On Nov. 8, Kent Syverud, Chancellor and President of Syracuse University, signed an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Statement of Support in a ceremony at the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF). Chancellor Syverud was joined by ESGR Executive Director and Director of Family and Employer Programs and Policy Alex Baird.
Chancellor Kent Syverud signs an Employer Support of Guard and Reserve Statement of Support. Looking on U.S. Army Col. Dawn Devine, ESGR Chief of Military Engagement.
The Statement of Support confirms that Syracuse University joins other employers in pledging that:
• the University fully recognizes, honors and complies with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA);
• managers and supervisors at the University will have the tools they need to effectively manage employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve;
• University administration appreciates the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to hire guardsmen, reservists and veterans; and
• the University will continually recognize and support the nation’s service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.
“Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s guard and reserve units. The ESGR Statement of Support program is the cornerstone of ESGR’s efforts to gain and maintain employer support,” said Baird. “The intent of this program is to increase employer support by encouraging participating employers to act as advocates for employee participation in the military. Syracuse University is setting a high standard for all institutions of higher learning to follow by providing above and beyond support of the nation’s veterans, many of whom currently serve in the National Guard and Reserve.”
“Today’s ESGR Statement of Support signing is emblematic of Syracuse University’s enduring commitment to our nation’s guard and reserve service members,” said Mike Haynie, Syracuse University’s vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation. “Our employees who serve in the guard and reserve know they have our full support to professionally grow and succeed in their jobs, both in the military and here at the University. We are exceptionally proud of their military service and commitment to Syracuse University.”
With the State of Support plaque are, from left to right, USAR MSG Jennifer Pluta, the University’s assistant director of veteran and military families career services; Chancellor Kent Syverud; Tom Bullock, ESGR chief of employer engagement; and USNR Chief Petty Officer Jake VanMarter, president of the University’s veteran affinity group.
About the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs
The Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) serves as Syracuse University’s single point of entry for all veteran- and military-related programs and initiatives. Committed to being the “Best Place for Veterans,” OVMA assists University stakeholders to support and empower veteran-, military-connected and military family member students and employees who are veterans at Syracuse University.
About ESGR
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense office established in 1972 to develop and maintain employer support for guard and reserve service. ESGR advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws and resolves conflict between service members and employers. Paramount to ESGR’s mission is encouraging the employment of guardsmen and reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce.
More information about ESGR employer outreach is available at www.ESGR.mil or by contacting Tom Bullock, chief of employer outreach, at 571.372.0709 or by email at thomas.s.bullock6.civ@mail.mil.
