News
Seinfeld Scholars Program Inspires Military-Connected Student to Never Give Up
Amid the rhythm of early morning drills and the high demands of military service, Ty Tran knew he could not compromise his duties in pursuit of higher education. Tran, having served through multiple deployments and duty stations throughout his eight-year Navy career, naturally approached his education with the same enduring discipline and purpose. Now, a seasoned leader in operations and team leadership, Tran recounts his journey with deep care, reflecting on the critical role of his service in shaping his experience in education and the workforce.
When Tran first began research, he knew he had to be intentional with both his time and resources. He sought institutions that were equipped to support both his academic goals and the demands of military life. During this search, he returned to a critical question: at what place would he fit and feel supported as both a student and as a service member?
This search led him to Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies.
Learning to Lead with Empathy
The College of Professional Studies stood out immediately with its flexible learning, strong advising, and a culture built around supporting working professionals and military service members. Though, the real anchor came in the form of his advisor, Cherri Wells, whose mentorship carried him through deployments, breaks, cross-country moves, and degree changes. Across his four years, Wells became more than an advisor but a guiding light amidst the uncertainty and challenges of balancing service and studies.
“Before Syracuse, I was very focused on structure and execution — doing my job well, checking the boxes,” says Tran. “But my experience here, especially the people who’ve guided me, taught me to look beyond that. I’ve learned to lead with empathy and to see the value in slowing down and truly learning from the process.”
As that stability took root, so did Tran’s sense of direction. While initially entering the program under the liberal arts core, he soon shifted toward a more focused path, a blend between his passion for leadership, operations, and creativity. The College of Professional Studies’ business management track became the ideal path to his long-term dream of working in the beauty and luxury marketing industry. Tran lauded the program’s versatility, allowing him to merge the leadership skills he had developed through years of military service with a long-time dream of his.
Ultimately, Tran’s ongoing discipline and commitment to growth led him to the Seinfeld Scholars Program. This program, offered by the College of Professional Studies, was rooted in the very values he had embraced both in the U.S. Navy and the classroom.
Becoming a Seinfeld Scholar was not a mere accolade for him but an embodiment of his journey throughout military service and education. It was a celebration of individuals like Tran who overcame significant personal and professional obstacles to realize their own unique aspirations. The program’s credo, “Never Give Up,” became a guiding philosophy as he pursued a non-traditional educational path.
Embracing a Mosaic of Experiences
Among fellow Seinfeld Scholars, Tran reveals what he calls a “modern folklore,” individuals whose stories carried their own forms of magic. Veterans, parents, career changers, students rebuilding their lives all under one guiding philosophy. Despite their vastly different paths and challenges, Tran recognized pieces of himself in those stories, and pieces of them in his own.
Today, Tran sees his education as more than a credential. He reflects on his journey as a veteran and student, seeing his life as a mosaic of experiences that have shaped who he is and who he continues to become. He embraces persistence, wisdom, and the courage to pursue his goals relentlessly. He encourages others to move forward thoughtfully, balancing discipline with compassion, and to trust that their paths will unfold with purpose. In sharing his story, Tran shows that purpose is not found in a single moment, but in the steady, deliberate steps that carry us forward, and he hopes others will find their own sense of direction along the way.
To learn more about the Seinfeld Scholars Program, visit professionalstudies.syracuse.edu/tuition-aid/scholarships-grants/seinfeldscholars.
By Katie Huang
Mirza Tihic Co-authors Article “The emergence and impact of the military veteran entrepreneurship industry”
Mirza Tihic, assistant teaching professor at the College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University, co-authored the article “The emergence and impact of the military veteran entrepreneurship industry” with Adam Pritchard and Alexander McKelvie. The article was published by Small Business Economics: An Entrepreneurship Journal.
Abstract:
“In the past decade, the Veteran Entrepreneurship Industry (VEI) has seen a remarkable expansion in the U.S., yet its effectiveness remains largely unexplored. Utilizing data from the National Survey of Military-Affiliated Entrepreneurs with 2222 respondents, we delve into the effectiveness of VEI and the general Entrepreneurship Industry (EI) to address veteran-specific challenges of military veteran entrepreneurs. Building on cultural and social support theories, we broaden the existing literature on EI by focusing on the specific subset of military veteran entrepreneurs. We propose an outcome-based model to measure the impact of EI on this group, emphasizing factors such as a sense of belonging, sense of purpose, transition difficulties and social capital, thereby extending the potential benefits of EI. We find a mixed impact of VEI and EI on these key outcomes, suggesting a nuanced and equivocal role of the entrepreneurship industry on military-affiliated entrepreneurs. We highlight policy implications to better serve the diverse veteran population.”
Automated AI vs. Generative AI: What Students Need to Know
Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant concept reserved for sci‑fi movies. It’s here now, reshaping how industries operate, how decisions are made, and how professionals work across nearly every field. From business to healthcare, cybersecurity to project management, AI has become a foundational skill for the modern workforce.
Now, students are encountering two major categories of AI that are rapidly transforming the professional landscape: automated AI and generative AI. While both are powerful, they serve very different purposes. Understanding these differences is essential for students who want to build competitive, career‑ready skills in an AI‑driven world.
In this guide, we break down what each type of AI does, where you’ll see it in action, and why students should be knowledgeable in both.
What Is Automated AI?
Automated AI is the backbone of efficiency in today’s digital systems. It focuses on speed, accuracy, and optimization, performing predefined tasks using structured rules or predictive models. Once deployed, automated AI often runs with minimal human intervention.
