2013 Tillman Scholar

William Suclupe

Army
University of Alabama
MSW

Will’s parents’ journey to the United States from Peru inspired him to give back and serve his country in the U.S. Army. His last assignment deployed him to support Operation Iraqi Freedom where he led combat-stress-control operations in Samarra and Tal Afar. For his dedicated service, Will was awarded the Bronze Star Medal as a junior NCO. His experiences working alongside clinical social workers led him to pursue a career that continues to serve others.  

After serving, Will pursued an undergraduate and a graduate degree in social work from The University of Alabama. He graduated magna cum laude and was inducted into the Phi Alpha Honor Society. Will used the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill and was awarded the institution’s prestigious Graduate Council Fellowship, along with being selected as the University’s first Pat Tillman Scholar. Will’s active involvement as a campus leader and an advocate led to the University’s robust commitment to establishing resources and services dedicated to serving student-veterans. For his leadership, Will was awarded the inaugural Mark Forester Award for Excellence, a student-veteran-of-the-year award given in honor of the fallen Senior Airman and UA alumnus.         

Will currently serves as the Program Coordinator for the Veterans Integration To Academic Leadership (VITAL) Initiative, a Veterans Health Administration program hosted by the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center. Will’s service and leadership experience have also called him to serve as a founding member of the Board of Advisors to The University of Alabama Division of Community Affairs. Will and his wife, Alisha, currently reside in Tuscaloosa, along with their children, Liam and Owen.