檚 degree in .

Seeing the Impact

The Baldanza Fellows program, a partnership of the School of Education, and several Central New York school districts, aims to recruit and retain teachers who bring diverse life experiences to the classroom. Fellows receive tuition assistance, a stipend and a guaranteed teaching position in a partner district upon graduation.

“Nadia is paired with the 性视界 City School District, so she will have a middle or high school teaching position in special education when she successfully completes the program,” says , professor and program coordinator. “Local school districts are looking for teachers who bring varied life experiences into the profession, and we know this benefits students. With her military background, Nadia exemplifies the kinds of life and work experiences the fellows program supports. We are excited to have her and look forward to seeing the impact she will have on 性视界 students over her career.”

Helping the Community

Morris-Mitchell began her educational journey as a part-time undergraduate in creative leadership through the . While completing a bachelor鈥檚 degree, she continued serving in the Air National Guard鈥檚 174th Attack Wing public health team鈥攁 unit responsible for disease monitoring, occupational safety and vaccination programs for nearly 2,000 members. She continues to serve during her graduate studies.

Her commitment to service extends beyond the military. She works part-time as a fitness instructor and volunteers in her community, balancing what she calls 鈥渙rganized chaos鈥� with a disciplined routine shaped by her years in uniform. 鈥淚n the military, I got used to waking up early and getting things done,鈥� she says. 鈥淓ven today, it鈥檚 lights out at 10 p.m.鈥�

Morris-Mitchell鈥檚 decision to teach was sparked by outreach from the School of Education鈥檚 graduate admissions team. Recognizing the need for special education teachers in 性视界, she embraced the opportunity. 鈥淛oining a program like this fulfills me and gives me more purpose,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t makes me feel as though I鈥檓 helping the community.鈥�

One of Us

As part of her application process, Morris-Mitchell interviewed with the 性视界 school district, in anticipation of being offered a teaching position when she graduates. Beginning her program in summer 2025, she already has two field experiences under her belt, one in the Solvay Union Free School District and another helping teach English language arts in 性视界’s Nottingham High School.

Mitchell-Morris says her field experiences have helped her to understand resource disparities between city schools and the suburban high school鈥擟icero-North 性视界鈥攕he attended: “This experience has opened my eyes to differences in classroom behaviors and class management.”

Moreover, her keen eye and military understanding of logistics and public health have led her to notice other distinctions, such as how many 性视界 students rely on city transportation instead of school buses or the narrow food choices at Nottingham’s sports complex concession stand. “There’s little choice other than hot dogs and chips in an area of food insecurity,” says Morris-Mitchell. “It makes me wonder why things here have to be at a bare minimum.”

Most importantly, she says, the students in her placement classes “have been great” and鈥攁n especially good sign for the Baldanza Fellows program鈥攕ome have voiced appreciation about having a teacher who looks like them: “‘You’re one of us,’ they鈥檝e said to me.”

Standing before the at , surrounded by his peers in the 10th annual class of , Ray Toenniessen 鈥�06 felt clarity, focused by the stillness and weight of sacrifice around them.

In that moment, three of his classmates and the program’s retiring co-director Mike Hemphill鈥攁ll fellow veterans鈥攍aid a wreath at the tomb. Watching them, the deputy executive director of the felt the lessons of everything he’d learned, questioned and wrestled with throughout the program鈥攁nd through lectures and meetings with two former presidents鈥攃oalesce into one realization. Leadership is about responsibility.

鈥淚t’s hard to put into words, but it was a very deep moment of connection and reflection amongst the class,鈥� he says.

The聽 cemetery visit was made during the six-month program鈥檚 final module. During a block of free time, Toenniessen and the handful of other veterans in the cohort arranged to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

But the entire class ended up joining the group.

With the evidence of the ultimate sacrifice made in service around them, following months of lessons on leadership, Toenniessen says everyone was overcome with emotion.

鈥淲e had all formed deep connections, deep relationships by this point,鈥� he says. 鈥淎rlington and the tomb, to many of us who served, holds a very personal meaning. And so seeing the class gathered around the tomb was really powerful.鈥�

What It Was Like Participating

Over the course of program, Toenniessen and his 57 classmates gathered for six modules, starting in Philadelphia and ending in the nation鈥檚 Capitol, visiting the participating presidential centers in-between: the , the , the and then the .

During each module, the class went through the lessons and learnings from the presidents.

