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 .

A distinguished scientist and educator, a physician and healthcare innovator, a pioneering entrepreneur, a ground-breaking academic leader, a distinguished public servant and a transformative national leader in higher education will be recognized with honorary degrees from 性视界 University at the .

Dr. Ruth Chen, a professor of practice in biomedical and chemical engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science at 性视界 University; Dr. Mantosh Dewan, president, SUNY Distinguished Service Professor and the Alan and Marlene Norton Presidential Chair at Upstate Medical University; Clifford J. Ensley 鈥�69, 鈥�70, G鈥�71, founder and chief executive officer of Leisure Merchandising Corporation; Linda M. LeMura G’83, G’87, president of Le Moyne College; Joanne M. Mahoney 鈥�87, L鈥�90, president of the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry; and Chancellor Kent Syverud, the 12th chancellor and president of 性视界 University, will be honored for their outstanding professional contributions, achievements and service to their communities and the public good.

Dr. Ruth Chen
Doctor of Science

An environmental toxicologist, Dr. Chen has built a distinguished career at the intersection of environmental science, public health and policy, and has had an indelible impact on the 性视界 University community and Central New York through her commitment to students, scholarship, service and the public good.

Dr. Chen holds a Ph.D. and M.P.H. in environmental toxicology from the University of Michigan and an M.S. in biomedical sciences from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. Prior to academia, she served as state toxicologist for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, where she was responsible for risk assessment and risk management decisions across programs in permit, remediation, corrective action, combustion facilities, toxic substances and landfills. She provided expert counsel to multiple state divisions on issues of human health and toxicology while simultaneously managing Tennessee鈥檚 Drinking Water Laboratory Certification Program. She secured federal funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Environmental Protection Agency, and was a staff fellow at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), working on pharmacokinetics.

Before joining 性视界 University, Dr. Chen served on the faculty at the School of Engineering and Applied Science, Washington University in St. Louis, where she led a professional engineering master鈥檚 degree program and an international education program. At 性视界, she is admired for her ability to translate complex topics into accessible and inspiring learning experiences, with courses that bridge theory and application and empower students to see engineering as a vocation.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Chen鈥檚 leadership has strengthened student and community life in extraordinary ways. She has championed an award-winning International Student Success Model and hosts an annual International Thanksgiving Celebration for students who cannot travel home for the holidays. She is an advocate for Women in Science and Engineering and a consistent presence at student performances and athletics, ensuring every student feels they have a place at the University.

Dr. Chen鈥檚 impact extends well beyond campus. She has served on the boards of United Way, Interfaith Works and 性视界 Stage. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped procure masks for the community. She launched Operation Orange Warmup, the University鈥檚 winter coat drive, and through her support of local nonprofits, she has turned generosity into action across Central New York.

Dr. Mantosh Dewan
Doctor of Science

A physician scientist who has made significant contributions to clinical psychiatry, neuroimaging, psychotherapy and mental health systems, Dewan has dedicated his career to advancing medical education, expanding access to mental healthcare and serving the Central New York community.

Dewan began his career at SUNY Upstate in 1975 as a mixed medicine/psychiatry intern, becoming chief resident in psychiatry before joining the faculty as an assistant professor. Over the decades he has served as director of undergraduate education, director of residency training and chair of the Department of Psychiatry, and as interim dean of the College of Medicine from 2016 to 2017.

His scholarly output encompasses more than 80 papers, 35 books and book chapters, and hundreds of presentations on topics ranging from brain imaging and the economics of mental healthcare to psychotherapy and medical education. His research has been funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and the Health Resources and Services Administration. He is co-editor two books: 鈥淭he Difficult to Treat Psychiatric Patient鈥� and 鈥淭he Art and Science of Brief Psychotherapies,鈥� a best seller now in its third edition, translated into five languages and chosen for the American Psychiatric Association鈥檚 Core Competencies in Psychotherapy Series.

Dewan鈥檚 leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was transformational. Under his direction, Upstate developed the world鈥檚 most sensitive saliva diagnostic test and provided over four million tests to 60 of the 64 SUNY campuses, enabling all of SUNY to remain open and in-person. 性视界 University partnered directly with Upstate in this critical effort. Reflecting Dewan鈥檚 vision for leveraging technology to expand access to care, Upstate provides tele-psychiatry diagnostic and treatment services to students at 56 SUNY campuses. More recently, Dewan launched Upstate Biotech Ventures with $6 million in seed funding to cultivate biotech companies incubated at the medical center.

