1.

A University Senate budget report earlier this semester included this paragraph: "The IVMF has
grown very rapidly in recent years and has extensive networks of partnerships with governmental
institutions, community partners, corporate sponsors, and academic affiliates. They are designing,
initiating, and facilitating services, training, and education nationally at a considerable scale, serving
tens of thousands of veterans in recent years. The committee strongly recommends that Vice Chancellor
Haynie address the Senate or hold an open forum to broadcast these activities more widely across the
university community." Do you have any plans to hold such an open forum or address the Senate on
this topic?

Response: I would welcome the opportunity, and in fact said so to the Budget Committee, to discuss the
impactful and nationally important work happening at the IVMF at an upcoming University Senate
meeting.

If you haven’t already, I would suggest you connect with the chair of the Senate Budget Committee about
why the Committee made this recommendation. Speaking with the chair would give you more background
on how this recommendation came to be.

I was told that the Committee found the story of the founding and growth of the IVMF to be a compelling
and positive story, and emblematic of the academic innovation and commitment to creating social
impact—principles that are intrinsic to Syracuse University’s values, vision, and mission. For that reason, I
understand the Committee suggested it would be valuable for members of the University community to
have the opportunity to learn more about the IVMF’s work, mission, and impact.

Framing this recommendation in any other way would be disingenuous and inconsistent with the
Committee’s intent as communicated to me by the Committee Chairperson.

2. Is there a difference to you between a veteran-friendly campus and a military-friendly campus? If

so, what is the difference?

Response: It is not clear to me the distinction implied by this question. To be clear, my work is focused on
advancing opportunity for individuals and families, not advancing an institution (i.e. the military).

Put plainly, we help people—in our case men, women, and children who have served in the military or who
have grown up in military families—navigate the social, economic, and wellness barriers they face when
they make the transition from military to civilian life. For example, children who grow up in military families
experience high rates of hopelessness and depressive episodes, and rates of suicide among young service
members are higher than their similarly aged peers outside the military. The IVMF’s commitment is to
leverage our programs and research to help these people, regardless of whether they are veteran, service
member, spouse, or child.

Finally, it is also important to acknowledge that since its inception, the IVMF has not received any funding
whatsoever from the Department of Defense. Our only federal funder is/has been the U.S. Small Business
Administration.

3. When did you hold the title of Barnes Fellow? Were there any specific conditions that came with
holding that position?
Response: The Barnes Fellowship was not the creation of Steve Barnes. Instead, the idea for the fellowship
came from the former dean of the Whitman School of Management, Melvin Stith.

After I received tenure in 2011, Dean Stith felt it was important to recognize my contribution to the
Whitman School and the University, and to support my ability expand the scale and scope of my academic
work. Dean Stith asked Steve Barnes, a supporter of the Whitman School and its entrepreneurship
programs, if he would offer a modest stipend for this purpose. Steve agreed, and Dean Stith made the
decision to ‘name’ the fellowship after Steve as recognition of his generosity. Naming professorships and
fellowships for the donor providing support is standard practice across our University, and across higher
education.

Further, I receive no direct funds (salary) from the Barnes Professorship.

4. Are there any specific conditions that come with holding the title of Barnes Professor of
Entrepreneurship?

Response: No, none at all. Never have been. Again, I would reiterate that named professorships are a
common form of philanthropy across the higher education landscape.

5. How much money has Steve Barnes given toward each of the following: the Barnes Professor of
Entrepreneurship, the Barnes Family Entrepreneurial Bootcamp for Veterans and the IVMF?

What I can say is that Steve is a deeply passionate alumnus who has given repeatedly—in time, energy,
and resources—to help Syracuse University’s students—both traditional and non-traditional—
accomplish their dreams. We are fortunate to have such a committed network of alumni, volunteers,
donors, and supporters, all of whom contribute in their own unique way to elevating the Syracuse
University experience.