Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website
Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website
St. John's University is preparing to honor its veterans with a campus ceremony, emphasizing the institution's dedication to supporting veterans in their academic and civilian life transitions. The university hosts 150 student veterans and numerous veteran alumni, offering them opportunities for education and engagement on campus.
Gabriel Vazquez, a former US Marine Corps intelligence analyst and St. John's alumnus, shared his positive experiences at the university. "There is a genuine sense of warmth and welcome for veterans at St. John’s," he said. Vazquez highlighted the support available for navigating financial challenges and other issues faced by veterans.
Vazquez served from 2006 to 2010 before joining the Marines, where he was deployed in the Middle East and Africa. After returning to St. John's in 2017, he switched his major from Journalism to Homeland Security. He now works as an intelligence analyst for Booz Allen Hamilton near Washington, DC.
On Veterans Day, November 11, Vazquez will participate in honoring fallen soldiers by laying wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery.
The university will host its annual Veterans Day Luncheon on November 7 to recognize Vazquez and other veterans from various military branches. Singer-songwriter Theresa Sareo will perform a musical tribute during the event open to all veterans.
Last year's luncheon saw over 100 attendees, including Vietnam War Purple Heart recipient John Devine '75SVC from Massapequa, NY. Despite losing his right leg in Vietnam, Devine earned a degree from St. John's and has since engaged in activities like bowling and skiing.
"St. John’s has always made a commitment to veterans—and that’s nice because, at many colleges, veterans aren’t as accepted or respected," said Devine.
Karen Moritz Simons of the Veterans Success Center outlined several supportive services offered by the university: emotional counseling, networking opportunities, mentoring programs, housing assistance, career services, potential academic credit for military experience scholarships through programs like Yellow Ribbon Program are among them.
University Career Services also assigns advisers specifically for veteran students to help identify job opportunities matching their skills acquired during service.
St. John's is recognized as a Military Friendly® School by VIQTORY due to these efforts.
In September this year, more than 20 student veterans attended seminars organized by the Veterans Success Center discussing benefits available upon transitioning back into civilian roles after active duty; Michael Hall—another veteran currently studying there—noted how such initiatives help foster connection among older students who've returned post-service periods abroad: "St Johns is always helpful."
For further details about attending next week's event or inquiries regarding related activities around supporting former servicemen/women within collegiate settings nationwide—please reach out directly via contact information provided hereinabove!
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