Listed in The Best Doctors in America and a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), Dewan has received numerous honors, including the APA鈥檚 George Tarjan Award, designation as an 鈥淓xemplary Chair鈥� by SUNY, 性视界 University鈥檚 Chancellor鈥檚 Medal in 2021 and an honorary degree from Onondaga Community College. He is also an affiliated professor at J枚nk枚ping University in Sweden.

Dewan鈥檚 career reflects intellectual curiosity, innovation, ethical leadership and a deep commitment to using science and medicine in service to society. His accolades and leadership reflect a career that has made profound contributions to science and to improve the well-being of the Central New York community.

Clifford J. Ensley 鈥�69, 鈥�70, G鈥�71
Doctor of Humane Letters

A dedicated University trustee, accomplished entrepreneur and a celebrated student-athlete, Ensley has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to his alma mater through service, philanthropy and unwavering Orange spirit.

Ensley arrived at 性视界 as a walk-on with the football team after no Division I programs recruited him. His tenacity on the practice field earned him a scholarship from head coach Ben Schwartzwalder, and by his sophomore year he was starting on the varsity squad.

Ensley went on to become the last three-sport letter winner in 性视界 University history, earning letters in football, wrestling and lacrosse. He was an honorable mention All-American in football, set interception and special teams records as a defensive back and delivered a record-setting 76-yard punt return for a touchdown against Navy.

He was captain and most valuable player of the lacrosse team and was named the 1969 性视界 University Athlete of the Year, joining a distinguished list that includes Jim Brown 鈥�57, Ernie Davis 鈥�62, Floyd Little 鈥�67, H鈥�19, Dave Bing 鈥�66, H鈥�06 and Larry Csonka 鈥�68. Ensley received the Letter Winner of Distinction Award from 性视界 University Athletics and the Varsity Club in 1993 and the Dritz Rookie Trustee of the Year Award in 2018. A champion of volunteerism, he also founded Athletes Who Care in 2022, an organization that partners with 性视界 student-athletes to support charitable causes and community organizations in Central New York.

Ensley earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from the and an MBA from the . He was a member of the U.S. Army ROTC and Phi Delta Theta fraternity. After his military service, Ensley entered the luggage industry. Drawing on his education, his experience in retail luggage sales and a perseverance built on the playing fields, he launched his idea for a wholesale luggage and accessories manufacturing business in 1978 with $2,500. The founder and chief executive officer of Leisure Merchandising Corporation grew the business into a multimillion-dollar enterprise with a brand presence in thousands of retail locations.

Elected to the Board of Trustees in 2015, Ensley currently serves on the Athletics, Advancement and External Affairs, and Facilities committees. Together with his wife, Sue, he has provided lead gifts for the Ensley Athletic Center, the Chris Gedney Endowed Football Scholarship and the Orange Forever Endowed Memorial Fund, which provides keepsake blankets to the families of every deceased former student-athlete. They have also lent their support to initiatives in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, the D鈥橝niello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, the Whitman School, the Maxwell School, the Catholic Center and the Sala Family Plaza, among other numerous initiatives.

Linda M. LeMura G鈥�83, G鈥�87
Doctor of Humane Letters

LeMura鈥檚 career has been defined by groundbreaking leadership, scientific excellence and an unwavering commitment to educational equity and access.

LeMura graduated from Bishop Grimes High School as a three-sport athlete and honors student. She earned both a master鈥檚 degree (1983) in physical education and a Ph.D. (1987) in applied physiology from the at 性视界 University, where her academic training laid the foundation for a distinguished career. Her research in pediatric obesity, pediatric applied physiology and lipid and energy metabolism has produced more than 30 peer-reviewed articles, two books and 26 externally funded grant proposals. She has served as a research consultant for both the U.S. and Italian Olympic committees. She has consistently included students as co-investigators and co-authors in her work, highlighting her work as a mentor and a commitment to the next generation of scientists.

After serving as a professor, research scientist and graduate program director at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, LeMura joined Le Moyne College in 2003 and held leadership roles as dean of arts and sciences and provost before making history in 2014 as the first female layperson to serve as president of a Jesuit institution of higher education in the U.S. Her appointment opened pathways for women鈥檚 leadership across Jesuit higher education, with 10 additional women now serving in presidential roles at Jesuit institutions.

