Generosity of U.S. Navy veteran Daniel D’Aniello ’68 and his wife, Gayle, positions Syracuse University to help nation transform service to and support of veterans and military families
Syracuse University, home to the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), today announced a $20 million gift from U.S. Navy veteran, Whitman School alumnus and Life Trustee Daniel D’Aniello ’68 and his wife, Gayle. This gift, one of the single largest gifts in University history, will support construction of the National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC), a first-of-its-kind facility that will house the IVMF, the nation’s leading academic institute focused on the concerns of America’s more than 20 million veterans and their families as well as other veteran-focused educational, vocational and community engagement programs. The NVRC will open in spring 2020.
Chancellor Kent Syverud says the D’Aniello family’s gift is profoundly transformative and will allow Syracuse University to fulfill its promise of being the best place for veterans. Since its founding in 2011, more than 90,000 transitioning service members, veterans and military family members have participated in IVMF programs. The IVMF has pledged to place 30,000 veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses into desirable jobs by 2022 through its Onward to Opportunity-Veterans Career Transition Program.
“The commitment that Dan and Gayle D’Aniello have made to Syracuse University, to our students, to our faculty and to our veterans will have a tremendous impact on our University for generations to come,” says Chancellor Syverud. “Dan has dedicated his life to service—first in uniform and later as an entrepreneur, business leader and philanthropist. Syracuse University is deeply grateful for the D’Aniello family’s support, which has the potential to change the lives of millions of veterans and military families.”
Daniel D’Aniello, co-founder and chairman emeritus of The Carlyle Group, served as a supply officer in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Wasp (CVS 18) from 1968 to 1971. He went on to earn a graduate degree at the Harvard Business School, where he was a Teagle Foundation Fellow. In 2016, D’Aniello was awarded the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation’s Lone Sailor Award for drawing upon his Sea Service experience to achieve success in his personal and professional life while exemplifying the core values of honor, courage and commitment.
Citing his time at Syracuse University as life changing, D’Aniello says he’s honored to support his alma mater’s bold vision and ambitious goals.
“Gayle and I are proud to be able to support current and future students, especially those who have and will serve in our nation’s armed forces,” says D’Aniello.
Michael Haynie, Syracuse’s vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and IVMF’s executive director, says serving the nation’s veterans and their families is at the heart of the NVRC vision and mission.
“The NVRC will provide the tools, resources and support needed to fundamentally change the life trajectory of those who serve or have served,” says Haynie. “The NVRC will house state-of-the-art vocational and educational programs that are designed to advance the economic success of the region’s and the nation’s veterans and military families. It will also serve as a platform through which to seed, nurture and coordinate veteran-connected academic research and technology commercialization. It’s a truly innovative approach.”
Syracuse University, via its Academic Strategic Plan, is committed to building on its long legacy of supporting the nation’s veterans and military families. For example, the University has the longest, continuously running Army ROTC program and is consistently placed among the best universities for veterans rankings.
“The work being done at Syracuse, specifically at the IVMF, is simply unrivaled,” says Daniel D’Aniello, who serves as co-chair of the IVMF Advisory Board. “The fact is that unlike any other university, Syracuse understands and appreciates the significant contributions by and the great role veterans and military families play in our society. This new center will allow Syracuse University to help our nation not only respond to but anticipate the unique needs of this population by helping veterans more seamlessly transition to civilian life. To say this center is a game changer in the ongoing efforts to better the post-service lives of our veterans and their families is an understatement.”
About the National Veterans Resource Center
The National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC) will serve as a class-leading exemplar of academic, government and community collaboration and will build upon and advance Syracuse University’s already strong national leadership in the veterans community. The NVRC will house state-of-the-art vocational and educational programs designed to advance the economic success of the region’s and the nation’s veterans and military families, and also serve as a platform through which to seed, nurture and coordinate veteran-connected academic research and technology commercialization. The NVRC will also house the Syracuse University and Regional Student Veteran Resource Center; the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps; the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs “Vet-Success on Campus”; the National Center of Excellence for Veteran Business Ownership; Veteran Business Outreach Center and Accelerator; and Syracuse University’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs. Designed as a LEED-certified facility and constructed in accordance with universal design practices, the NVRC will be an inclusive facility that welcomes and accommodates veterans and visitors with disabilities. To learn more about the NVRC, visit nvrc.syr.edu.
About the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University
The Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) is the first interdisciplinary national institute in higher education focused on the social, economic, education and policy issues impacting veterans and their families. Through its professional staff and experts, the IVMF delivers leading programs in career, vocational and entrepreneurship education and training while also conducting actionable research, policy analysis and program evaluations. The IVMF also supports communities through collective impact efforts that enhance delivery and access to services and care. The institute, supported by a distinguished advisory board, along with public and private partners, is committed to advancing the lives of those who have served in America’s armed forces and their families. For more information, visit ivmf.syracuse.edu and follow the IVMF on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About the Whitman School
The Martin J. Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University inspires students for a world of accelerating change. Offering B.S., MBA, M.S. and Ph.D. programs, all accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Whitman School’s faculty includes internationally known scholars and researchers, as well as successful entrepreneurs and business leaders. Whitman continues to be ranked among the nation’s top business schools by U.S. News & World Report and Bloomberg Businessweek. To learn more about the Whitman School of Management, visit Whitman.syr.edu.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is an independent research university that advances knowledge across disciplines to drive breakthrough discoveries and breakout leadership. Our 13 schools and colleges and over 200 majors close the gap between education and action, so graduates are equipped to be resourceful, responsive and real-world ready. In and beyond the classroom, we connect people, perspectives and practices to solve interconnected issues with innovative approaches. Together, we’re a powerful community of game changers that moves ideas, individuals and impact forward.
