A U.S. Army veteran, devoted pet owner and hobbyist furniture refurbisher, Robert Davenport ’27 has never been a person who chases the spotlight. But at SUNY Oswego, this nontraditional studio art major has quietly crafted a powerful story of resilience, creativity and personal transformation.
Following his Army retirement, Davenport was ready for a new chapter to explore new interests and stay motivated in his daily life. Higher education offered him a chance to do just that.
“Self-motivation was only partially effective,” he said. “I needed to do something. I had my GI Bill available, so I thought, let me find a degree that matches my interests.”
He began with an associate degree from SUNY Morrisville before enrolling at SUNY Oswego to pursue his bachelor’s degree. Rather than selecting a major with a career as the end goal, he chose art with a studio art track because it aligns closely with what he loves — woodworking and hands-on craftsmanship.
“Self-motivation was only partially effective. I needed to do something. I had my GI Bill available, so I thought, let me find a degree that matches my interests.”
Working closely with his advisor, Davenport is shaping his educational path to mirror the creative direction he always envisioned for himself. And with each class, he says he’s gaining confidence in skills he once found intimidating.
“When I finished my drawing class and saw my final drawings — that was a moment where I thought, ‘I can actually do this,’” he said.
As a commuter student, Davenport appreciates that his professors are flexible and communicative, which helps him make the most of his time on campus. He jokes that he’s “earning a bachelor’s degree in studio art and a minor in driving,” but shares that the understanding he’s received from faculty has made balancing school and travel much easier.
He has experienced that same respect within Oswego’s veterans community, where support and understanding are central. Davenport appreciates the supportive environment facilitated by the Veteran and Military Services Office.
“The way you’re treated as a veteran is really how you represent it,” he shared. “Faculty and students here are respectful and value the sacrifices we’ve suffered and sometimes are still suffering.”
For Davenport, belonging isn’t about fitting a traditional college mold. As someone who is “two to three times older” than many classmates, he has found a connection through something much simpler: conversation. He sees his age and experience as a chance to learn from others while offering guidance when asked. Group projects, he jokes, are often where he can nudge peers just enough to help them take the lead.
Despite juggling school, everyday life and the demands of commuting, Davenport relies on the perspective and perseverance he gained during his years in the Army. He says that staying motivated isn’t always easy, but his guiding philosophy is simple.
“The way you’re treated as a veteran is really how you represent it. Faculty and students here are respectful and value the sacrifices we’ve suffered and sometimes are still suffering.”
“Old Army saying — false motivation is better than no motivation at all,” he said. “Find ‘comrades in arms,’ be a motivation to them even when you are not motivated. Even if you are faking motivation, you do things and move forward.”
To him, progress is measured in motion, no matter the pace. “Hard times, good times, fun times, fast times, they all share a common denominator. They are time,” he added. “When things are tough, take them one day at a time. If they're really rough, one hour at a time. We move past the hard times eventually; we just need to have the perseverance to outlast them.”
Looking toward graduation, Davenport acknowledges how significant this milestone will be for him personally. A degree will symbolize something much bigger than a line on a résumé.
“When I graduated high school, I never thought I would do college. I always thought that was for smart people. Or at least, smarter people than me,” he said. “Now, I know this is where people are supposed to get smart, not where they go because they are.”
Davenport’s story is a reminder that education doesn’t follow one path. It bends, adapts, and, at its best, supports students exactly where they are in life. For him, SUNY Oswego has provided not only a campus but a community that helps him continue building the life he deserves, one class, one commute and one drawing at a time.
Davenport’s journey shows that it’s never too late to rediscover your passion or pursue your degree. If you’re ready to take the next step toward finishing what you started, explore SUNY Oswego’s adult learner page to learn how you can build a flexible path that fits your life.
-- Written by Cristina Kaplan of the Class of 2026