Under her leadership, Le Moyne has raised roughly $200 million, achieved eight consecutive years of record enrollment and led the college鈥檚 strategic transition to NCAA Division I athletics as a full member of the Northeast Conference.

LeMura co-chairs the Central New York Regional Economic Development Council. She was actively engaged in the Central New York鈥檚 efforts to bring Micron鈥檚 microchip manufacturing facility to the area and has aligned Le Moyne to the resulting workforce demand through new semiconductor-focused programs and the college’s ERIE 21 partnership with Micron.

She holds board positions with the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities and the International Association of Jesuit Universities. Her awards include the 2023 性视界 University Tolley Medal, selected by the School of Education; the 2019 性视界 Key4Women Achieve Award; the 2017 Temple Adath Yeshurun Citizen of the Year Award; the 2017 Bishop鈥檚 Award from the Diocese of 性视界 Catholic Charities and recognition as a 2016 New York State Senate Woman of Distinction.

The relationship between 性视界 University and Le Moyne College has grown in collaboration during LeMura鈥檚 presidency through joint academic initiatives, community engagement projects and shared commitments to excellence.

Joanne M. Mahoney 鈥�87, L鈥�90
Doctor of Laws

Mahoney has built a career defined by her commitment to community, environmental stewardship and the advancement of Central New York. She earned a bachelor of science degree in marketing management from the Martin J. Whitman School of Management in 1987 and a juris doctor from the College of Law in 1990. She credits her legal education as the foundation of her career in public leadership. Her late father, Bernard J. Mahoney L’69, was also a graduate of the College of Law.

Mahoney began her legal career in private practice at Harris Beach before serving for five years as a criminal prosecutor in the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office. She went on to serve on the 性视界 Common Council from 2000-03. In 2008, she became the first woman elected Onondaga County Executive, a position she held for three terms while overseeing a county government serving approximately 460,000 residents.

During her tenure, she created the nationally acclaimed Save the Rain green infrastructure program and helped lead efforts that transformed Onondaga Lake to swimmable water quality. She maintained the county’s highest bond ratings among all New York State counties and championed the Say Yes to Education partnership. Governing Magazine named her Public Official of the Year in 2011.

In November 2020, Mahoney was appointed president of the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF), the first woman to lead the institution in its more than 110-year history. Under her leadership, SUNY ESF has risen in the Princeton Review’s rankings of the nation’s most environmentally responsible colleges.

She serves as co-chair of SUNY’s systemwide Sustainability Advisory Council and has sustained the historic partnership between SUNY ESF and 性视界 University, ensuring collaborative academic programs, shared student opportunities and joint diplomas.

Mahoney has also served as chair of the New York State Thruway Authority, where she oversaw completion of the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, one of the nation’s largest infrastructure projects. She currently serves on the College of Law’s Board of Advisors and has supported the Hon. Theodore A. McKee L鈥�75 Endowed Law Scholarship and WAER.

Chancellor Kent D. Syverud
Doctor of Laws

Chancellor Syverud has led 性视界 University through 12 years of transformational change, reshaping the campus, strengthening research and academic excellence, and expanding 性视界 University鈥檚 impact in Central New York and beyond.

Hailing from Irondequoit, New York, Chancellor Syverud earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree magna cum laude from Georgetown University鈥檚 School of Foreign Service, a law degree magna cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School and a master鈥檚 in economics from the University of Michigan. He counts among his closest mentors the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O鈥機onnor, for whom he clerked. His career in legal education spans three decades, including deanships at Vanderbilt University Law School and Washington University School of Law. An elected member of the American Law Institute, he received the 2024 TIAA Institute Theodore M. Hesburgh Award for Leadership Excellence, one of the highest national honors in higher education.

Since becoming chancellor in 2014, Chancellor Syverud has placed students at the center of the University鈥檚 mission. Under his leadership, 性视界 has seen record applications and enrollment, invested over $100 million in student life鈥攊ncluding the Barnes Center at The Arch, a renovated Schine Student Center, two new residence halls and a transformed JMA Wireless Dome鈥攁nd expanded global learning programs across five international centers and domestic sites in New York City, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.

Chancellor Syverud played a central role in Central New York鈥檚 economic resurgence, including the University鈥檚 work to attract Micron Technology to build its largest American fabrication facility in the region. He directed the hiring of more than 700 faculty, helped the University achieve Research 1 status and oversaw the Forever Orange Campaign, which raised more than $1.59 billion鈥攖he largest fundraising effort in University history鈥攁s the endowment more than doubled to over $2 billion.

