Syracuse University has a long and distinguished history of supporting veterans, a commitment that began in earnest in the aftermath of World War II. From its early initiatives to welcome returning service members to its groundbreaking Veterans Career Transition Program (VCTP), the university has consistently demonstrated its dedication to the military community.
In 1944, recognizing the vital role of higher education for returning veterans, Chancellor William Pearson Tolley launched Syracuse University’s “uniform admissions program.” This pivotal program guaranteed admission to Syracuse University for all military personnel upon their return from war, setting the stage for decades of veteran support.
The impact was immediate and significant. By 1946, Syracuse University admitted an astounding 9,464 veterans, effectively doubling its student body overnight. The campus rapidly transformed, with nine hundred Quonset huts, barracks, and trailers erected to accommodate the influx of veteran students.
Historical image of Syracuse University barracks in 1946, showcasing the university’s rapid expansion to accommodate the influx of veteran students after World War II.
By 1947, Syracuse University’s commitment to veterans was nationally recognized, ranking first in New York State and 17th nationally for veteran enrollment. To meet the diverse needs of returning service members, University College expanded its evening extension classes and adult education programs, providing flexible learning options for veterans who couldn’t attend full-time.
This dedication to serving the military community extended beyond general education. In 1952, Syracuse University established the Defense Comptrollership Program (DCP) at the Martin J. Whitman School of Management. Born from the financial challenges identified during World War II, the DCP has since educated over 1,600 military and civilian personnel, with graduates reaching the highest levels of financial management within the Department of Defense (DOD).
A photograph from the 1950s featuring a group of male student veterans at Syracuse University, highlighting the strong veteran presence on campus during that era.
Syracuse University further expanded its reach to active duty personnel in 1953, opening national campuses, starting with the first at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, NY. This initiative brought higher education opportunities directly to service members at their duty stations.
Recognizing the importance of military storytelling and communication, Syracuse University launched the Military Photojournalism Program (MPJ) in 1963 through the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. Initially contracted with the U.S. Navy and now sponsored by the Department of Defense, the MPJ equips active duty personnel from all branches of the Armed Forces with advanced skills in visual storytelling. This was followed by the Military Motion Media Program (MMM) in 1992, further enhancing media training for military personnel.
Image of a woman soldier holding a camera, representing the Military Photojournalism Program at Syracuse University and its commitment to training military personnel in visual storytelling.
In 1996, the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs initiated the DOD-sponsored National Security Studies (NSS) program. This premier professional development program has served over 1,700 senior civilian and military executives, fostering expertise in national security.
Syracuse University’s commitment to veterans took an entrepreneurial turn in 2007 with the Whitman School’s Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV). Now open to all veterans, the EBV provides cutting-edge training in entrepreneurship and small business management to post-9/11 veterans. Its success led to expansion into a consortium of 8 universities, with Syracuse University as the national host, graduating over 1,000 veterans. The EBV program further expanded to include EBV-Families and V-WISE, supporting military families and female veterans in their entrepreneurial journeys.
A veteran participating in an EBV-Families class, illustrating Syracuse University’s comprehensive support for veteran entrepreneurship, extending to their families.
A critical component of Syracuse University’s modern veteran support is the Veterans Career Transition Program (VCTP), now known as Onward to Opportunity. Launched in 2011 by the School of Information Studies (iSchool) and JPMorgan Chase & Co., this non-credit program offers free, in-demand skills training to post-9/11 veterans seeking careers in technology and operations within large corporations. The VCTP directly addresses the need for veterans to translate their military skills and experience into civilian career paths. This program exemplifies Syracuse University’s forward-looking approach to veteran support, focusing on relevant job skills and industry connections.
The Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) staff pictured outside their building, representing Syracuse University’s institutional commitment to supporting veterans and military families.
The establishment of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) in 2012 further solidified Syracuse University’s leadership in veteran support. With JPMorgan Chase & Co. as a founding partner, the IVMF serves all 25 million U.S. veterans, addressing crucial social, economic, education, and policy issues. Through initiatives like VetNet, created in partnership with Google, Hire Heroes USA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes, the IVMF provides veterans with vital career resources and pathways to successful civilian lives.
Syracuse University’s journey reflects a continuous evolution of veteran support, from welcoming returning WWII veterans to pioneering programs like the Veterans Career Transition Program (VCTP) and the IVMF. This legacy underscores the university’s enduring commitment to serving those who have served the nation, ensuring veterans have the opportunities and resources they need to thrive in their post-military careers.
