Sonoma State took part in honoring our nation’s veterans and they are celebrating the opening of its first space dedicated to supporting military-connected students on campus. Thursday, November 14th, was a ribbon-cutting ceremony that was held to unveil the Military and Veteran Resource Center. It is located on the first floor of the library which is designed to help military-connected students meet, get access to services, and get further involved on campus. 

“I recognize the important role this center will play in making new connections and new friendships for our military and veteran students,” said President Judy K. Sakaki during the ceremony. She goes on to say, “I deeply appreciate the critical effort that went into creating a resource center that meets the needs of Seawolves who have served- or are serving- in the military.” 

The Military and Veteran Programs have recently expanded previous services to address the academic, personal, and social success of military-based and connected students. Military and Veteran Programs have also built connections with community partners to help support both current and prospective students in addition to building community within the current campus population. 

“Over the past year and a half, Sonoma State University has made significant strides toward making our campus community inclusive, welcoming and supportive for our SSU military population,” said Dr. Gregory Sawyer, the vice president of student affairs. He adds, “Along with our Veteran Graduation Medallion Ceremony and the Vice President for Student Affairs’ Advisory Board on Military and Veteran Programs, the Military and Veteran Resource Center is yet another critical step taken to ensure that Sonoma State is equipped to meet the needs of those who have served this country so selflessly.” 

Military connected students may also be eligible for federal or state educational benefits. The Center for Transfer and Transition Programs, as well as the Financial Aid Office, have partnered together to provide academic, social, and financial services to ensure the success of our student veterans. The Center for Transfer and Transition Programs supports both current and prospective military-based students with general academic advising, community-building events, and our Veteran Ambassador Program. 

When asking Sonoma State student Kody Kennedy his thoughts he said, “I think it’s a very cool idea because we should be honoring those who have served in the military as it is a very gracious act. It is an opportunity for the community to honor and recognize the students who have served us.” Another Sonoma State student Salvador Fernandez says, “Honestly, this is a great program to have. If it’s honoring Sonoma State students that are in the military then that is amazing. At the same time, it seems like it can benefit those students who have done their time in the military and help cope with any social, physical, or mental problems that they have. Kind of like if they went back to school then they could get some sort of program to help them get through their educational goals, or simply help those Veteran students from SSU get back to a normal lifestyle.”

To have a program like this, it really helps bring the Sonoma State community together and help us honor those who have served or are serving currently. It is very important to recognize all their courageous acts and give them the recognition they deserve. Sonoma State is a school that tries to bring their students together in as many ways as possible and this is another way of doing that. This is a great opportunity for these students to make connections and friendships with each other and get extra benefits as well.