His dedication to veterans and military families stands among his most profound contributions. The expansion of 性视界 University鈥檚 D鈥橝niello Institute for Veterans and Military Families and the creation of the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D鈥橝niello Building set a national standard for research, policy development and support to those who have served, and veteran enrollment has more than tripled since 2014. Throughout his chancellorship, Chancellor Syverud has continued to teach negotiation courses at the College of Law and the Whitman School of Management, embodying the teacher-scholar ideal.

Chancellor Syverud’s commitment to service extends beyond the University. He serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Atlantic Coast Conference, having previously served as its president, and as an ex officio trustee of the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. He is a trustee of Crouse Hospital and of Le Moyne College, and, by appointment of the governor of New York, serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York.

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.”

The (CHB) in the (A&S) has awarded its first round of competitive grants for interdisciplinary and cross-institutional health and behavioral science research projects.

A total of $33,000 in seed funding has been awarded to six separate projects through the and the . The grants are intended to catalyze cross-university collaboration and position investigators for larger external grant submissions.

鈥淭he selected proposals span researchers from six 性视界 University colleges and institutes and eight departments, schools and centers, truly reflecting broad institutional engagement and collaboration,鈥� says , director of the CHB and professor in the Department of Psychology in A&S. 鈥淭he grants also illustrate CHB鈥檚 strategic role in seeding interdisciplinary research, strengthening university-Veterans Affairs partnerships, accelerating development of competitive external grant submissions and advancing impactful work across health and behavioral science domains.鈥�

Projects include research on intimate partner violence among veterans, alcohol reduction messaging in Veterans Affairs primary care, heart rate training for entrepreneurs, healthy eating tools for young children, AI support readiness for family caregivers and virtual reality-based voice therapy for pre-service (student) teachers.

Several external partners are also included. Those projects involve researchers at , , and , as well as and industry partner .

Pilot funds were provided to CHB by the College of Arts and Sciences with direct support from Dean , Ditre says. The funds can be used for participant compensation, core facility access, data acquisition, study materials, software and other costs of launching new collaborative research. Projects begin this month and cover a 12-month period.

Researchers receiving grants and their projects are:

Understanding and Addressing Intimate Partner Violence Among Veterans: A Mixed Methods Study of Risk Factors, Experiences and Treatment Preferences

• , assistant professor of psychology, A&S
• , clinical psychology postdoctoral fellow, VA Center for Integrated Healthcare,

Nudge Messaging to Promote Alcohol-Related Behavior Change Among Veterans in Primary Care

• , research assistant professor, CHB/IVMF and clinical research program director, VA Center for Integrated Healthcare
• , research professor and professor emeritus of psychology, A&S

Family Caregiver Well-Being and Readiness for AI-Based Support

• , associate professor of senior research associate, ,
• assistant professor of faculty associate, , Maxwell School

Virtual Reality-Based Voice Therapy for Pre-Service Teachers: Initial Design of a VR Voice Intervention

• , assistant professor of communication sciences and disorders, A&S
• , associate professor of industrial and interaction design, ,

A Sweet Texts Add-On to Identify Tailoring Variables and Decision Points for Reducing Energy-Dense Food Intake in Preschool Children

• , assistant professor of nutrition and food studies,
• , assistant professor of psychology, A&S

Physiological Self-Regulation as a Foundation of Entrepreneurial Functioning

• , assistant professor of entrepreneurship,
• , associate professor of entrepreneurship and academic director of the , Whitman School

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 .

and the hosted students, researchers, industry leaders and government officials this week for the , putting Central New York鈥檚 rapidly expanding semiconductor and quantum technology ecosystem on display.

Held under the theme, 鈥淣ew York State Talent and Technology鈥擲haping the Future,鈥� the daylong event at Goldstein Auditorium drew participants from NNN partner institutions across the state and from sponsors including , , , , and .

The University has made significant investments to anchor the region鈥檚 semiconductor and nanotechnology future. It also leads the for the , a federally designated consortium accelerating semiconductor innovation across Central New York. Together with , the University invested $20 million to build the (CASM) to train the next generation of semiconductor technicians and engineers.

Through the University鈥檚 , nearly 500 veterans have enrolled in semiconductor workforce training programs. The University also holds a $1 million NSF ExLENT grant providing adult learners, including mid-career professionals and veterans, with hands-on exposure to semiconductor, quantum and optical technologies. And the University鈥檚 now includes 18 faculty across three departments, with the 8,000-square-foot Quantum Technology Center expected to open this summer.

