Syracuse Sun

The Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) has announced the addition of four esteemed individuals to its advisory board throughout 2024. These new members will join the current board in offering strategic counsel to the University on enhancing programs and initiatives for military-connected students. The four board members all have a personal connection to military service, either having served themselves or having been a member of a military family. In addition, they all carry a commitment to the University as alumni or members of the Central New York community.

The four new board members are:

Wilder J. Leavitt ’86

Wilder Leavitt

Wilder Leavitt, an attorney in Bethesda, Maryland, is a Syracuse alumnus with a degree in aerospace engineering. He later earned a master’s degree in management from MIT and a juris doctor from American University. Leavitt’s military service includes work as an aircraft and munitions maintenance officer in the U.S. Air Force, where he was responsible for the sustainment of various aircraft operations. His commitment to supporting military-connected students extends beyond his military career, with philanthropic contributions to the University through the Wilder J. Leavitt and Mary P. Morningstar Scholarship for Military-Connected Students.

Leavitt expressed his vision for the OVMA board: “I believe military service members, veterans and those connected to the military have served, or will serve, their country as warrior-scholar-citizens. 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.”

Kenneth Marfilius ’11

Kenneth Marfilius

Kenneth Marfilius, a U.S. Air Force veteran, is the assistant dean of the Office of Online and Distance Education in the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics and an associate teaching professor in the School of Social Work. An alumnus of Syracuse University with a degree in psychology, Marfilius went on to earn both a master of social work and a doctorate in clinical social work from the University of Pennsylvania. He has served in numerous roles in the Air Force, including mental health therapist and family advocacy officer, and has worked at the Syracuse VA Medical Center. Additionally, Marfilius has taken on the role of associate director for the recently launched OVMA Resiliency Group.

Marfilius expressed his excitement about joining the OVMA Advisory Board: “Through my experiences as a U.S. Air Force veteran and my current roles at Syracuse University, I’ve dedicated my career to advocating for those who have served our country,” he says. “This opportunity allows me to extend my unwavering dedication to well-being student veterans and military-connected individuals at the University.”

Tyrone “Ty” Muse

Tyrone Muse

Tyrone Muse is president and CEO of Visions Federal Credit Union (VFCU), headquartered in Endwell, New York. With over 30 years experience financial services industry,Muse instrumental creating opportunities for military-connected students atUniversity learn financial planning secure futures certified public accountant professional experience Pricewaterhouse Coopers GE Asset Management.Muse served various boards received numerous accolades community advocacy.

Muse shared enthusiasm joining OVMA board:“As son veteran working leadership help carry forward legacy great university gift,” Muse says.“I look forward sharing knowledge experience financial services industry advancement betterment veteranmilitary-connected studentsUniversity.”

U.S.Army Colonel Pia W.Rogers’98,G’01,L’01

Pia Rogers

Colonel Pia Rogers served22 years active-duty U.S.Army officer currently holds key role Office Chief Legislative Liaison Pentagon.Her extensive career includes various legal leadership roles earning prestigious awards Bronze Star Medal Legion Merit graduate S.I.Newhouse School Public Communications,Rogers also holds juris doctor master public administration Syracuse University.

“I awe vital role commitment Syracuse provides veteran heroes OVMA greater honor continue advance great initiatives member advisory board,” Rogers says.

Leavitt Marfilius Muse Rogers join following advisory board members help advance University's initiatives supportmilitary-connected students:

Richard M.Jones'92,G'95,L'95 Board Chair U.S.Army veteran

Peggy Combs,'85 retired Major General

Paul Dottle P'14,P'18 Army veteran

Gary Ginsburg '72 retired Command Sergeant Major

Millard Hall Jr.G'88 retired Lieutenant Colonel

Victor Holman '82 retired Lieutenant Colonel

Ken Qualigo G'91 Army veteran

Glenn Richardson G'89 Army veteran

To learn more about OVMA University's historic commitmentmilitary-connected students please visit Office Veteran Military Affairs website.