SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC NEWS)–When Syracuse University announced it was opening an office at the Hancock Air Field, its goal was to establish a foothold. Nearly 18 months later, it is already making a noticeable impact.
The 174th Attack Wing of the New York National Guard has called the Hancock Air Field home since 1962. In the past, its members have seen action in Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. Now, the base is becoming an educational hub.
“It’s come to the point where we have offices out on the base, and we have so many base members that have joined our programs,” said Nina Rivera-Nuñez, a military student advisor at Syracuse University.
For members of the 174th Attack Wing, the chance at an affordable education and a Syracuse University diploma proved too good to pass up.
“When we found out that SU was going to have a facility here, everyone’s eyes lit up,” said Senior Master Sergeant Patrick Dermady. “A lot of the people around the base that I respect and trust have already started to participate in the program.”
Dermady is pursuing his master’s degree and is one of the more than 40 members of the 174th Attack Wing enrolled in classes with the university.
Per the university, students from the New York State Air National Guard who are pursuing undergraduate degrees will pay no more than $278 per credit. Nuñez-Rivera notes that after assistance from the military, most members will be getting their degrees for free.
Syracuse already has programs like the Institute for Veterans and Military Families to assist former and current armed forces members. Rivera-Nuñez hopes that the partnership with the 174th Attack Wing will boost the University’s reputation among the military.
“At SU, we want to be the number one school for military education for all branches,” Rivera-Nuñez said. “We just want to continue to give them the best education and do something for those who are serving our country.”
In trying to achieve that goal, the university hopes to hold in-person classes on the base in the future.