A Major Partner聽

鈥淭he investments 性视界 has made in facilities and faculty have positioned us to be a major partner to industry,鈥� says University Vice President for Research . 鈥淥ur faculty and labs allow our students to gain the skills that employers need. Events like the NNN Symposium are where students meet the people who will hire them, where faculty learn what industry needs and where the connections are made that turn research training into careers.鈥�

Keynote addresses came from , chief business officer of GlobalFoundries and a 性视界 University engineering alumnus; , senior vice president and executive director of and , senior director of U.S. expansion programs for Micron. A workforce development panel brought together representatives from , , , and . Student researchers from NNN partner universities across the state presented their work in oral and poster formats, followed by a career fair connecting students directly with hiring companies.

Forefront Future

鈥淭he innovation and collaboration on display shows that Central New York is at the forefront of America鈥檚 nanotechnology and semiconductor future,鈥� says 聽innovation concierge, NY SMART I-Corridor, workforce development pillar lead for the Upstate NY Energy Storage Engine and director of strategic partnerships for 性视界 University鈥檚 College of Engineering and Computer Science. He and Yoanna Ferrara, director of technology innovation in the Office of Research, organized the symposium. 鈥淲e will carry this momentum forward by continuing to deepen partnerships between upstate New York universities, industry leaders and government to strengthen New York鈥檚 semiconductor ecosystem.鈥�

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.”

性视界 University鈥攈ome to one of the longest continuously running ROTC programs in the nation鈥攈as staff members available to comment on the shooting at Old Dominion University March 12 that killed Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, professor of military science and Army ROTC commander at ODU. Reporters covering the ROTC response, including the cadets who intervened and the leadership culture that shapes how they train, can reach out to schedule interviews.

Media contact: Vanessa Marquette, Media Relations Specialist, vrmarque@syr.edu

Available Experts

Ray Toenniessen, Deputy Executive Director, D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF)

is a U.S. Army veteran and former 性视界 University ROTC cadet. He can speak to how ROTC programs build leadership instincts before moments of crisis鈥攕pecifically the culture of responsibility and action that instructors like Lt. Col. Shah instill in their cadets.

Toenniessen states:

“In moments of crisis, you often learn what kind of leaders someone built. Today, we lost a great American and a soldier, LTC Brandon Shah, professor of military science at Old Dominion University, killed in this morning’s terrorist attack on campus. At least two ROTC cadets were also gravely wounded.

“It is a devastating loss for his family, for the Old Dominion community, and for the ROTC program he led. But amid that tragedy, something extraordinary happened.

“When the shooter entered that classroom and opened fire, the cadets LTC Shah had trained didn’t freeze. According to law enforcement, they moved immediately, rushing the gunman and stopping the attack. The FBI’s special agent in charge credited them directly, saying their actions likely prevented further casualties. They moved toward the threat.

“If you’ve spent any time around our nation’s ROTC programs, that isn’t surprising. Because that is exactly what leaders like LTC Shah spend their days teaching and living. Responsibility for the people to your left and right, and a willingness to act when it matters most. Those instincts don’t appear suddenly in a crisis. They are built over time, by leaders who show young men and women what service actually means.

“LTC Shah served more than two decades in uniform, deploying in support of both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He gave everything, including his life, in service to this country.

“Tonight we mourn a soldier, a mentor and a hero. We honor the young leaders he helped shape, who when the moment came stepped forward without hesitation.

“That is a true measure of a leader’s legacy.

“I’m praying for the family of LTC Brandon Shah, the cadets of the Old Dominion Army ROTC program, and the entire ODU community.”

Retired Col. Ron Novack, Executive Director, Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA)

oversees the University’s military-connected student programs, including both the Army and Air Force ROTC programs. He can discuss ROTC leadership development at the institutional level鈥攖he culture of service, the structure of the program and how it prepares cadets to act decisively in emergencies.

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.

