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.”

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.

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.

When Chris Teodoro G鈥�22 embarked on his 性视界 University journey after 24 years in the U.S. Army, he discovered what many transitioning veterans already know: asking for help doesn’t come naturally.

Thankfully, that provides customized support and explains the essential resources available to guide veterans and military-connected students on their journey to a college degree.

Now in its second year, the (OVMA) Resiliency Program (ORP)鈥攁 collaboration with and the (housed in the )鈥攔epresents a new model of integrative support for veterans and military-connected students transitioning from active duty to pursuing a degree.

鈥淭here鈥檚 this belief among veterans that they don鈥檛 need to ask for help and can figure out the issues they鈥檙e dealing with. But student veterans need to know they don鈥檛 have to go through this transition alone, that there are lots of us who have transitioned and are more than willing to give back,鈥� says Teodoro, who is currently pursuing a doctorate of professional studies in information management from the .

ORP staff employ a holistic perspective, combining academic, social, emotional and spiritual skills to provide a model approach for supporting veterans and military-connected students.

鈥淥ur mission is addressing the unique stressors that veterans and military-connected students face in higher education while promoting their resiliency, their academic and personal successes and the connectedness of our campus,鈥� says , program director and faculty director of online programs and strategic initiatives in the School of Education. 鈥淲e鈥檙e serving veterans in a comprehensive way.鈥�

Targeting educational rather than clinical offerings, Marfilius says the ORP has helped connect veterans to housing and academic advising resources, developed impactful programs, built campus partnerships and engaged with faculty and staff to raise awareness about the unique needs of student veterans.

VITAL Program Bridges Gap Between Military and Academic Life

One of the program鈥檚 early successes is the Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL) program, a partnership with the 性视界 Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center鈥檚 .

Working with the , veterans and military-connected students can receive direct access to mental health and wellness professionals while learning more about applicable VA programs and benefits, receiving advice and guidance as they transition from active duty into academic life.

鈥淭ransitioning from military service to civilian life can be overwhelming, and entering an academic environment adds another layer of complexity,鈥� says Sonya Mangovski, 性视界 VA M2VA program manager. 鈥淰ITAL bridges that gap, providing student veterans the support they need to thrive both academically and personally.鈥�

During each semester, drop-in office hours for the VITAL program are held on the first floor of the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D鈥橝niello Building.聽Military-connected students can email the ORP for more information about upcoming office hours.

鈥淭his is valuable outreach and education, and we鈥檙e hoping to develop workshops and trainings around this effort,鈥� Marfilius says. 鈥淭his connection really strengthens the bridge between our campus and the VA, ensuring that no students fall through the cracks.鈥�

Normalizing Help-Seeking Behaviors

The ORP gave Teodoro access to an academic advisor who knows first-hand what he鈥檚 going through: Marfilius, a U.S. Air Force veteran who served as a mental health provider as an active-duty officer.

As Teodoro works toward his second degree鈥攈e also earned a master of business administration degree from the 鈥攈e is focusing on how special operations veterans like himself can successfully navigate their transition from active duty to civilian life.

鈥淭he support from the military-connected community at 性视界 has been outstanding,鈥� says Teodoro, who lives in Tampa Bay, Florida. 鈥淚 am involved in our military community here in Tampa and want to use the framework of my degree to make an impact for our transitioning veterans.鈥�

By connecting the University鈥檚 academic departments with veterans鈥� services resources on campus and in the community, the ORP is providing a coordinated and informed approach while helping remove barriers to success for military-connected students.

鈥淢aking this program more visible and accessible helps us normalize help-seeking behaviors while building a stronger sense of community,鈥� Marfilius says.

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.

A time-honored celebration of academic achievement, leadership and military history was on full display at the JMA Wireless Dome during the 108th Chancellor鈥檚 Review and Awards Ceremony on March 28.

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

The event is one of 性视界 University鈥檚 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鈥檚 Readjustment Act of 1944, better known as the G.I. Bill.

