Kathryn "Ryn" Morris ’25 had what she calls a "pretty standard" life as a military dependent—though for most, it was anything but standard. Her family moved frequently every few years, living in diverse places such as the Yongsan Garrison in Seoul and Barking Sands in Hawaii. "Moving around like that does something to you as a kid," she reflects. "It gave me a deep love for travel and an appreciation for learning about different cultures."
Not only that, but it instilled in Ryn a deep appreciate for the concept of community. "As a result of those experiences, I care deeply for the community, and it’s a huge part of my identity," she explains. "Military people tend to click with each other, regardless of their background," she explains. "The surrounding families on base aren’t just neighbors; they become aunts and uncles, and their kids are like cousins."
I’ve been able to take advantage of a multitude of opportunities as a result of Pace University’s Yellow Ribbon Program.
Kathryn’s connection to the military runs deep. "Many of the men in my immediate family were military members," she shares. Her family’s military legacy includes her uncle, who served in the Coast Guard, a cousin and grandfather in the Army, and her father, a retired Navy Commander who served for 24 years.
Kathryn's decision to attend Pace was influenced by several factors, including the well-recognized Arts and Entertainment Management program, robust GI Bill acceptance, and generous scholarship offers. "I’ve been able to take advantage of a multitude of opportunities as a result of Pace University’s Yellow Ribbon Program,” she explains. “The financial support is unmatched for someone in my situation.” No stranger to moving to new places, the allure of New York City certainly played a part in her decision to come to Pace.
I’ve been able to take advantage of leadership and networking opportunities that have helped me in my college journey.
She’s been glad to find that sense of community right here at Pace, particularly among the Student Veterans of America (SVA). "The SVA has been incredibly welcoming and supportive of me at every turn,” says Ryn. “I’ve been able to take advantage of leadership and networking opportunities that have helped me in my college journey." They’ve been with her through all the challenges and changes of her academic career, even when her wanderlust took her away from New York City. "Last year, they were an integral part of my support network when I was abroad and helped me adjust to Pace life again when I was home again."
Now, in her final year, Ryn’s advice to other students is to do as she did—dive in, get involved, and find your people. "Get engaged! There are so many fun clubs and activities on campus, truly something for everyone,” she says. “It improves our school culture the more we participate!"
During his time in uniform, Nicholas Lotto’s mission was to consider the welfare and mental health of his fellow Marines. Now, as president of Pace’s chapter of the Student Veterans of America, his old mission has a new backdrop—improving mental health and community inclusion of student veterans on campus.
The transition into higher education is always bumpy but can be especially challenging for veterans and those leaving active service. A sense of community not only bridges the civilian-veteran gap, but can also improve veteran’s mental health and sense of purpose after service. Three veterans from the Pace Community weigh in on the importance of inclusivity, community, and what it means to be a student veteran.