鈥淲e did a lot of reading around that specific president, key legislation, oftentimes key speeches, looking at their actions,鈥� Toenniessen says. 鈥淭hen when you were on site, you were really looking at, 鈥榃ell, what led them to those decisions? Why did LBJ need to be so persuasive? Why was it important to President Bush to build coalitions and partnerships? How is President Clinton such an effective communicator?鈥�

In College Station, , who served as George H.W. Bush鈥檚 secretary of transportation and later as George W. Bush鈥檚 chief of staff, gave a firsthand account of 9/11, telling the scholars about the moment he about the attacks.

In Dallas, the scholars heard Bush speak, then they heard from both President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in Little Rock. The talks were followed by dinners, closed to the press, where participants could talk candidly with the former presidents.

鈥淭hat part of the program is just hands-down one of those experiences that you’ll probably never get again,鈥� Toenniessen says.

Learning also happened outside the focus on the former presidents, Toenniessen says.

The class was composed of people from all walks of life, different industries and backgrounds, and outside the lectures and program events, the scholars took the opportunity to get to know one another and learn from each other鈥檚 experiences.

鈥淲e clicked as a cohort very early,鈥� Toenniessen says. 鈥淵ou’re able to lean on folks, not just for things going on in the program, but things that might be happening in your work or professional life.鈥�

The Lessons on Leadership

Toenniessen says one of his biggest takeaways from the program is that with humility and intention鈥攖hrough listening, compromise, courage鈥攊t is possible to bridge divides to serve your community.

鈥淚n an environment that seems so politically hostile, how do you bring people together with differing views, differing backgrounds and get them to a place where it’s OK to disagree,鈥� Toenniessen says. 鈥淏ut how do we do it from a place of respect and civil discourse and still even be able to maintain friendships and relationships through it.鈥�

Humility was also touched upon by General Peter Pace, a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

鈥淗e spoke a lot about starting with humility and not going in guns blazing, but really taking this stance of humility as you’re speaking truth to power,鈥� Toenniessen says.

It鈥檚 a lesson from the program that made clear to Toenniessen that real leadership is about showing up, quietly and consistently in service to something greater than oneself.

In a Linkedin post, Toenniessen reflected on his experience in the program, saying it deepened his understanding of leadership.

鈥溾�嬧�婭t reshaped how I want to lead,鈥� he wrote. 鈥淲ith humility. With intention. And with a commitment to showing up when it matters.鈥�

The College of Professional Studies (CPS) plays in the University鈥檚 support for veterans and military-connected students, offering flexible degree pathways and innovative military credit evaluation.

As of the Fall 2025 semester, 19% of all currently serving military students attending 性视界 University are enrolled in CPS degree programs. Currently serving military students are service members on active duty, National Guard or reserve status.

This leadership is driven by the College of Professional Studies鈥� innovative and progressive work to standardize the University鈥檚 military credit evaluation, which evaluates military technical training and professional military education for academic credit.

“Bachelor of professional studies [BPS] degrees are designed specifically for individuals like currently serving members of the armed forces juggling service obligations and life responsibilities with their educational goals,鈥� says Michael Frasciello, dean of the College of Professional Studies. 鈥淲e offer an accessible combination of flexibility, applied and focused career preparation, progressive credit transfer [up to 90 credits], and recognition of military experience and training.鈥�

Currently serving military students admitted to the College of Professional Studies鈥� BPS programs are being recommended and awarded an average of 30 equivalency credits for their military technical training and professional military education.

Diverse Support for Military-Connected Students

The College of Professional Studies supports 33% of all military-connected students at 性视界 University, including active duty, veterans and military dependents. Through its nationally recognized military advising model, CPS has achieved skyrocketing persistence and graduation rates.

Persistence Rate

• College of Professional Studies: 93%
• National average: 45%

Graduation Rate

• College of Professional Studies: 70%
• National average: 20%

鈥淥ur ability to successfully support one-third of the University鈥檚 military-connected students is only possible because of聽our advisors聽who聽are specifically trained to understand the unique challenges military-connected students face,鈥� says Liz Green, executive director of the student experience for Online Student Success. 鈥淭his success starts with a recognition that military-connected students are non-traditional, adult learners with distinct needs.鈥�

The college provides holistic support that proactively addresses academic, administrative and military service-related challenges, such as deployment interruptions, VA benefits navigation, credit transfer from military training and work-life-study balance, in an integrated way.

Coupled with its national ranking as the among private universities, CPS is at the forefront of 性视界 University鈥檚 commitment to being the

To learn more about military-connected support, visit聽.

The 性视界 University (OVMA) invites the campus community to the National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC) at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building for the annual observance of 性视界 University’s Veterans Day ceremony.

