Syracuse University marked Veterans Day on Wednesday with its annual recognition ceremony, bringing together veteran students, staff, alumni and community members at the National Veterans Resource Center in the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building.
Historical roots and modern support
The university’s connection to the armed forces stretches back to World War I, when it created the Student Army Training Corps, a forerunner of today’s Reserve Officer Training Corps programs. That legacy continues through a suite of programs and resources aimed at military‑connected students, veterans and their families.
Voices from the ceremony
Roosevelt Rick Wright Jr., a veteran who attended the event, praised the university’s long‑standing relationship with the military. “The hope is already established, the foundation is here,” Wright said. “This is a rock‑solid foundation. This university’s foundation is the veterans, is the military.”
Ron Novack, a U.S. Army colonel and the executive director of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, explained that the office’s support goes beyond enrollment assistance. “They assimilate into a campus culture that embraces and honors them,” Novack said, adding that the office also helps veterans find employment after graduation.
Resources for veteran success
The Office of Veteran and Military Affairs works with student veterans throughout their academic careers, offering guidance on transitioning to campus life, navigating coursework, and connecting with job opportunities. The National Veterans Resource Center serves as a central hub where veterans can access counseling, tutoring, career services and community events.
Community involvement
The ceremony welcomed not only students and faculty but also alumni and members of the broader Syracuse community, underscoring the university’s role as a destination for military‑connected individuals. Organizers hope the event reinforces the university’s commitment to honoring those who have served and to providing a supportive environment for their continued success.
As the university looks ahead, it plans to expand its veteran‑focused initiatives, ensuring that the “rock‑solid foundation” highlighted by Wright remains strong for future generations of service members pursuing higher education.
Original reporting: CNY Central WSTM (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
