Manoj Thomas Rema ’25 Grows as a Leader Through Whitman’s Defense Comptrollership Program 

Manoj Thomas Rema ’25 (WSM/MAX) came to Syracuse University through the Defense Comptrollership Program (DCP), ready to take on one of the most challenging academic experiences of his career.  

An officer in the U.S. Air Force, Rema enrolled in the 14-month program to earn both an MBA from the Whitman School of Management and an executive master’s degree in public administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs in an effort to expand his knowledge in healthcare administration. 

While Rema entered the program with years of experience in military healthcare systems, Whitman gave him the business foundation he was looking for. “The program gave me the tools to understand complex problems, make sound recommendations and present them with clarity and confidence,” he says.  

One of the most valuable parts of the experience, according to Rema, was the MBA Capstone project, a culmination of all he had learned while at Whitman. His team was tasked with creating a business that could generate $3 million in revenue over five years, including forecasting, building a spending plan, setting salaries and pitching to a panel of mock investors.  

“We developed every part of the business from scratch and pitched it to three ‘sharks,’—and our team won!” he says. “It was the first time I had to pitch a business idea, and Whitman prepared me for that. The Capstone experience definitely made me a better presenter and a more complete leader.”  

Rema’s academic accomplishments reflect the same discipline that has marked his military service. He completed the Certified Defense Financial Manager certification and was inducted into the business honor society Beta Gamma Sigma after finishing in the top five of his class.  

The program’s fast pace was demanding, but Rema says the support of his classmates was key to his success. “Just like in the military, camaraderie was very apparent within this group,” he says. “We always made sure everyone had what they needed.”  

He recalls one moment in particular. “A classmate had to move in the middle of the semester, and a good number of us helped his family because we knew they needed it,” Rema says. “As we say in the Air Force, ‘Never leave an airman behind.’”  

Outside the classroom, Rema remained grounded by staying connected to his passions —  volunteering with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, playing golf, collecting sports cards and producing episodes of his podcast, Seat 41A.  

After graduation, he will return to San Antonio, Texas, to join his wife, son and newborn daughter, as he begins a new role as an officer within the Defense Health Agency in manpower and programming.  

Reflecting on his experience at Whitman, Rema says it will stay with him for life.  

“The professors, the projects and the leadership focus all helped prepare me to take the next step,” he says. “Whitman made me a stronger officer and a better person.”  

By Bo BenYehuda