The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11, and will be held in the K.G. Tan Auditorium, followed by a reception in the Bisignano Grand Hall inside the NVRC.

Hosted by the OVMA, the Veterans Day observance reflects 性视界 University鈥檚 long-standing commitment to serving military-connected students, veterans and their families. The tradition dates back to World War I, when the University established the Student Army Training Corps, the precursor to today鈥檚 Reserve Officer Training Corps.

性视界 University Chancellor and President Kent Syverud will deliver remarks recognizing the contributions of veterans across the campus community and beyond. This year鈥檚 ceremony coincides with the celebration of the OVMA鈥檚 10th anniversary.

This year鈥檚 keynote address will be delivered by retired U.S. Air Force General Lester L. Lyles, former vice chief of staff of the Air Force and commander of Air Force Materiel Command. A 35-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Gen. Lyles oversaw major defense acquisition, logistics and technology programs and later served as chair of the National Science Board and the NASA Advisory Council.

鈥淏y any measure, veterans are part of the 鈥榮ecret sauce鈥� of our national security community,鈥� says Lyles, a Washington, D.C., native and Howard University alumnus. 鈥淲e should always strive to value them; to respect and honor their service to our country; and learn from them.鈥�

All students, faculty, staff, alumni and local community members are invited to attend.

Those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP through the . The NVRC has limited accessible parking spaces available for those who require parking accommodations; email vma@syr.edu to make parking arrangements. General parking is available throughout campus.

and the , in partnership with the (IVMF) and the National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC), are hosting a discussion of art, identity and conflict featuring Veterans Writing Award-winning authors on Friday, Nov. 7, at 5 p.m. at the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D鈥橝niello Building at 101 Waverly Ave. The event is featured in the Humanities Center鈥檚 on 鈥淐reativity.鈥�

Robin Caudell, the 2023 Veterans Writing Award winner, will read an excerpt from her upcoming book, “Black Heel Strings: A Choptank Memoir,” published by 性视界 University Press. In addition, the panel discussion will include award-winning veteran writers Dewaine Farria, Brian O鈥橦are, Jenny Pacanowski and Maurice Decaul. Those interested in attending should . A reception and book signing will take place following the panel discussion.

As an extension of the Veteran鈥檚 Writing Award, the University will also host a on Nov. 8 and 9 at the NVRC. Participants will have the opportunity to receive instruction and develop their writing under the direction of Farria, O鈥橦are and Pacanowski.

The workshop provides veterans a space to reflect on their experiences, gain insight and solace, process complex emotions, and build public voices and community with other service members while sharing stories with varied audiences. Those interested in applying to participate in the workshop should complete the by Oct. 1. The cost of participating in the workshop is $100, which covers the cost of instructional material and food. A limited number of need-based scholarships are available. If you would like to be considered, please contact vwasubmissions@syr.edu.

The weekend workshop includes two public readings by workshop leaders and participants. A full schedule of events is available on the .

性视界 the veteran writer panelists on Friday, Nov. 7:

• Robin Michel Caudell is an award-winning Press-Republican staff writer. A Native of Maryland鈥檚 Eastern Shore, Caudell served in the U.S. Air Force and was a John L. Levitow Honor Graduate. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Goddard College. Her poetry has been anthologized in national and international publications. She is the director/screenwriter for “Witness Tree at Union Road,” a documentary in collaboration with Skidmore College. Veteran, activist and author Anuradha Bhagwati selected Caudell鈥檚 memoir “Black Heel Strings: A Choptank Memoir” as the 2023 winner of the Veterans Writing Award.
• Dewaine Farria served in Jordan and Ukraine as a U.S. Marine. In addition to his military service, Farria served in the United Nations’ Department of Safety and Security. He supervises field security for the Asian Development. He holds an MA in international relations from the University of Oklahoma and an MFA in creative writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Farria鈥檚 writing has appeared in Literary Hub, The New York Times, Southern Humanities Review, The Daily Beast and War on the Rocks. Tobias Wolff selected his novel “” as the winner of the inaugural Veterans Writing Award.
• Brian O鈥橦are is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, former Marine officer and Gulf War veteran. He is an award-winning writer and filmmaker living in Los Angeles. National Book Award winner Phil Klay selected his short story collection “” as the winner of the 2021 Veterans Writing Award. His film “Rizoo,” about a young girl deciding whether to wear the hijab for a class picture, was released in 2025 by The New Yorker. His feature documentary “Cannon Shot” about the world鈥檚 largest croquet match between the U.S. Naval Academy and St. John鈥檚 College, will premiere later this year.
• Jenny Pacanowski is a poet, playwright, military combat veteran and public speaker. She is the founder and artistic director of Women Veterans Empowered and Thriving (WVE&T), which has expanded its programming to include men, civilian support members and LGBTIA+ community members. Her writing has appeared in The War Horse, Spring St, Aquila Theater, The Journal of Military Behavioral Health and multiple poetry anthologies. She wrote the original drama 鈥淒ionysus in America,鈥� which premiered in October 2019 at Canopy Theater and The Vortex. In June 2025, Jenny earned an MFA degree in performance creation.
• Maurice Decaul is a former Marine, poet, essayist and playwright. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Daily Beast, Sierra Magazine, Epiphany, Callaloo, Narrative and other outlets. His poems have been translated into French and Arabic and his theatrical works, “Holding it Down” and “Sleep Song,” collaborations with composer Vijay Iyer and poet Mike Ladd, have been produced and performed at New York City鈥檚 Harlem Stage, the Atlas Intersections Festival in Washington, D.C., and in Paris and Antwerp. He holds degrees in creative writing from Columbia University and New York University.

