Student Research on Veterans Included in New Airport Exhibit

As the nation pauses on Veteran’s Day to honor those who served, St. John Fisher University is celebrating a special connection to Rochester’s own veterans. A team of Fisher students, Sara Casale, Shane Morgan, Caroline Cahalan, and Sara Yorio helped uncover and share the stories of local veterans now featured in a new memorial exhibit at the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport.

The project, completed in collaboration with Monroe County and faculty mentors Dr. Carolyn Vacca and Dr. Frederick Dotolo, began in 2023 as part of an initiative to highlight the lives of local service members through public history. The exhibit, officially unveiled this summer, builds on the work first completed in spring 2023, when the students began researching Rochester-area veterans for a county initiative designed to highlight local history through storytelling and scholarship. This year, their research stands on display for thousands of travelers to see, a lasting tribute to the community’s legacy of service.

Research with Purpose

For Yorio, the project offered both a personal and academic experience. “The opportunity came to me from Dr. Mark Rice toward the end of the semester,” she said. “He told me, ‘I couldn’t think of anyone else for this project,’ and from there, I knew I wanted to be part of it.”

Having grown up with a veteran in her family, Yorio was drawn to the chance to honor service members while applying her background in American studies. She focused her research on the Air Force and Space Force, diving into the branches’ history and their ties to Rochester’s industrial past.

“I did the Air Force and Space Force panels, and walking up to see them on display was unreal,” she said. “It wasn’t just about the research; it was about seeing the connection to my grandfather reflected in this work. Learning about the local links between the Air Force, Kodak, and camera technology was incredible. It showed how deeply Rochester is tied to national history.”

Honoring Rochester’s Veterans

The updated memorial now recognizes all Rochester veterans, expanding the original concept to reflect the community’s collective service and sacrifice.

“Knowing that the display honors a local hero like Corporal Perkins, someone who gave his life to save others, makes it even more meaningful,” Yorio said. “It’s not just about soldiers in combat. It’s about everyone who contributed, from photographers to engineers. Their stories deserve to be remembered.”

Local History Display at the Airport

Placed alongside new exhibits including the Frederick Douglass Observatory, the veterans memorial adds another layer to the airport’s growing collection of cultural installations.

“I think it’s incredible that visitors flying in and out of Rochester can learn about our local history right there in the airport,” Yorio shared. “My parents recently visited and said it’s amazing how much of Rochester’s story is captured there now.”

At the unveiling, Yorio described an emotional atmosphere filled with gratitude and reflection. “We saw smiles and tears. Veterans were proud, and some said seeing their stories and artifacts displayed meant the world to them. The moment reminded me: it’s for them. It’s not for me. It’s for them.”

Lessons in Collaboration and Communication

Beyond research and writing, Yorio emphasized how the project strengthened her communication and collaboration skills.

“Working with my mentors, community members, and the Military History Society taught me how to write in a different way, concise, meaningful, and accessible to the public,” she said. “I’m used to writing long academic papers, but turning six pages of research into a page and a half for display was a challenge. It taught me how to highlight what really matters.”

The experience also deepened her empathy and awareness. By learning from veterans who had endured trauma and listening to their stories, Yorio gained a broader perspective and became a more effective communicator and listener. 

Honoring Service, Building Connection

As Fisher observes Veterans Day, Yorio reflects on how the project shaped her understanding of service, both in history and in community.

“My advice to future students is: don’t say no to opportunities like this,” she said. “You learn so much, and it’s not just about history, but about people, place, and connection. It made Rochester feel like home for me.”

This article was written by Ranya Alsalahi, a senior film and television studies major. Alsalahi is an intern in the Office of Marketing and Communications at Fisher for the Fall 2025 semester.