This year鈥檚 ceremony featured a formal inspection of the troops by Chancellor Kent Syverud 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.

鈥淓very year the Army and Air Force ROTC cadets at 性视界 University make significant accomplishments and contributions which are important for us, as a campus community, to recognize and celebrate,鈥� said retired U.S. Army Col. Ron Novack, executive director of the . 鈥淪ome of these cadets are D1 athletes, others are heavily involved in civic and community projects on and off campus. They鈥檙e balancing an incredible workload and staying true to their commitment to become future commissioned officers in the U.S. military. If you look at the summary of accomplishments these cadets have made over the last year, it鈥檚 truly remarkable.鈥�

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.

The General Edward C. Meyer Leadership Award was presented to U.S. Army ROTC Cadet Andrew Lopane for demonstrating exceptional officer potential and leadership. Lopane is enrolled at where he studies landscape architecture, and has also volunteered with 性视界 University Ambulance, a student organization that responds to more than 1,500 medical emergencies each year.

鈥淭he Chancellor鈥檚 Review is a longstanding tradition that honors the dedication, leadership and achievements of Army and Air Force ROTC cadets, reinforcing the University鈥檚 deep connection to military service,鈥� says U.S. Army Lt. Col. Matthew Coyne, professor of military science at 性视界 University and the commander of the Stalwart Battalion. 鈥淭hrough this event, cadets gain well-earned recognition for their hard work, motivation to excel, and a sense of pride in their commitment to serving the nation.鈥�

The Professor John A. and Dean Marion Meyer Scholar Award was presented to U.S. Air Force ROTC Cadet Charles Tang 鈥�25 for exemplary performance and inspirational leadership. Tang, who is studying political science at the , was also named a Dottle Scholar in 2023, and credits his time at 性视界 for shaping the person he is today.

鈥淔our years ago, I would not have ever imagined a career in the military. 性视界 University and the AFROTC program have made me confident in my ability to lead as a future officer in the US Air Force,” says Tang. “I have taken great pleasure in working with my peers to train and mentor our younger cadets, and I am grateful for this unique opportunity 性视界 has provided me with.鈥�

The ceremony closed with a 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.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Skarda, commander of Detachment 535, summed up the significance of the moment: 鈥溞允咏� University doesn鈥檛 just talk about supporting ROTC鈥攊t has demonstrated that commitment for 108 years in a tradition that even predates the Air Force itself. For our cadets, this event is more than a ceremony; it鈥檚 a powerful moment of pride and recognition that will stay with them for a lifetime.鈥�

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

In January 2025, instructional design, development and evaluation (IDDE) professors Moon-Heum Cho and Rob Pusch visited the latest cohort of students in the .

The program is offered by the School of Education through the (SGM-A) at the Noncommissioned Officer Leadership Center of Excellence (NCOLCOE), located at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas.

鈥淒uring our time there, we conducted three two-hour sessions and interacted with the military students,鈥� says Cho. 鈥淧rofessor Pusch covered content from his human performance technology course, while I focused on material from the evaluation course. We also sought the students鈥� feedback on how to improve their educational journey.鈥�

The academy鈥檚 relationship with the IDDE program began in 2019 when sergeants major were offered the opportunity to complete an聽. 性视界 was selected as SGM-A鈥檚 educational partner because of the high quality of the IDDE master鈥檚 program, as well as support offered from the聽, the聽, and the聽聽at the College of Professional Studies.

to learn about their military and educational journeys, why they chose the IDDE master鈥檚 degree program, and how they hope this credential will benefit their future.

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Rene Aleman

• Native of Robstown, Texas
• Date of Enlistment: 2000

In addition to NCOLCOE, SGM Aleman鈥檚 many assignments include those in the U.S., an assignment to the Republic of Korea, and deployments to Iraq, Kuwait and Jordan.聽Aleman鈥檚 military education includes Basic, Advanced and Senior NCO courses; Recruiter School; Basic Instructor and First Sergeant courses; and the Global Combat Systems Army Warehouse Operations Course. He earned a bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary studies from the University of Texas-El Paso, an M.B.A. from Webster University and a doctorate in Business Administration with a cognate in project management.