On a day when Micron Technology broke ground on its $100 billion memory chip facility in Clay, New York, the largest private investment in New York state history, 性视界 University was celebrated for its partnership with Micron in helping to prepare its future workforce, including a focus on training veterans for those roles.

told a crowd Friday afternoon inside the at the Daniel and Gayle D鈥橝niello Building (NVRC) that nearly 500 veterans and transitioning service members are currently enrolled in essential training through the D鈥橝niello Institute for Veterans and Military Families鈥� Semiconductor Hub, creating a veteran workforce pipeline that prepares them 鈥渇or promising new careers in the chips industry.鈥�

鈥淗ere at the NVRC, the focus is exclusively on our nation鈥檚 veterans, and veterans have been among the first to contribute to Micron executing its vision,鈥� Chancellor Syverud said.

Additionally, in 2024, 性视界 University and Onondaga County announced a combined $20 million investment to launch the 性视界 University Center for Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing (CASM), which will train workers across all education levels for careers in the semiconductor industry.

More than three years after the initial announcement that Micron would construct four factories or fabs in the Town of Clay, the semiconductor company celebrated this historic first step on its biggest expansion ever in the U.S. with a groundbreaking, followed by an event at the NVRC.

Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra thanked Chancellor Syverud for the University鈥檚 support of this investment 鈥渇rom the very beginning,鈥� for the Chancellor鈥檚 鈥渓eadership at this great University,鈥� and for 性视界鈥檚 willingness to create 鈥減athways to jobs for veterans.鈥�

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon credited Chancellor Syverud鈥檚 鈥渟teadfast leadership鈥� in collaborating on 鈥渁 partnership [with Micron and 性视界 University] that will go down in the history books鈥� thanks to 鈥溞允咏玮�檚 commitment to the workforce infrastructure for a critical segment of the population that is going to help drive this industry: our veterans.鈥�

鈥淭his once-in-a-generation investment in this community was met with excitement and optimism, and people from every corner of this region have come together to move this project forward,鈥� Chancellor Syverud said. 鈥溞允咏� University is proud to be part of this work. This is a great day to be Orange.鈥�

鈥溞允咏� University is recognizing our veterans and what they can contribute to the workforce. Thank you for your devotion to our veterans,鈥� said U.S. Representative Claudia Tenney, whose son currently is a major in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Micron says it will start producing chips at its new manufacturing site in four years, and that it plans to build up to four chipmaking factories in Clay to manufacture billions of tiny computer chips that are needed for everything from cell phones and cars to artificial intelligence and household appliances.

鈥淭oday is 性视界鈥檚 day, and I am orange from my head to my toes,鈥� said U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer, who proudly showcased his orange tie and bright orange socks. 鈥淢icron is here and it is here to stay. When I wrote the Chips and Science Act, I had a vision to transform Upstate New York into the semiconductor manufacturing center of the country. We are achieving that dream.鈥�

For Gov. Kathy Hochul 鈥�80, who first became involved with government and activism as a political science undergraduate student in the , commemorating Micron鈥檚 groundbreaking was a full-circle moment.

鈥淲e鈥檙e here talking about a lot of memory on these chips, and I have so many memories just bursting from my heart from my time at 性视界,鈥� Hochul said. 鈥淭his University was a place of new beginning for me, and this is now a place for new beginnings for Micron.鈥�

Mehrotra said Micron could have 9,000 employees on site once it is in full production 20 years from now, and that this investment could create an additional 40,000 jobs in categories ranging from semiconductor suppliers and other supporting roles.

Attending the groundbreaking with Chancellor Syverud, Mehrotra, Schumer, Hochul, McMahon and Tenney were U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer, and U.S. Representatives John Mannion and Paul Tonko.

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.

A significant expansion in structure, programming and community outreach聽 is paving the way for the (CHB) to help position 性视界 University as a national leader in research, education and practice.

An initiative of the (A&S), the and the (IVMF), CHB has a particular focus on the study and promotion of health, well-being and resilience among veterans and military-connected individuals.

Since launching its website and affiliate portal this past summer, have joined CHB鈥攔esearchers, educators and clinical practitioners from across the University and from area health institutions. have been launched and the student research cohort has been formed.

CHB has hired a dedicated to support affiliate projects. It has also established a for staff who coordinate research initiatives and plans to implement student awards. Additional workshops and research showcases are scheduled for spring.

Building an Ecosystem

CHB is designed to advance translational health behavior research, education and training and provide a collaborative ecosystem for professionals working in the health behavior field, says , A&S professor of psychology, licensed clinical psychologist and CHB director.

Health behavior is a broad, interdisciplinary area that examines the many factors, choices and conditions that influence physical and mental health across the lifespan. The center鈥檚 purposeful cross-campus, cross-institutional structure makes it a hub for affiliates to share interests, findings and treatments and engage in academic and professional collaborations. Affiliates conduct basic laboratory studies, field research, clinical trials, digital health intervention work, qualitative studies and implement projects.

