Seven military-connected students have been awarded scholarships by the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA). The recipients represent a broad and diverse community of military-affiliated students, from those who are currently serving to the children of those who have served.

“Student veterans often face unique financial circumstances while enrolled in college, especially those who are in demanding academic programs that do not allow enough time for a part-time job, or for those who are going home to a spouse and possibly children,” says Dwayne Murray ’97, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel and deputy director of the OVMA. “We’re grateful for the generosity of the donors who make these scholarships possible, and appreciate the support it allows us to give our military-connected students on their journey to joining our Orange Alumni family.”

The scholarships and their recipients for the Fall 2022 academic year are:

OVMA Undergraduate Scholarship

Jack Pullano

U.S. Air Force Veteran
Sophomore, Health and Exercise Science, Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamic

• Pullano serves as the public affairs coordinator for the Student Veterans Organization and is a member of the Orange Barbell Club.
• Originally from Hopkinton, New York, he aims to stay in Central New York after graduation on his path to becoming a physical therapist.

“My goal after Syracuse University is to attend SUNY Upstate as a member of its Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. I hope to one day work for the Veterans Affairs Hospital as a physical therapist so I can continue to give back to the veteran community,” says Pullano.

OVMA Family Member Scholarship

Andrew Holland

Military-Connected Student (Dual-Military Dependent)
Graduate Student, Museum Studies, College of Visual and Performing Arts

• Both of his parents served in the military: his mother retired as a colonel in the U.S. Army in 2014, and
  his father retired from the U.S. Air Force as a major in 1995.

“After Syracuse University, my goal is to work at a museum like the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., or the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio,” says Holland. “This scholarship will help me cover the cost of my university health care plan, and it will cover the cost of rent for a few months.”

Mautino Family Scholarship

Savion Pollard

U.S. Navy Veteran
Sophomore, Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science

• Pollard volunteers his time extensively outside of the classroom as the treasurer of the Student Veterans Organization and as a youth mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
• During U.S. President Joe Biden’s visit to Syracuse for the Micron announcement, it was also announced that Pollard would be the very first local hire for Micron.

“Long term, I wish to work as a math tutor for underrepresented communities. Being a black male in STEM, I have the desire to stress the importance of math and science to little kids from communities like the one I came from,” says Pollard. “This scholarship will help lighten a financial burden, which will allow me to be more engaged in school and be a more successful student.”

Flanik Family Scholarship for Student Veterans

Curtis Cline

U.S. Army Veteran
Sophomore, Aerospace Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science

• Cline served more than a decade in the U.S. Army working with Apache helicopters, including three combat tours.
• He envisions a future career in aeronautics with a focus on engineering and development.

While on active duty and assigned to nearby Fort Drum, Cline was introduced to Syracuse University while one of his children had an appointment at nearby Golisano Children’s Hospital. “When I went exploring for food I discovered the campus and I immediately decided that was where I wanted to attend,” says Cline. “The area, the people, the architecture and school pride won me over immediately. This scholarship will alleviate the stress and financial burdens placed upon my family while I am a full-time student.”

Richardson Family Scholarship for Military Family Members and Dependents

Morgan Ellis

Military-Connected Student (Military Dependent)
Senior, Health and Exercise Science (major), Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics

• Ellis grew up in nearby Seneca Falls, New York. Her father is still serving in the U.S. Army after more than 28 years and is currently deployed overseas.
• Ellis was introduced to Syracuse University as a child and it has been her dream school ever since.
• Her future academic goals include medical school and eventually work for the Veterans Affairs hospital as a doctor.

“I currently work as a nursing assistant on a medical surgery unit at a local hospital and I absolutely love it,” says Ellis. “I have about 10 to 12 years of school ahead of me and medical school comes with a hefty price tag. Receiving this scholarship now will put me in a better situation financially going forward and will have a continuous positive impact for me, which I am truly grateful.”

Wilder J. Leavitt and Mary P. Morningstar Scholarship for Military-Connected Students

Kamileh Rivera

Military-Connected Student (Military Dependent)
Senior, Neuroscience and Biology, College of Arts and Sciences

• Rivera’s father served in the U.S. Army for more than 30 years. After growing up in Puerto Rico, Syracuse University was something entirely different from Rivera’s childhood and she wanted something different and unique.
• Rivera volunteers her time and is involved with campus organizations like the Syracuse Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Upskill Education.

“Syracuse has allowed me to pursue my dream degrees and find new passions I didn’t know I had. I plan on getting a master’s in public health and, later on, attend medical school to become a doctor,” says Rivera. “Back home in Puerto Rico, we have a great deficit in medical professionals, my goal is to go home and give back to the community that saw me grow up. This donor-funded scholarship will relieve financial hardships on my family and I, and it’s rewarding to know someone believes in my education.”

Mason Weber

U.S. Navy Veteran
Junior, Aerospace Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science

• Originally from Kingsburg, California, Weber served for six years as a hospital corpsman.
• Weber hopes to graduate from Syracuse University, gain a career with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and one day work on the development of a lunar base for NASA.
• Weber is involved in several engineering and aerospace honor societies, including serving as the vice president of Sigma Gamma Tau.

“The scholarship will allow me to be able to spend less time working and more time focusing on my studies, as well as with my daughter and fiancé. I appreciate the support of Syracuse University veterans and the help alleviating some of the stresses that come along with being a full-time student,” says Weber.