Syracuse University has built a national reputation as one of the top institutions for veterans—and for good reason. With over 1,000 veterans and military-affiliated students, the University offers dedicated academic and career resources, a thriving campus community and a culture of respect, service and excellence. Here are seven reasons why Syracuse University is a leader in supporting military-connected students.
1. A Central Hub of Resources at the NVRC
Priscilla Cruz ’24 serves in the Army Reserve as a logistics officer and earned a degree in information management and technology from Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies.
The University’s National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC) at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building brings together critical resources under one roof—including the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA), Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) programs and a dedicated Student Veterans Lounge. This state-of-the-art facility serves as a centralized, welcoming home for military-connected students.
“The NVRC is such an amazing building—you won’t find anything like it anywhere else. The program here for veterans is top notch, like this building is top notch.” —Raphael Grollmus ’24, U.S. Marine Corps
“There are so many resources inside and outside the NVRC—I’ve never been so appreciative of something in my life. I’ve grown so much as a person here. I don’t think I would’ve gotten this type of boost in confidence, professional skills and personal skills anywhere else.” —Priscilla Cruz ’24, U.S. Army
2. An On-Campus National Institute for Veterans
Retired Navy Lt. Cmdr. Laurie Coffey L’25 credits Syracuse University’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs and the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families for helping her make the transition from military to civilian life.
The IVMF is the nation’s first interdisciplinary academic institute in higher education solely focused on advancing the post-service lives of military veterans and their families. Since 2011, the IVMF has supported over 150,000 veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses through career training, entrepreneurship, civic engagement and more.
“Syracuse’s enduring commitment to veteran and military-connected families is why I’m here. Even though I’m older than most student veterans, I feel like I belong here. I’m with my people. Veterans bring a unique perspective to the classroom. We’re no longer considered an oddity or a curiosity. We’re an asset to almost any academic conversation.” —Laurie Coffey L’25, U.S. Navy
3. Tailored Academic Support at the OVMA
Marriler Wilson G’25 chose Syracuse because of its reputation as a best place for veterans and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs’ ranking as the nation’s top public affairs school.
The OVMA serves as the University’s single point of contact for all veteran and military-connected students, programs and initiatives. From certifying VA benefits to dedicated admissions advisors, career services, early registration and scholarship access, the OVMA is focused on ensuring students thrive in and out of the classroom.
“Whatever career path I follow, I definitely have to pay it forward and support OVMA and Maxwell in any way I can. They’ve supported me throughout this entire journey, and it’s been amazing.”—Marriler Wilson G’25, Air National Guard
4. Camaraderie Through SVO
Computer science major Jurgen Baeza Bernal ’26 currently serves as secretary of the Student Veteran Organization.
The Student Veteran Organization (SVO) is a peer-led community where student veterans find connection, mentorship and support. Events, networking and advocacy efforts help military-connected students build lifelong friendships while navigating academic and civilian life.
“I’m in school trying to get my degree, but there are other student veterans and veterans in general who don’t realize how many benefits they have. I want to be more vocal about letting veterans know about their benefits and help them achieve whatever they want to do.” —Jurgen Baeza Bernal ’26, U.S. Navy
“We have groups for whatever your needs are, and we try our best to help everybody. People at Syracuse care about your mental health, your well-being. They care about you as a human being and your success. That’s what I cared about and that’s why I wanted to get involved. And I try to help every single student veteran I come by.” —Raul Rosique ’24, U.S. Navy
5. Top-Ranked Online Programs and Supportive Faculty
Raphael Grollmus ’24 chose to use his Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to earn a degree at Syracuse.
Syracuse University ranks No. 3 among private universities for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans, according to U.S. News & World Report. Whether online or on campus, military-connected students benefit from flexible learning, accessible professors and personalized support.
“The military is great preparation for college—it teaches time management and work ethic. I feel like faculty appreciate that and reciprocate by being accommodating, helpful and understanding of different needs that some veteran students may have.” —Raphael Grollmus ’24, U.S. Marine Corps
“[Director of Veteran Career Services] Jen Pluta [G’15] has helped us with resume workshops and getting civilian jobs for those of us going into the National Guard. And there are so many others who have been supportive in answering questions and their doors are always open for us. It’s definitely a great experience, and I’m glad I chose to come here.” —Mackenzie Kirsch ’26, Vermont Army National Guard
6. Leadership Development Through ROTC
College of Law student Rebecca Lee ’24, L’27 (left) and Mackenzie Kirsch ’26 value the leadership skills they learned through the Army ROTC and share a common interest in becoming members of the Army’s JAG Corps.
With one of the nation’s longest-standing ROTC programs, Syracuse develops the next generation of military leaders through the Army and Air Force ROTC. Cadets benefit from scholarships, mentorship, housing support and hands-on leadership training.
“The University has poured a lot of support into the ROTC program—not just with these wonderful facilities but also showing up for us. Members of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs speak to us all the time and serve as mentors, and it creates a very welcoming environment.” —Rebecca Lee ’24, L’27, U.S. Army
7. A Century-Long Commitment to Veterans
From launching the Student Army Training Corps during World War I to Chancellor William P. Tolley’s influential role in shaping the GI Bill in 1944, Syracuse’s commitment to veterans spans more than a century. Alumni like Eileen Collins ’78, the first woman to pilot and command a space shuttle, and Hillard Pouncy Jr. G’58, a Tuskegee Airman, reflect the University’s legacy of leadership and service.
“Syracuse University has always had a rich history of commitment to veterans in the military community. It has one of the longest-running ROTC cadet cadres in the country. And as I was beginning my service, Chancellor Syverud made firm that one of his commitments was to make Syracuse University the best place for veterans. And I think that’s true.” —Anthony Ruscitto ’22, G’23, L’27, U.S. Marine Corps