鈥淪erving my country and the Army for more than 24 years has molded me into what I am today,鈥� Aleman says. 鈥淭he IDDE program provides me an opportunity to give back to the Army and to help mold the next generation of sergeants major. … I plan to apply my experience as an instructor to challenge future sergeants major to expand their thinking and open their minds to new ideas and technology.鈥�

Given his extensive military and civilian education, it鈥檚 no surprise to hear that Aleman has 鈥渃onsistently challenged鈥� himself throughout his career: 鈥淎s a recruiter, I promoted educational benefits, but I did not hold a degree. I sought out my first degree just to apply what I spoke about and 鈥榳alk the talk.’鈥�

Aleman then pursued higher educational goals 鈥渢o prove you can complete a doctoral degree while on active duty.鈥� Enrolling in the IDDE program continues that quest: 鈥淚 want to leverage the IDDE program to grow my understanding of technology and educate those around me. IDDE aligns with my long-term career goals as an educator, instructor, and mentor.鈥�

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Lourdes M. Barragan

• Native of Abilene, Texas
• Date of Enlistment: 2001

SGM Barragan鈥檚 almost 24 years of service has included duty locations throughout the U.S., as well as two combat deployments to Iraq and an overseas assignment in Germany. In that time, she served the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) as a Drill Sergeant and Battalion Command Sergeant Major, as well as Forces Command (FORSCOM) and the Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM).

Barragan鈥檚 awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Military Intelligence Corps Knowlton award, signifying contributions to the Military Intelligence community and its soldiers. Barragan earned a bachelor’s of science degree from Excelsior University in 2018.

鈥淢y answer to why I joined the School of Education鈥檚 IDDE program might be slightly different than my peers,鈥� Barragan says. 鈥淭his program permits me to develop and continue my love for lifelong learning while allowing my fianc茅 and me to serve at NCOLCOE together.鈥�

The IDDE curriculum, which focuses on creating educational products across technological platforms, piqued Barragan鈥檚 interest: 鈥淚 appreciate the focus on practical skills and the use of educational technology to deliver high-quality instructional solutions.鈥� Barragan also notes that a friend recommended the program, saying 鈥渋t has good benefits post-military as well.鈥�

Like her Cohort 10 peers, Barragan says the IDDE master鈥檚 degree program 鈥済ives me another opportunity to give back.鈥�

鈥淚 will have the opportunity to teach future sergeants major once I complete my degree. I will be responsible for developing future curriculum, which would not have been possible without this program,鈥� Barragan says. 鈥淥ne word sums up my life and career: service. From the moment I joined, I have had unwavering support from my fellow soldiers who helped mold me into the person I am today. This degree allows me to serve at every key milestone of a soldier鈥檚 career and continue to support senior noncommissioned officers in their success.鈥� Barragan notes that the instructional design program will allow her continued investment in senior leaders, 鈥渆quipping them to continue to shape and guide the next generation of soldiers.鈥�

鈥淭he program has provided me with countless opportunities to bridge knowledge, skill, and attitude gaps and shape future curriculum,鈥� Barragan says. 鈥淭his program provides both government and private sectors paths towards success post-military and allows me to continue serving through education and self-development.鈥�

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Brady Ryan Davis

• Native of Dallas, Texas
• Date of Enlistment: 2000

After basic training, SGM Davis completed Advanced Individual Training, the U.S. Army Airborne School and the Ranger Indoctrination Program at Fort Benning, Georgia, before his assignment to Charlie Company, 3d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment as an anti-tank gunner.

