The first shipment of steel is delivered to the National Veterans Resource Center construction site. (Photos by Steve Sartori)
Three years ago it was a vision, today Syracuse University’s National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC) is becoming a reality, as each day, major construction milestones are achieved. For example, on Thursday, Oct. 18, the first steel truck arrived on the NVRC construction site at the corner of South Crouse and Waverly avenues. And the next day, the first piece of steel went into the ground.
A first-of-its-kind facility, the NVRC seeks to advance academic research, actionable programs and community-connected innovation in service to our nation’s veterans and military families. The NVRC also represents a key point of intersection between the University’s Academic Strategic Plan and the Campus Framework, both of which support the University’s aspiration to be the best place for veterans and their families. A LEED-certified facility, the NVRC will house the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), which recently surpassed 100,000 people served, through programming and resources designed to enhance the lives of veterans, service members and military families.
Michael Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and executive director of IVMF, says the campus and broader Syracuse communities can expect to witness substantial construction activity in the weeks and months ahead now that the bulk of the site preparation work has been completed.
“It’s exciting to observe this incredible vision coming to life right before us,” says Haynie. “The University team spearheading this project is doing an excellent job keeping this transformative project on schedule. And each day, it becomes more and more apparent just how central this facility will be, not only to the University but also to the region and the nation. I am grateful for the many partners who are helping transform this concept into a concrete testament of Syracuse University’s commitment to veterans, their families and military-connected individuals.”
Pete Sala, vice president and chief facilities officer, says this project is among the most innovative he has ever been a part of during his time at Syracuse University.
“This facility will help us meet a key objective, as identified in the Academic Strategic Plan and the Campus Framework: be the best place for veterans and military-connected individuals,” says Sala. “Along with being entirely accessible, everything about this building is cutting-edge and will allow Syracuse University to serve those who have served in an unparalleled manner.”
To learn more about the NVRC and to stay up-to-date on project progress and milestones, visit NVRC.syr.edu. To view the live construction camera, streaming activity from the NVRC site 24 hours a day, visit nvrc.syr.edu/constructioncam/.
About the National Veterans Resource Center
The National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC) will serve as a class-leading exemplar of academic, government and community collaboration and will build upon and advance Syracuse University’s already strong national leadership in the veterans community. The NVRC will house state-of-the-art vocational and educational programs designed to advance the economic success of the region’s and the nation’s veterans and military families, and also serve as a platform through which to seed, nurture and coordinate veteran-connected academic research and technology commercialization. The NVRC will also house the Syracuse University and Regional Student Veteran Resource Center; the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps; the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs “Vet-Success on Campus”; the National Center of Excellence for Veteran Business Ownership; Veteran Business Outreach Center and Accelerator; and Syracuse University’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs. Designed as a LEED-certified facility and constructed in accordance with universal design practices, the NVRC will be an inclusive facility that welcomes and accommodates veterans and visitors with disabilities. To learn more about the NVRC, visit http://nvrc.syr.edu.
About the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University
The Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) is the first interdisciplinary national institute in higher education focused on the social, economic, education and policy issues impacting veterans and their families. Through its professional staff and experts, the IVMF delivers leading programs in career, vocational and entrepreneurship education and training while also conducting actionable research, policy analysis and program evaluations. The IVMF also supports communities through collective impact efforts that enhance delivery and access to services and care. The institute, supported by a distinguished advisory board, along with public and private partners, is committed to advancing the lives of those who have served in America’s armed forces and their families. For more information, visit ivmf.syracuse.edu and follow the IVMF on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York state, with a global footprint, and nearly 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit www.syracuse.edu.
