Syracuse University’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) is excited to welcome three new members to its advisory board. The three new additions will join the other eight members to provide advice and counsel to the university’s leadership related to programs, initiatives, and opportunities to advance the educational aspirations of military-connected students enrolled with the university.
The three new additions represent the university’s historical commitment to veterans and military families. While most members of the OVMA’s advisory board are veteran members of the university’s alumni network, many are committed members of the local community with influential networks they leverage to advance the university’s military-connected initiatives.
Kenneth Marfilius ‘11
Ken Marfilius is a U.S. Air Force veteran and the Assistant Dean of the Office of Online and Distance Education at the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, where he is also an Associate Teaching Professor in the School of Social Work. After completing his undergraduate studies in Psychology at Syracuse University he earned a Master of Social Work and Doctorate in Clinical Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice.
During his time in the Air Force, Marfilius served with the Biomedical Science Corps in roles ranging from mental health therapist, family advocacy officer in charge, and managed the alcohol and drug prevention treatment program. He has also worked with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs at the Syracuse VA Medical Center, and makes routine appearances on national television and print media as a subject matter expert on a wide range of topics related to military trauma and mental health.
“I am honored to be appointed to the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs Advisory Board, a role that aligns with my enduring commitment to serve our veteran and military-connected communities. Through my experiences as a U.S. Air Force veteran and in my current roles at Syracuse University, I’ve dedicated my career to advocating for those who have served our country, ensuring their voices are heard and needs are met with the utmost respect and support,” says Marfilius. “This opportunity allows me to extend my unwavering dedication to the well-being of student veterans and military-connected individuals at Syracuse University, reinforcing our collective mission to facilitate their success both in academia and beyond.”
Tyrone “Ty” Muse
Ty Muse is the President and CEO of Visions Federal Credit Union (VFCU), headquarters in Endwell, New York. Muse is a dedicated servant to the local community and the Central New York region, bringing with him more than thirty years of experience in the financial services industry. In addition to serving on a number of boards both locally and nationally, he has received numerous awards for his advocacy and support of various causes. He is a Certified Public Accountant with experiences with some of the leading names in financial services like Pricewaterhouse Coopers and GE Asset Management.
Muse was instrumental in the recent partnership between VFCU and the OVMA. The support from VFCU presents military-connected students at Syracuse University with impactful opportunities to learn about financial planning, ensuring their readiness to secure financial success after graduation, as well as access to beneficial financial services through Visions Federal Credit Union.
“It is an honor to be included on such an esteemed board of diverse professionals. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and experience from the financial services industry to help the advancement and betterment of the veteran military-connected students at Syracuse University,” says Muse. “As a son of a veteran, working with the board and leadership of the OVMA to help carry forward the legacy of this great university and program is a gift; thank you for this opportunity.”
Wilder J. Leavitt ‘86
Wilder Leavitt is an attorney with a private practice located in Bethesda, Maryland. After graduating from Syracuse University with an undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering, Leavitt earned a master’s degree in management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Juris Doctorate from American University.
Leavitt served in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft and munitions maintenance officer where he was pivotal in the sustainment of flight operations for the Air Force’s A-10 Warthog, F-5 Freedom Fighter, F-15 Eagle, and F-16 Falcon. In addition to his military service, Leavitt has served the local Bethesda community as a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician, paramedic, and ambulance driver. He was also a member of Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps, providing COVID-19 virus testing during the first year of the pandemic.
As an alumnus of Syracuse University’s U.S. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, Leavitt has been a long-time supporter of the OVMA and the university’s initiatives to support military-connected students. Leavitt and his wife, Mary Morningstar, both provide philanthropic support to current military-connected students through the Wilder J. Leavitt and Mary P. Morningstar Scholarship for Military Connected students.
“I believe military service members, veterans, and those connected to the military have served, or will serve, their country as warrior-scholar-citizens,” says Leavitt, who also serves on the Syracuse University Alumni Association’s board of directors.
“While on the advisory board, I hope to create and implement tools and programs that develop the best traits of our military-connected students: exceptional professional competency, robust intellectual achievement, and informed participation in civic discourse as well as activism,” Leavitt says.
The three new additions will join the following members of the OVMA’s advisory board:
- Richard M. Jones ’92, G’95, L’95. Board Chair and U.S. Army veteran.
- Peggy Combs, ’85. Retired U.S Army Major General.
- Paul Dottle P’14, P’18. U.S. Army veteran.
- Gary Ginsburg ’72. Retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major.
- Millard Hall Jr. G’88. Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel.
- Victor Holman ’82. Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel.
- Ken Qualigo G’91. U.S. Army veteran.
- Glenn Richardson G’89. U.S. Army veteran.