Davis has served in multiple duty positions for the 75th Ranger Regiment, including as Headquarters and Headquarters Company First Sergeant. He deployed multiple times in support of the Global War on Terrorism and Operation Inherent Resolve, including as Command Sergeant Major for the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment. Following this assignment, Davis served as a Brigade Command Sergeant Major in the 82nd Airborne, deployed to Poland, and then as a Nominative Sergeant Major within the US Army Forces Command (FORSCOM).

Davis鈥� military education includes the Primary Leadership Development Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer and Maneuver Advanced Noncommissioned Officer courses, U.S. Army Airborne School, U.S. Army Ranger School, and Jumpmaster and Pathfinder courses. His bachelor鈥檚 degree is from Thomas Edison State University and his master鈥檚 degree is from the American Military University.

Davis describes his military career path as 鈥渘on-standard.鈥� Deployed 鈥減erpetually鈥� with the 75th Ranger Regiment from 2001 to 2016, his first change of station was at SGM-A, 鈥渨here I felt I would be an outcast as I did not know many 鈥榖asic Army things.鈥欌��

However, Davis found he excelled in the academic environment, assisting fellow students and participating in traditional military activities he had only read about during 16 years of service: 鈥淭his left such a lasting impact on me that I was determined to find my way back to the Academy to continue mentoring and educating our future leaders.鈥�

鈥淭he opportunity to attend 性视界 University and hone my skills in instructional design seemed to fit well with my proficiencies and attributes,鈥� continues Davis. 鈥淚t allows me an opportunity to give back through my experience as a Nominative Level Sergeant Major with the additional skillset I will learn through my 性视界 education.鈥�

Davis says once he retires from the military, he hopes to continue service as a federal employee, 鈥渦tilizing the credentials I am receiving with my IDDE degree.鈥�

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Liela Shadmani

• Native of Guam
• Date of Enlistment: 2002

After graduating basic combat training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, SGM Shadmani graduated the dental specialist course at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas. Her duty stations have included Fort Carson, Colorado; Fort Drum, New York; Fort Jackson; Fort Riley, Kansas; Baghdad; and South Korea.

In addition to serving as a dental specialist, Shadmani has been a dental and triage NCO, Platoon Sergeant, Small Group Leader with the 1st Infantry Division Warrior Leader Course and Team Lead NCO at the US Army Physical Fitness School. She also has served as First Sergeant with the Dental Health Activity at Fort Jackson and Fort Drum; First Sergeant at the 10th Mountain Division NCO Academy; and Clinical Operations SGM for the William Beaumont Army Medical Hospital.

In addition to a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and master’s degree in sports and health, Shadmani holds a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from Liberty University. Her military education includes courses for Sergeant Major, Master Resilience Facilitator and Trainer and Master Fitness Trainer.

鈥淢y overarching goal is to create meaningful changes within the U.S. Department of Education as a second career,鈥� says Shadmani. 鈥淏ut for now, I鈥檓 focused on being an asset across the military. I鈥檝e seen firsthand the critical role education plays in shaping effective leaders and teams.鈥�

In her previous roles as an instructor, Shadmani has had 鈥渢he opportunity to shape young leaders and help them understand the importance of self-efficacy.鈥�

鈥淭he more I immerse myself in education within the Army, the more I see gaps that need to be addressed,鈥� she says 鈥淚 want to be a part of filling those gaps by empowering soldiers and leaders with the knowledge and skills they need to s斐甦鈥攇iving them the confidence and sense of worth to tackle any challenge they face.鈥�

Shadmani says SOE鈥檚 IDDE program is helping her gain the tools she needs to make a lasting impact on leadership development within the Army and beyond: 鈥淚鈥檓 excited to continue this journey and bring what I learn into my future endeavors.鈥�

Growing up in Buffalo, Madison Kaifas-Steiner was no stranger to the bitter cold and snow-filled winters of Central New York. But when she joined 性视界 University鈥檚 cross-town Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program during her time at Le Moyne College, she discovered that Central New York winters hit differently鈥攅specially during outdoor field training.