Where You’ll See Automated AI in Action
Automated AI powers many of the systems we interact with every day, including:
- Supply chain and logistics optimization
- Fraud detection and risk assessment systems
- Recommendation engines
- Robotic Process Automation
Automated AI excels at handling repetitive, rules‑based, or data‑heavy tasks at scale. Rather than replacing entire jobs, it typically automates specific functions, freeing professionals to focus on strategy, creativity, and human‑centered decision‑making.
Want to Build Skills in Automated AI?
Syracuse University offers a fully online program designed for students who want to master automation tools and business‑ready AI systems:
What Is Generative AI?
Generative AI represents the next evolution of artificial intelligence. Instead of simply following rules or optimizing processes, generative AI can create entirely new content.
Using large language models (LLMs), neural networks, and deep learning, generative AI can produce:
- Text
- Images
- Audio
- Video
- Computer code
- Data simulations
- Design concepts
Common Applications of Generative AI
You’ve likely interacted with generative AI tools already. They appear in:
- AI chatbots and virtual assistants
- Content creation and marketing tools
- Image and video generation platforms
- Software development support
Unlike automated AI, generative AI is exploratory. It identifies patterns in massive datasets and uses them to produce original outputs, making it especially valuable in fields that require innovation, communication, and strategic thinking.
Automated AI vs. Generative AI: Why the Difference Matters
For students, understanding both types of AI isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.
Employers today aren’t just looking for technical skills, they want graduates who understand how AI works, when to use it, and how to use it responsibly.
Automated AI requires:
- Systems thinking
- Process optimization
- Data analysis
- Workflow design
Generative AI requires:
- Critical evaluation
- Ethical awareness
- Creativity and communication
- Human oversight and judgment
By mastering both automated and generative AI, students position themselves as adaptable, forward‑thinking professionals ready to lead in an evolving digital economy.
How Syracuse University Prepares Students for an AI‑Driven Future
Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies offers online programs designed specifically to help students build real‑world AI skills that employers value.
AI in Business Process Automation
Learn how to design, implement, and manage automated AI systems that streamline business operations.
Applied Digital Automation
Gain hands‑on experience with automation tools, digital workflows, and AI‑powered business solutions.
Both programs are flexible, fully online, and built for students who want to develop in‑demand skills that translate directly into the workplace.
6 Easy Ways Students Can Stay Motivated During Winter Break
Winter break can feel like a much needed pause, but for many non-traditional, online, and part‑time college students, it can also disrupt routines, slow momentum, and make it harder to restart when classes resume. Between work schedules, family responsibilities, and holiday commitments, staying motivated isn’t always simple.
The good news is that with a few intentional strategies, you can use winter break to recharge and stay connected to your academic goals.
Follow these tips to stay motivated over winter break without burning out.
Why Winter Break Motivation Matters
Winter break is more than a vacation; it’s a transition period. Losing your academic rhythm can make January feel like starting from scratch. Maintaining even a light connection to your goals helps you:
- Reduce stress when classes resume
- Keep your study habits sharp
- Build confidence and momentum
- Avoid procrastination spirals
- Start the new term feeling prepared instead of overwhelmed
1. Set Small, Realistic Goals for the Break
You don’t need a full study schedule, just a few intentional goals.
Try choosing one to three small tasks, such as:
- Reviewing notes from last semester
- Reading one chapter of an upcoming textbook
- Updating your planner for next semester
- Organizing your digital files or workspace
These micro‑goals keep your brain engaged without adding pressure.
2. Create a Light, Flexible Routine
Non-traditional students often juggle work, caregiving, and holiday events. Instead of a strict schedule, build a flexible routine that fits your life, just like your courses!
Examples include:
- 20 minutes of reading with your morning coffee
- A weekly “academic check‑in” on Sundays
- Listening to industry and course‑related podcasts during commutes
Consistency matters more than intensity.
3. Stay Connected to Your “Why”
Motivation fades when you lose sight of your purpose. Revisit the reasons you’re pursuing your degree:
- Career advancement
- Providing for your family
- Personal fulfillment
- Finishing something you started
Write your “why” somewhere visible like your phone wallpaper, a sticky note on your laptop, or a journal page!
4. Use Winter Break to Recharge Your Mind
Motivation isn’t just about productivity; it’s also about rest.
Try restorative activities that support your academic energy:
- Reading something purely for enjoyment
- Taking mindful walks
- Practicing short meditation sessions
- Spending time with people who energize you
A rested mind is far more motivated than an exhausted one.
5. Plan Ahead for the Next Semester
A little preparation now can save you a lot of stress later.
Consider:
- Reviewing your upcoming course syllabi (if available)
- Ordering textbooks and course supplies early
- Mapping out major deadlines in your calendar
- Setting up your study space for a fresh start
Planning reduces anxiety and boosts motivation.
6. Celebrate Your Progress
Before rushing into the next term, pause and acknowledge what you’ve already accomplished.
Ask yourself:
- What challenges did I overcome this semester?
- What skills did I build?
- What am I proud of?
Celebrating progress builds confidence, and confidence fuels motivation!
Motivation Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect
Staying motivated over winter break isn’t about grinding nonstop. It’s about keeping a gentle connection to your goals while giving yourself space to rest. As a non-traditional student, you’re already balancing more than most. A few intentional habits can help you return in January feeling grounded, focused, and ready to succeed.