Since the end of World War I, the United States has observed Nov. 11 as a day of remembrance for those who have served. Originally named Armistice Day to celebrate the end of hostilities in World War I, the day was later changed to Veterans Day by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to honor those who served in one of the nation’s most significant mobilizations of troops, World War II.
Syracuse University shares a similar historic commitment to honoring veterans and service members. With the university’s reputation for being the “Best Place for Veterans,” it should come as no surprise that the University pulls out all the stops to celebrate Veterans Day.
“Every day is Veterans Day at Syracuse University,” says U.S. Army Colonel (Ret.) Ron Novack, executive director of the University’s Office of Veterans and Military Affairs (OVMA). “But today, we officially take a moment and pause to honor the service, sacrifice, and love of country and the freedoms our veterans have fought to preserve for this nation.”
Veterans Day 5k Fun Run and Walk
Participants in the 2024 Veterans Day 5k Fun Run and Walk take off from the starting line to run three laps around campus. (Photo by Charlie Poag)
Early in the morning on Nov. 11, the campus and local communities gathered on the Kenneth Shaw Quadrangle for the annual Veterans Day 5k. The event drew more than 250 participants, its largest crowd since its inception 10 years ago. Those who signed up early enough for the run received a free t-shirt, and all participants could partake in free refreshments and light food after the walk and run to help them recharge for the rest of the day’s celebrations.
“This year’s Veterans Day Fun Run and Walk was the largest 5K event our team has had to date for our cadets, military community and partners here on campus,” said U.S. Marine Corps veteran Michael Drum who, as the OVMA’s operations manager, helps coordinate between the University’s Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) detachments, OVMA staff, other campus departments and local organizations to ensure the success of the run. “This event wouldn’t have been possible without the leadership of Lt. Col. Matthew Coyne and Laura Bates of the Army ROTC’s Stalwart Battalion, who truly put on a fantastic event that we were all very proud to support.”
Veterans Day Celebration and Reception
Later that morning, the doors to the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building opened for the campus community and general public. Attendees gathered to celebrate the service of the nation’s veterans, focusing on those members of the University community who have served.
The official party for this year’s celebration included Chancellor Kent Syverud; Vice President and Hendricks Chapel Dean Brian Konkol; U.S. Army Lt. Col. (Ret). Theresa Cross ’99, the keynote speaker; U.S. Army Veteran Kim Leonard, president of the University’s Veterans Employee Affinity Group; and U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Leonel Aviles ’26, president of the University’s Student Veteran Organization.
Chancellor Kent Syverud offers during remarks during the 2024 Veterans Day Celebration in the K.G. Tan Auditorium (Photo by Liam Kennedy ’26)
Chancellor Syverud addressed the University’s strong commitment to veterans by pointing out that every day is Veterans Day at Syracuse University, and that is due in large part to the staff, faculty and alumni who are dedicated to supporting veterans and military families in higher education.
“One civilian institution in this country is proud that it’s okay to wear the uniform every day, everywhere across the institution,” said Syverud. “One civilian institution is incredibly proud of the student veterans who have been through here and done amazing things, of how many of our faculty and staff have served, and of the research focus and the service focus that is on veterans all year round. That one civilian institution is Syracuse University, and I’m grateful to all who strive to make every day feel like Veterans Day here.”
Veterans Day Celebration Keynote Speaker U.S. Army Lt. Col. (Ret.) Theresa Cross ’99
Cross, who attended the University on the U.S. Army’s Green to Gold program, earned a commission through the Army ROTC program and graduated from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. During her keynote address, she spoke fondly of her family connection to the University; her mother, brother, sister, daughter and cousin are all fellow alumni. She also spoke about the ongoing efforts the University makes through OVMA and the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families.
“My experience here at Syracuse was more than I imagined it would be. I could implement the leadership values inculcated in the Army—loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage,” said Cross. “I came to a school with a rich history of supporting the military and veterans dating back to WWI and continues through the programs here on campus and those that reach the separating service members, veterans and their families across the country.”
To learn more about Syracuse University’s commitment to veterans, service members and their families, please visit the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs website.