鈥淭here were days we鈥檇 be out there in the snow, freezing, and I鈥檇 think, 鈥榃hat am I doing?鈥欌�� Kaifas-Steiner recalls. 鈥淏ut honestly, those tough conditions built a sense of camaraderie and resilience. You learn to embrace the challenge鈥攁nd maybe even enjoy it a little.鈥�

While most cadets in the Army ROTC program are 性视界 University students, a handful come from nearby colleges and universities. Through the cross-town program, 性视界 University hosts cadets from Le Moyne College, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, SUNY Oswego, Morrisville State College and Onondaga Community College. This arrangement allows students to pursue their academic goals while gaining the military sciences education needed for their careers.

Kaifas-Steiner didn鈥檛 have a military background or family ties to guide her decision to serve. Yet, something about ROTC drew her in, offering the chance to push her limits and pursue something bigger than herself. What began as a leap of faith soon became a transformative journey, leading Madison from the snowy fields of 性视界 to a deployment in Morocco as a medical officer鈥攁nd eventually back to 性视界 University鈥檚 campus, where she now works at the D鈥橝niello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF).

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 know what I was doing at first,鈥� Kaifas-Steiner says. 鈥淚 walked into ROTC with no military background, no family experience. I was completely lost.鈥�

The lessons she learned as a cadet laid the foundation for her early career as a commissioned officer, though she admits some lessons required real-world experience to fully grasp.

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 understand what they were talking about when I was in ROTC, but the officer and non-commissioned officer (NCO) relationship鈥攈ow important that is鈥攃ame to fruition in Morocco,鈥� Kaifas-Steiner says. 鈥淚 developed a really good relationship with my platoon sergeant (PSG). Now I talk to him all the time, and I just keep learning from all these different types of people.鈥�

Kaifas-Steiner recently joined the staff at IVMF, one of the military-affiliated organizations in the

National Veterans Resource Center on campus. As part of the enrollment and advising team, she is often the first point of contact for IVMF program participants. Her experience as a first lieutenant in the New York National Guard gives her unique insight into the needs of service members, veterans and their families.

鈥淭his place changed everything for me,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t set the tone for my life, my family, and my future. I wanted to give back to veterans and keep learning from them, so the IVMF was the perfect fit for me.鈥�

Reflecting on her journey, Kaifas-Steiner offers this advice to current ROTC cadets preparing to commission: 鈥淪tay open and stay humble. You鈥檙e never the smartest person in the room, and that鈥檚 a good thing. Learn from the people around you. You never know who you鈥檒l meet or what opportunities will come your way.鈥�

For Kaifas-Steiner, the ROTC program was more than a stepping stone鈥攊t was a transformative experience. 鈥淚t forever changed my life,鈥� she says. 鈥淭he program, the people and the opportunities I鈥檝e had since鈥擨鈥檓 so grateful for all of it.鈥�

性视界 University鈥檚 Office of Veteran and Military Affairs wants to hear from U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force ROTC cadets who have graduated and are currently serving. If you鈥檇 like to share your military experiences since commissioning, consider submitting your profile to the . Your story could inspire future generations of Orange leaders, in and out of uniform.

Earning a commission in the U.S. Army is a challenging process. Among the many attributes necessary to become a commissioned officer, physical fitness is a key element that can make or break a candidate鈥檚 potential military career.

In 2019, the U.S. Army implemented a newer, more rigorous physical fitness test to evaluate a soldier鈥檚 potential for physical performance in combat. Named the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), the new test required specific equipment and training space that many ROTC detachments across the nation simply did not have readily available.

When 性视界 University learned about this potential setback, they set forth a plan to ensure their future soldiers were given the tools necessary to s斐甦.

