The Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023 OVMA Spring Scholarships. Funded entirely by the generosity of donors, these scholarships support the broad community of military-connected students at Syracuse University. The scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis, and most are specifically focused to support select groups of military-connected students.
The OVMA has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships since 2017 and will continue making scholarships available each semester with more than $1.2 million available for scholarship opportunities. The growing availability of scholarship programs wouldn’t be possible without the support of the university’s military-connected alumni and supporters. Their contributions allow the OVMA to offer more opportunities and support to military-connected students ranging from professional networking events specifically hosted for military-connected students, on and off-campus activities, and cost-free career immersion trips where military-connected students are able to meet face to-face with leaders from some of the largest companies in the country.
Military-connected students using their G.I. Bill benefits may have their tuition covered and receive a housing stipend, but the G.I. Bill benefits have certain limitations that can leave student veterans scrambling to fill the gaps in finances. This is particularly true during the summer and winter months when most military-connected students are not enrolled in classes, which means they do not receive monthly payments from the Department of Veterans Affairs to cover their living expenses.
The recipients of the OVMA Spring Scholarships are:
OVMA Family Member & Dependent Undergraduate Scholarship, awarded to Allison Crossman ’23
Allison Crossman ’23
Crossman, a military spouse, is a senior in the College of Visual and Performing Arts pursuing an undergraduate degree in communications and rhetorical studies.
“As a non-traditional student, my decision to return to school with three young children was not made lightly. Upon completion of my undergraduate degree, I look forward to attending Syracuse University College of Law this fall,” Crossman says.
Gerald B. Faigle Jr. and Robert M. Faigle Student Veteran Endowed Scholarship, awarded to Karl Cutler
Karl Cutler
Cutler is an active-duty U.S. Army captain currently enrolled in the Whitman School of Management’s online MBA program. Originally from Mattituck, New York, he is currently stationed in Hawaii where he serves as a Field Artillery Captain with the 25th Infantry Division.
“I would like to serve another ten years in the Army, completing my twenty-year commitment to serving our nation. After that, I hope to move back to New York and become a financial advisor, putting all that I have learned at Syracuse to work for the betterment of my community,” Cutler says.
Louis A. and Patricia H. Mautino Veteran Endowed Scholarship, awarded to Joshua Kompf ’23 and Justin Sauve ’25
Joshua Kompf ’23
Kompf is a U.S. Army veteran currently studying creative leadership with the College of Professional Studies. Originally from Jordan, New York, Kompf became a Green Beret and served for eight years with four deployments to Afghanistan.
“Growing up just outside Syracuse in the town of Jordan, choosing Syracuse was easy. I always wanted to attend Syracuse University, and once my time serving in the United States Army was complete, I finally made it a reality,” Kompf says. “My experience thus far at Syracuse has been phenomenal. Every class I take is an opportunity to share and experience views and opinions different than my own, opening my mind to endless possibilities.”
Justin Sauve ’25
Sauve is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who is a sophomore at the College of Engineering and Computer Science where he studies mechanical engineering. After graduation, he hopes to pursue a career in the aerospace industry
“Due to being a student veteran, I have the added financial responsibilities of supporting a family, the financial stresses of pursuing an education instead of employment have, at times, been significantly greater than the academic stresses and curriculum. The support awarded through this scholarship will significantly help me pursue my educational goal of obtaining my bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering,” Sauve says.
Wilder J. Leavitt and Mary P. Morningstar Scholarship for Military-Connected Students, awarded to Samirah Crawford ’26 and Kamileh Rivera ’23
Samirah Crawford ’26
Crawford is a military dependent and first-year biomedical engineering student at the College of Engineering and Computer Science. After graduating she plans on joining the U.S. Air Force Reserve and continuing to pursue a graduate degree.
“This scholarship will significantly impact me, allowing my education to be more affordable, reducing the stress involved with the cost of an excellent education, and helping me to complete my engineering degree successfully. I plan to graduate with my biomedical engineering degree and promote STEM for young girls, especially in underprivileged or underserved communities, to provide a spotlight on all of the career fields and opportunities in this field,” Crawford says.
Kamileh Rivera ’23
Rivera is a senior studying neuroscience and biology in the College of Arts and Sciences. She is the daughter of a U.S. Army veteran and is originally from Bayamon, Puerto Rico. After graduating, she plans to pursue a career in medicine with the intent of returning to Puerto Rico to help those in need.
“This donor-funded scholarship has impacted me in many ways. Not only does this award relieve financial hardships for my family and me, but it’s rewarding to know that someone believes in my education. I feel honored to be chosen and will not take this opportunity for granted,” Rivera says.
Lucy and Joseph Napoli Veterans Scholarship, awarded to John Nipper ’23
John Nipper ’23
Nipper is a U.S. Navy veteran who is currently studying international relations in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. He plans to continue his education and earn a master’s in public administration after graduation. Nipper, originally from Fort Myers, Florida, was also recently elected as the President of the Student Veterans Organization at Syracuse University.
“After my tour of duty, I felt a pressing call to public service, which led me to pursue a bachelor’s in international relations and public policy. I aspire to advance cyber policies that improve the safety of the American people, understand policy barriers to cybersecurity and digital diplomacy, identify successful solutions, and help implement them,” Nipper says.
Richardson Family Scholarship for Military Family Members and Dependents, awarded to Karyne Brown ’26
Karyne Brown ’26
Brown is a military dependent with a parent who served in the U.S. Army. Originally from New Jersey, Brown is a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences who was selected for the Renee Crown University Honors Program.
“This scholarship will allow me to devote more time to academic endeavors and extracurriculars by relieving much of my financial stress. In my first semester, I struggled to find that balance, and, now, not only has the stress been relieved but helps to mitigate the problem itself. After Syracuse, I hope to live in New York City and work at a financial firm,” Brown says.
Flanik Family Scholarships for Student Veterans, awarded to Ryan Simmons ’24
Ryan Simmons ’24
Simmons, is a U.S. Air Force veteran who is currently enrolled in the College of Engineering and Computer Sciences, studying cybersecurity administration as a remote student. Originally from Chenango Forks, New York, Simmons aims to earn a commission with the U.S. Space Force where he hopes to work in cyber security.
“Over the past year I’ve been here, the professors, the student body, and even the administration staff have only reaffirmed that coming to Syracuse was the right decision for me. I’ve made many professional connections and even friends along the way. Some of the professors I’ve had have really been a blessing when it comes to not just imparting class knowledge but also firsthand experience of their professions,” says Simmons.
Interested in supporting Syracuse University’s growing commitment to educating servicemembers, veterans, and their families? Want to learn how to contribute to their future academic success? Consider donating to the Veterans Legacy Fund.
