24 Early Commissioning Students and 5 staff members from military junior colleges across the country visited the Syracuse University campus as part of Military Appreciation Day. (Photo courtesy of Rob Rivera/NPPA)
This past weekend, the Office of Admissions hosted 24 early commissioning students from military junior colleges across the country. These future U.S. Army officers were introduced to the Syracuse University campus, academic programs and history of the University’s commitment to veterans. The students also attended the Stars and Stripes Tailgate, hosted by the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, and the SU football game versus the University of Connecticut.
“Syracuse University is deeply committed to be ‘best place for veterans’,” said Ron Novack, Executive Director of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs at Syracuse University (OVMA). “And the experience of these early commissioning students while visiting campus illustrates just how committed we are to ensuring they have a positive experience while at Syracuse University, as well as supporting their academic journeys to becoming the future leaders of our nation.”
Currently, SU has students from all four military junior colleges—Georgia Military College, Marion Military Institute, New Mexico Military Institute, and Valley Forge Military Academy and College—enrolled in various undergraduate programs across campus. The students receive their commission as an officer in the U.S. Army after graduating from these military junior colleges and then come to SU to complete their bachelor’s degree before starting their military service.
“It’s important to us to showcase the University’s historic commitment to veterans and commitment to future generations of military officers,” says Scott Taylor, director of transfer and veteran admissions. “These cadets come from across the country, and we believe their leadership skills and experience are valuable to our university. And we, in turn, provide them with a world-class education.”
According to Maj. Stephen R. Young, assistant professor of military science at Marion Military Institute, the visit was a win-win for everyone. “Our cadets were very impressed with the hospitality of the people, beauty of the campus and school spirit of Syracuse University,” Young says.
The Office of Admissions has continued to see an increase in enrollment of veterans and military-connected students due to the dedicated work of the Admissions staff and the support of the entire campus. “The Office of Admissions strives to further Chancellor Syverud’s mission of making Syracuse University ‘The Best Place for Veterans,’” says Dean of Admissions Maurice A. Harris. “Events such as this one support the Chancellor’s initiatives and attract high -caliber, military-connected transfer students.”