Veteran Focus

While CHB operates across a wide range of health behavior fields, a specialized focus on veterans and military-connected individuals complements the University’s commitment to that population, according to Ditre.

鈥溞允咏� University has a national reputation as the best university for veterans and military-connected students. The University has worked with the 性视界 VA for about 30 years, beginning with faculty research collaborations and later expanding to co-mentored training and student placements. Building on that reputation and three decades of partnership, we should also strive to be the best place to learn how to serve veterans,鈥� he says.

Veterans experience higher rates of suicide risk, trauma-related concerns, sleep problems, chronic health conditions and substance use compared to civilian peers. Many also face barriers tied to geography, stigma and complex transitions between military and civilian systems.

“These gaps have real consequences for individuals, families and communities. The University and this center, in collaboration with the IVMF, are uniquely positioned to address them,鈥� Ditre says.

Digital Innovation

Digital innovation is a high priority because technologies like mobile devices, biometric monitoring and virtual reality help researchers collect real-time data from participants and capture their moment-to-moment experiences as well as indicators of health and behavior.

Affiliates have built mobile tools, tested them in trials and worked with community partners to implement check-in platforms and digital interventions that deliver guided exercises or personalized feedback.

鈥淭hese tools let us reach people who may not engage with traditional services and connect with participants as they go about their daily routines or in settings where traditional care is harder to access. These technologies also help us understand behavior, tailor information to individual needs and deliver support in ways that fit people鈥檚 circumstances. For many of the populations we serve, this kind of flexibility is essential,鈥� Ditre says.

Assuring health equity is another key focal point. That means designing studies and programs that are flexible, accessible and attentive to actual conditions and making sure that research benefits and outcomes reach the communities that need them most.

Grant and Award Applications

Application portals for the new pilot grant programs open Jan. 20, 2026, and close Feb. 12, 2026.

The supports cross-departmental and cross-campus projects with external institutional partners. The supports new or expanded 性视界 University and Veterans Affairs collaborations.

The grants range from $500 to $10,000 and the total pool of $50,000 is funded by A&S.

The funds give teams a way to test ideas, build a partnership or generate early data for larger external grant submissions. They also lower the barrier for new investigators who want to connect their work with campus priorities, according to Ditre.

Nominations for the , which cites excellence in research coordination work, are ongoing.

Future Activities

Future plans include more workshops with VA partners and collaboration with University Academic Affairs and the IVMF on a “Voices of Service” showcase where faculty, staff, students and community partners share veteran-focused research, courses and applied programs.

A neuroscience and health behavior research day, new working groups regarding sleep, substance use, trauma and digital health issues, awards for student work and additional community engagement activities are also planned.

性视界 University Press announces that “Grace: A Cautionary Tale of Family and Mayhem” by William F. Polsgrove is the 2025 Veterans Writing Award winner.

性视界 University Press, in cooperation with the D鈥橝niello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), established the Veterans Writing Award in 2019. The mission of the 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.

Polsgrove grew up on his family farm in West Tennessee, where he learned the craft of storytelling from a whole host of characters, including a hard-drinking preacher-uncle, musician farmhands and his Baptist mother, who had a taste for the macabre. Polsgrove joined the U.S. Army Signal Corps, serving tours in Germany, Alaska and Southwest Asia.

Retiring from the Army after 22 years, Polsgrove transitioned to the federal government, where he worked as a project manager for the intelligence community and retired as division chief for the Management and Engineering Division. He holds an master’s degree in administration from Central Michigan University and an MFA in creative writing from Fairfield University.

Polsgrove received the 42nd Annual New Millennium Award for Flash Fiction in 2016 and has published stories in the literary journal Embark. During his time in the military, he never ceased painting and writing. His stories and paintings tell the tales of the hardscrabble characters and forlorn landscapes of West Tennessee, the complex fabric of racial interactions, heartbreaking history and dirty-dealing political intrigue by petty demagogues.

Veterans Writing Award judge Maurice Decaul praised Polsgrove鈥檚 work, noting, 鈥�’Grace’聽 stands out because it feels scarily relevant, a reflection of our moment and a blueprint for what is possible. ‘Grace’聽reminds us that great stories don鈥檛 just entertain; they illuminate the paths we might take.”

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.