Every day might be Veterans Day at Syracuse University, but on the official holiday, the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) is highlighting a group of student veterans who are critical to the growing community of military-connected students on campus.
The Executive Board for Syracuse University’s Student Veterans of America are all military veterans, and they’re all full-time students at the University. In addition to their academic responsibilities, many also hold jobs, have families and take on additional responsibilities on and off campus. It is because of their desire to be of service to something bigger than themselves that fuels the time and effort they give back to the campus community.
Get to know these impactful student veterans.
Leonel “Leo” Aviles ’26 – U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
School of Information Studies
Leonel “Leo” Aviles
Leo, as he is affectionately known among friends and the military-connected community, is president of the Student Veterans Organization (SVO) at Syracuse University. Originally from Florida, Aviles found Syracuse University through the Warrior-Scholar Project and credits the University’s admissions staff, along with OVMA’s staff with why he ultimately decided to enroll at Syracuse.
“The staff at this university has open arms for veterans out there wanting to pursue higher education. The amount of people wanting to help veterans with school is incredible,” says Aviles. “I would highly encourage any military-connected student to reach out to the SVO to find out more about what opportunities are available on and off campus.”
Derick Ramos G’26 – U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
College of Arts and Sciences
Derick Ramos
Ramos served as a tank crewman in the Marines for four years and is currently the SVO’s vice president. A graduate student, Ramos is pursuing a Ph.D. in physics. One of the biggest reasons why Ramos chose Syracuse University was because of the competitive academic programs available, particularly for doctoral studies.
“When transitioning from the service we may believe that we are behind in some instances compared to other students attending college after high school,” says Ramos, “Keep your head down and work hard, your dreams and goals will come true. Always remember the words of Winnie the Pooh, ‘You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.’”
Jurgen Baeza ’26 – U.S. Navy Veteran
College of Engineering and Computer Science
Jurgen Baeza
Baeza discovered Syracuse University while still in high school in San Diego, California. His journey to Central New York required a brief stint in the U.S. Navy, serving as an aviation structural mechanic specializing in the F/A-18 Super Hornet’s safety equipment.
With an interest in computers starting at an early age, Baeza began teaching himself to code and is pursuing that interest as a computer science major. While trying to adapt to life as a non-traditional college student, Baeza came in contact with other student veterans on campus and quickly got involved with the SVO.
“As I started going to more events and talking to more of the student veterans, I would talk to them about our similar life experiences and I was able to relate to them a lot easier than those students who are a lot younger than me,” Baeza says.
Savion Pollard ’26 – U.S. Navy Veteran
College of Engineering and Computer Science
Savion Pollard
Pollard served in the Navy for eight years working on board nuclear submarines as a nuclear electronics technician. His time at Syracuse has been marked by significant accomplishments, including being the first local hire for Micron and being an honored guest of U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer during the 2023 State of the Union Address from President Joseph R. Biden L’68.
“I chose to come to Syracuse University because it brought me closer to family, and because of its proclamation as the ‘Best Place for Vets,’” says Pollard, who is currently studying electrical engineering with a minor in computer science. “I’ve grown to love the campus community, the Syracuse city community and the deep connection between the two.”
Pollard has been a member of the SVO’s executive board for a few years and says his biggest advice for new military-connected students is to “buy into the campus culture and to try new things along the way. All of my greatest achievements as a student have been due to being involved and making myself uncomfortable,” Pollard says.
Tojyea “TJ” Matally ’27 – U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
College of Visual and Performing Arts
Tojyea “TJ” Matally
Matally is a sophomore pursuing a degree in communications design, and he served as a combat photographer in the Marine Corps until 2023, when he opted to pursue higher education and found Syracuse University because of its reputation for providing educational opportunities for veterans and military families.
“I chose to attend Syracuse University because I had heard it was an ideal place for veterans to assimilate into higher education; plus, I wanted to remain in the New York area after being stationed on Long Island for five years,” Matally says.
His advice to other student veterans is to “be honest with your limitations and strengths, and enjoy your new transition. It’s a privilege to pause and invest in yourself for four or more years. Be grateful and lean on your community to support you throughout the journey,” Matally says.
To learn more about the military-connected students at Syracuse University and the programs and services available for student veterans, please visit the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs website.