鈥淧hysical fitness is critical for our soldiers to meet the demands of their profession in the most challenging of situations and, ultimately, to accomplish our mission,鈥� says U.S. Army Lt.Col. Matthew Coyne, the ranking professor of military science at 性视界 University and detachment commander for the Stalwart Battalion. 鈥淗aving a higher physical fitness score improves their ability to assess into the component of their choice, or the branch of their choice.鈥�

By component or branch, Coyne is referring to the career field a soldier is assigned upon commissioning. Understanding the long-term impact that a fitness test could have on a cadet鈥檚 future career in the military, the University moved forward to turn a warehouse near Jamesville Avenue into the Stalwart Tactical Athlete Center, better known as the STAC.

The results of this initiative were made clear over the summer of 2024 when cadets from 性视界 University excelled in comparison to other ROTC units from the region and across the nation. 鈥淥ur cadets have achieved the highest Army combat fitness test average of all programs in the northeast. So out of 42 programs, they have the highest ACFT average, and they’re within the top three out of all programs in the United States,鈥� says Coyne.

Among those accolades, 性视界 University boasts the highest individual score during the 2024 Summer Cadet Training (CST) evolution. Cadet Byron Levi 鈥�25, a senior in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, credits the University鈥檚 support as being instrumental for his accomplishment.

鈥淭he STAC has been monumental in the physical and tactical preparation leading up to CST. Having a dedicated fitness facility that can be utilized allowed us to have a sharp advantage over most programs, not only in the northeastern region but nationwide,鈥� says Levi. 鈥淪talwart Battalion cadets pride ourselves on our commitment and pursuit of excellence, but our capacity to produce results and represent 性视界 University at the national level, especially during CST, would be limited without the support and resources we receive here.鈥�

As 性视界 University鈥檚 prominence in the military and veteran communities has increased over the years, so has the interest to attend the University by the next generation of U.S. Army officers. The Stalwart Battalion, year over year, has seen a growing trend with its enrollment, and 2024 marked its highest enrollment of cadets since 2020 and the second highest in the last 20 years; the detachment is currently preparing 124 cadets for military service after graduation.

鈥溞允咏� University has a historical commitment to supporting veterans in higher education, and since Chancellor Syverud鈥檚 2014 inaugural address calling for this university to once again become the 鈥楤est Place for Veterans,鈥� we have seen a dramatic shift in the quality of our programs, services and support we can offer our military-connected students,鈥� says retired U.S. Army Colonel Ron Novack, the executive director of 性视界 University鈥檚 Office of Veteran and Military Affairs. 鈥淣owhere is that more evident than in the success of our ROTC programs. These young men and women are not only going to make incredible officers in the military, but they鈥檙e going forward as ambassadors of our University. We鈥檙e dedicated to ensuring that their time here with us is not only rewarding personally but impactful for their future careers as commissioned officers.鈥�

Since the STAC opened, the ROTC staff and cadets have found multiple uses for the facility. In addition to much-needed storage space for the military equipment the detachment uses, the facility also offers a classroom and training space for cadets to meet and plan upcoming exercises and events, as well as rehearse small unit tactics in a controlled environment.

To learn more about the 性视界 University Army ROTC program, contact the Admissions and Recruiting Operations Officer Eric Schaertl at eshaert@syr.edu or 315.443.2462. To support 性视界 University鈥檚 initiatives to train the next generation of military leaders, please consider giving to the .

, teaching professor and director of veteran and military affairs in the College of Law,聽has been selected as the recipient of the聽. This award recognizes 鈥渁n attorney who has positively impacted or provided exemplary services to current and retired members of the U.S. military in New York State.鈥�

鈥淓lizabeth Kubala takes her students from the classroom to the community, breaking down barriers so veteran clients can access quality health care, food and other government benefits,” says Domenick Napoletano, president of the New York State Bar Association. “Her work bridges generations, aiding recent veterans now enrolled in college to those who fought in Korea and Vietnam.鈥�

Kubala is executive director of the College of Law’s (VLC). Under her direction, students have authored amicus briefs to the U.S. Supreme Court and argued cases at the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals. Kubala’s tenacity has brought about new programs and funding to fight veteran homelessness and substance use. Her nomination praised her infectious enthusiasm and passion for her work.

