Anthony Ruscitto’s passion for service and helping veterans is one of the reasons he was recently recognized as a 2025 Tillman Scholar by the Pat Tillman Foundation.
“Now what am I supposed to do with my life?” Veterans often face this question as they transition from active duty to civilian life. The thought terrified U.S. Marine Corps veteran Anthony Ruscitto ’22, G’23, L’27 when he contemplated his future in the spring of 2019.
Today, Ruscitto is a two-time Syracuse graduate and a rising second-year law student in the College of Law. When he graduates, Ruscitto plans to provide legal aid to his fellow veterans. Ruscitto’s passion for service and helping veterans is one of the reasons he was recently recognized as a 2025 Tillman Scholar by the Pat Tillman Foundation.
The award unites and empowers remarkable military service members, veterans and spouses as the next generation of public and private sector leaders committed to service beyond self. Tillman Scholars receive academic scholarships, leadership development opportunities and access to a supportive national network as they embark on career journeys in all fields, including health care, public service, business, STEM, law, the humanities and education.
The scholarship program honors Pat Tillman, a starting safety for the National Football League’s Arizona Cardinals, who in 2002 put his football career on hold to serve his country with the U.S. Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan. Tillman’s family and friends established the Pat Tillman Foundation following Tillman’s death in April 2004.
Syracuse University is a proud Pat Tillman Foundation University Partner. To date, 15 University students have been honored as Tillman Scholars. Eligible current or prospective Syracuse University students interested in applying for the 2026 Tillman Scholarship should contact the Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising after the application opens in November.
Ruscitto has assisted veterans applying for disability benefits or seeking to increase their benefits through the Onondaga County Veterans Service Agency. This fall, Ruscitto will work as a student lawyer in the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic, providing pro bono legal services to area veterans.
He sat down with SU News to discuss why he wanted to become a Tillman Scholar, reflect on the prestigious honor and share how he will use the scholarship to make a difference.
Academic degrees: Bachelor’s degrees in forensic science and psychology (College of Arts and Sciences); master’s degree in public administration (Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs); current student in the J.D. program (College of Law).
What drew you to study at Syracuse University? “Syracuse stood out right away because of its resources for transitioning service members and veterans. The scholarship and financial support were excellent and mentorship from previous student veterans showed me how to thrive on a college campus and made me realize I could go to college and be successful after service. Organizations like the Student Veteran Organization, the Office of Veteran Success and the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs were extremely helpful in navigating the obstacles I faced.”
Where did your interest and passion for the law come from? “Early in my service in the Marines, I learned to love ‘learning the rules and regulations.’ One of the most important skills I learned as a professional was how to leverage rules and regulations to better serve others. As an emergency medical technician, we often arrived at the scene of the worst day of someone’s life. The care we provided ended at the hospital, with no ability to check in and see what else we can do for the patient.”
“As a lawyer, I will develop the skills necessary to aid others in navigating the rules and regulations of society, and I can help those in need, advocating for them in and out of the courtroom. Being someone’s advocate has always motivated me to better understand how to help others with the law.”
What motivated you to apply to be a Tillman Scholar? “One of the first veterans I met at Syracuse was Katy Quartaro ’18, G’20, a fellow Marine veteran and a 2019 Tillman Scholar. I saw how she carried herself on and off campus as an advocate for others through several different professional roles. Seeing how Katy and other Tillman Scholars positively impact others motivated me to apply, and I quickly knew that the resources, leadership training and network provided to Tillman Scholars was the best way to realize my career goals.”
How does it feel to be recognized as a Tillman Scholar? “The more I learn about Pat Tillman’s life and legacy, the more I realize honoring his legacy will take a lifetime—and I have the responsibility of ensuring I honor that legacy every day. I’ve been reflecting on the impact and legacy I have had so far in my career and realized that with the opportunity being a Tillman Scholar is providing for me and my community, my best work and biggest impacts are yet to come.”
How will this experience help you make an impact in your community? “Engaging with volunteer opportunities and programs that promote positive change in our community. Besides working with the Veterans Legal Clinic, I will teach literacy skills to elementary school students in the Syracuse City School District through the United Way of Central New York’s Book Buddy program. Long term, I am focused on expanding the resources available to veterans and marginalized citizens locally.”
Anthony Ruscitto (center) was honored as the Hometown Hero during Syracuse’s football game vs. Louisville on Sept. 3, 2022.