性视界 University Press, in cooperation with the D鈥橝niello Institute, established the Veterans Writing Award in 2019. The mission of the Veterans Writing Award is to recognize the contributions of veterans to the literary arts, shine a light on the multivalent veteran experience and provide a platform for unrecognized military writers. For more information, visit the . To ensure accessibility, CART and ASL services will be provided for this event.

Story by Lisa Kuerbis

The (IVMF) is proud to announce the appointment of Stacy Hawkins as the new managing director of research and evaluation. A nationally respected behavioral research scientist, Hawkins brings more than 15 years of experience leading applied research focused on the health, resilience, and readiness of military service members, veterans, and their families.

Hawkins most recently served as chief of family research and principal investigator at Booz Allen Hamilton, where she led a multidisciplinary team producing technical reports, policy briefs and peer-reviewed publications used by military leaders and program designers. Prior to that, Hawkins served as a researcher at the University of Arizona and the RAND Corporation. Her publications have appeared in leading journals such as Family Process, Journal of Family Psychology, Military Behavioral Health and Evaluation Review.

A key part of her vision at IVMF is to expand the reach and impact of the institute鈥檚 research and evaluation agenda. That includes focusing on the most at-risk populations in the veteran community, growing partnerships and pursuing opportunities that build on IVMF鈥檚 interdisciplinary foundation.

鈥淚鈥檝e always been drawn to applied research. Even in graduate school, I knew I wanted my work to not only be high-quality, but to have a meaningful impact on real people,鈥� says Hawkins. 鈥淭he IVMF鈥檚 work is exceptional鈥擨鈥檝e followed it for years, especially on the research and evaluation side. I love bringing data, evidence and science into the conversation for policymakers and program leaders, giving them findings they can apply in ways that truly help.鈥�

Hawkins steps into the role at a pivotal moment for both the IVMF and the broader veteran community. The needs of transitioning service members, military spouses and veteran families are evolving. Questions around employment, mental health, family support and community reintegration require research that is timely, relevant and practical. Hawkins鈥� arrival strengthens the IVMF鈥檚 mission to meet those challenges through evidence-based solutions rooted in academic excellence and real-world application.

鈥溞允咏� University is proud to be an R1 institution where research drives national impact,鈥� says Ray Toenniessen, deputy executive director of the IVMF. 鈥淪tacy brings academic rigor and a deep understanding of the human experiences behind the data. Her expertise in the military and veteran community has already produced impactful work, and we look forward to her leadership in ensuring our research at the D鈥橝niello IVMF remains both relevant and actionable.鈥�

A champion of applied and community-centered research, Hawkins has spent her career focused on translating science into better programs and policies. She has led large-scale evaluation and research projects for the Department of Defense and other federal agencies, including studies on parental leave in the military, family program effectiveness and mental health outcomes for military-connected youth. Her work has influenced how the military approaches integrated prevention, social support systems and family readiness.

Hawkins holds both a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in psychology from Claremont Graduate University, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Azusa Pacific University. She has served as a keynote speaker at the Association of the United States Army and has presented her work to numerous military and academic audiences. Over her career, she has secured significant research funding and mentored emerging scholars across both academic and applied settings.

Her appointment also represents the continuation of the IVMF鈥檚 leadership in national veteran research. The institute regularly contributes to policy discussions and congressional testimony, providing data and insights on topics such as veteran employment, entrepreneurship, access to education and community reintegration. With the support of 性视界 University and its academic enterprise, the IVMF maintains one of the largest and most respected research portfolios focused on the military-connected population.