Making up almost 5-percent of the student body, the Veterans Resource Center is meant for those who have served in the military

"It’s not a stretch to say that SU exists as the institution it is today because of military veterans," said Syracuse Institute for Veterans and Military Families Executive Director Dr. Michael Haynie.

The National Veterans Resource Center sits at the corner of South Crouse and Waverly Avenue. A $62.5 million project will be a place for research and sanctuary for those who served and are currently serving.

"One of the barriers to higher education for veterans is often they get on a college campus and don't look to their left, they can't look to their left and right and see someone who has that same shared experience of military that they have," said Haynie.

The 115,000 square foot facilities will feature an auditorium, classrooms and a multi-media center.

"It's a pretty neat building,” said LeChase Construction Service Superintendent Mike Woodin. “There are all kinds of cool finishes in the facades. You know the upper third floor facade's got the find on it. It's going to be a pretty cool building"

It will be the most accessible building on campus.

"They often feel like they don't fit in, belong, or connected,” said Woodin. “I think one of the powerful things that this resource will do is give them a unique sense of connection to the institution."

"What this facility really does is plant a flag for the university that we're in this for the long haul,” said Haynie. “It's something that we're going to be committed to for the long haul."

The facilities are set to be ready for use by the end of the year.