Syracuse University football fans helped “raise the roof” for Syracuse Habitat for Humanity’s first Veterans’ Build in New York state. Volunteers sought donations at various locations on campus and at entrances to the Carrier Dome prior to the game. More than 150 students in the ROTC program, fraternities, sororities, the student veteran organization and other student groups, as well as adult volunteers, collected more than $12,300 before the SU game against Rhode Island on Saturday, Sept. 10.
Eileen Jevis, manager of public relations at University College, organized the event with the help of UC and Habitat for Humanity staff members. “The response to our call for volunteers was overwhelming,” says Jevis. “We had to turn people away. The theme of the game was Patriotic Day, and the success of this event exemplifies the support and appreciation we have for our veterans and those currently serving our country.” There are more than 200 registered student-veterans at SU.
“The collegiality among the group of volunteers all working together for a common purpose was gratifying to see,” says Bea González, dean of University College. “The donations collected will allow Habitat for Humanity to move forward with the two veterans’ homes under construction on Syracuse’s Near West Side.” Once completed, the homes—located at 113 and 115 Fitch St.—will be available to local veterans with disabilities and their families.
“There were many tributes paid around the country to the memory of our losses on 9/11,” says Suzanne Williams, executive director of Syracuse Habitat for Humanity. “Here in Syracuse, there was a tribute in our community’s typical supportive style. Football fans opened their hearts and wallets, putting us on our way to completing two houses to provide simple, decent and affordable homes for veterans and their families. Thanks SU volunteers and fans! You’re the best.”
“I can’t thank our volunteers and our generous SU fans enough,” says Jevis. “When the Syracuse community sees a need, they come through. It’s wonderful to watch and very rewarding to be part of such an effort.”
For more information on the Habitat for Humanity Veteran’s Build Program, visit http://www.syracusehabitat.org.
Memorial Day is the day set aside to honor and mourn military members who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. We do this in a number of ways, including graveside services and displaying the United States flag….
This semester, a total of 208 students with military ties representing all branches of the U.S. military earned their Syracuse University diplomas. The graduates include 99 veterans, 35 currently serving military members, and 59 family members and dependents. Forty-six students…
With her graduation this month, Rachel Pray becomes the first in her family to forge a career in both military service and medical care. Originally from central Massachusetts, Cadet Pray was inspired to join the U.S. Air Force Reserve Officer…
U.S. Army spouse Dominique Visser was born and grew up in Sydney, Australia. She was working as an international trade advisor/market development specialist for the Australian federal government when she was told of her now-husband, Andy, by mutual friends. “Good…
Ariel Blanco’s interest in the military was piqued while he was in high school in Miami, impressed by both the demeanor of the recruiters that visited the school and the opportunity military life could provide. “I grew up in a…
If you need help with your subscription, contact sunews@syr.edu.