性视界 University and the College of Law proudly support veterans through a legacy of over 100 years of commitment to military-connected students. Recognized as one of the聽Best Private Schools for Veterans聽and dedicated to being the聽Best Place for Veterans, 性视界 offers unparalleled resources, academic programs and student organizations for our veteran population. The University is home to the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, a national nonprofit organization which has supported more than 208,000 service members, veterans and military family members through programs and services which empower them in their post service lives.

Earlier this year, student veteran Benetta Dousuah G鈥�25 was named one of 性视界 University鈥檚 2024 Tillman Scholars, joining an elite group of military-connected individuals committed to impactful leadership. Dousuah is currently pursuing a master鈥檚 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 性视界 University military-connected students, by the Pat Tillman Foundation for her demonstrated potential to lead and serve.

The Tillman Foundation, established in memory of former National Football League player and U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman, honors his legacy by supporting veterans, active-duty service members and military spouses through scholarships, professional development and a lifelong network. Tillman left behind a promising football career to serve his country following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and in 2004 suffered a tragic incident that cost him his life. His foundation seeks to empower others to embody his values of service, scholarship and humble leadership.

For Dousuah, being named a Tillman Scholar is a culmination of hard work and community-focused ambition. 鈥淲hen I first heard about the Tillman Foundation, I was honestly shocked that there was a foundation like that with people still in the service, veterans, and military spouses who were making an impact like that,鈥� Dousuah says. 鈥淚 wanted to be a part of that organization because they were making an impact, and that鈥檚 something that I wanted to do in my community; that was one of the main reasons why I applied for the scholarship.鈥�

The journey to becoming a Tillman Scholar is rigorous, many of those selected often speak of having to overcome imposter syndrome just to apply after seeing the accomplishments of past Tillman Scholars. Dousuah credits the supportive environment at 性视界 University for helping her s斐甦 through the application process which is renowned for requiring personal reflection.

One of those supportive sources she found was 性视界 University鈥檚 Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising (CFSA). Jolynn Parker, director of CFSA, assisted Dousuah in ensuring that she had the best application to put forward and, at times, gave her the encouragement that Dousuah says she needed.

鈥淪he gave me 鈥榤om vibes鈥欌�攖he kind where someone believes in you so much that you feel you can鈥檛 let them down,鈥� says Dousuah, who is a mother to a young daughter herself. 鈥淛olynn pushed me to be my best, holding me accountable while reminding me I could achieve this.鈥�

Additionally, Dousuah says she found help in preparing from the OVMA Executive Director Ron Novack provided Dousuah with opportunities to practice through mock interviews and prepare her to represent herself to the selection board.

For her dedication to service, Dousuah was recently honored as the Hometown Hero at the JMA Wireless Dome during men鈥檚 football game against the University of Connecticut. She says she鈥檚 excited for what the future brings to her with this new community of support behind her, and aims to help other military-connected students at 性视界 University who are interested in the Tillman Foundation or looking to apply.

Looking ahead, Dousuah plans to use her platform as a Tillman Scholar to advocate for veterans and pursue her goals of shaping policies within the Department of Defense鈥檚 Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP). She is also preparing for an impactful return to her home country of Liberia this winter, where she will distribute donated school supplies to children in need鈥攁 project she describes as fulfilling the Tillman Foundation鈥檚 mission of making a lasting difference.

Her advice for aspiring Tillman Scholars is simple, 鈥淏e yourself and don鈥檛 get discouraged. Whether or not you鈥檙e selected, the journey of applying is worth it鈥攁nd the foundation鈥檚 work is something to be a part of in any way you can,鈥� says Dousuah.

Applications for the Tillman Scholarship will open in early December and close in February 2025. Those military-connected students at 性视界 University who are interested in applying are highly encouraged to reach out to the OVMA, CFSA and any of the University鈥檚 .