At the end of the spring semester each year, the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) at Syracuse University welcomes family members, friends, and guests to the National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC) to celebrate the academic achievement of those veteran and military-connected students who are graduating from any of the university’s 13 schools or colleges.
The day of festivities includes the Student Veteran Commencement, the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Joint Commissioning Celebration, pinning and first salute ceremonies for both Army and Air Force ROTC cadets receiving their commission, as well as receptions following each event.
The day begins with celebrating those who have served. The Student Veteran Commencement honors the accomplishments of student veterans who are full-time, part-time, on campus, and online.
In 2024, Syracuse University conferred more than 280 degrees for student veterans, including three doctoral degrees, and 15 juris doctorates. Additionally, 19 certificates of advanced study were awarded to student veterans, more than half of which were earned in addition to a degree.
This year, Daniel Hansmeier ’18, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, served as the guest speaker for the ceremony. Hansmeier, who graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in biology, served as an infantryman and later became a reconnaissance Marine with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion.
“Our potential knows no bounds; together, we are poised to shape a brighter tomorrow. So let us cherish this moment of triumph and remember that our journey does not end here. As we step out into the world, let us carry with us the lessons learned, the bonds forged, and the unwavering spirit that defines us as veterans. We are not merely graduates; we are warriors, poised to conquer new horizons and inspire future generations with courage and conviction.”
Daniel Hansmeier ‘18
Acknowledging Tomorrow’s Military Leaders
With U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force ROTC detachments on campus, the university holds a special recognition ceremony led by Chancellor Kent Syverud, who also served as the guest speaker this year. Those cadets who are graduating from either of the two programs are acknowledged at the ceremony and presented with leadership certificates from the university, as well as their honor chords and other gifts.
In his initial remarks, Syverud expounded upon the reason why Syracuse University takes the time and effort to acknowledge veteran and military-connected students:
“We really owe it to these students to bear witness ot them. We owe it to them because, at least in this one tiny corner in higher education, we remember something that is too often forgten in this country. We remember that everything you will see this weekend, this beautiful building, this amazing campus, all the wonderful learning and research and activity that occurs here, all the potential this place unlocks in thousands of people every year, even all the exercise of our freedoms–like the freedom of speech. All of this would be gone in less than a decade, all of it would be rubble unless a tiny fraction of the population was willing to make the sacrifice, wear the uniform, and lead in the defense of the United States of America.”
Chancellor Kent Syverud
The U.S Army and U.S. Air Force ROTC Detachments host commencement ceremonies acknowledging the graduating cadets individually. During the ceremonies, cadets are pinned with the rank of a 2nd Lieutenant for the first time and receive their first salute. As nearly 60 percent of servicemembers under 40 have an immediate family member in the military, many of the new Lieutenants choose to have their rank pinned on, and receive their first salute, from a family member.
Both ROTC programs invite a distinguished guest speaker for their ceremonies to offer personal insight and advice to the new military officers. The Stalwart Battalion welcomed U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Matthew Braman as their guest speaker. Braman is the Deputy Commander of Support for the 10th Mountain Division, located at nearby Fort Drum in Watertown, N.Y.
“I’d ask each of you, at the end of the day, to look yourself in the mirror and say, ‘Have I done everything I can do to be ready for tomorrow, or am I prepared to deal with the consequences if I haven’t.’”
– U.S. Army Brigadier General Matthew Braman
The Air Force welcomed Retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Kenneth Weaver as their guest speaker. While Cmdr. Weaver’s operational experience throughout his Navy career as an engineering officer has included time around the U.S. Air Force, his connection to Detachment 535 is a little more personal. His daughter, 2nd Lt. Emily Weaver, was among the graduating class this year.
“My advice, have the courage to accept risk and solve problems, and the wisdom to determine when the risk becomes a gamble.”
Retired U.S. Navy Commander. Kenneth Weaver Jr
One unique highlight from this year’s U.S. Air Force ROTC commissioning ceremony was the commissioning of U.S. Space Force 2nd Lt. Benjamin Johnson ’24, a graduate of the College of Engineering and Computer Science, is Syracuse University’s first student to commission directly into the Space Force. Here, 2nd Lt. Johnson can be seen taking the oath of office, being administered by his father, retired U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Scott Johnson.
Receptions followed each ceremony throughout the day, offering the cadets, cadre, staff, and guests the opportunity to meet, swap stories, and share in the camaraderie fostered over the years of study at Syracuse University. The OVMA proudly congratulates all veteran and military-connected students who graduated this year and wishes them well in their future endeavors.
