Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

The unique needs of veterans turned college students were the focus of an afternoon seminar at St. John’s University’s Veterans Success Center on September 3. Timed to coincide with the beginning of the Fall 2024 semester, the seminar paired newly enrolled veterans with returning student veterans eager to assist their fellow Johnnies in the transition to college life.

About 20 veterans from various branches of the US armed forces attended the event inside Marillac Hall. The afternoon began with a series of information sessions and continued with fellowship and a barbecue in the Marillac Hall Terrace.

“There can be a lot to navigate,” said Michael Hall, a former Senior Airman in the US Air Force now in his senior year at St. John’s. “Many students who go to college, maybe they went to high school with friends who know each other well. That is not always the case when you go to college after years in the military.”

“Even simple things like getting around can be a challenge,” added Jeffrey Rada, a former US Army Specialist now in his third year at St. John’s. “A college campus can be like a military base. Sometimes you need directions when you get here.”

The person responsible for providing direction—geographical and otherwise—to St. John’s veteran population is Karen Simons, Director, Office of Parent and Family Connections, who also supervises the Veterans Success Center. The center’s resources include career and financial services, housing assistance, academic advisement, tutoring, wellness and mental health counseling, and disability services.

St. John’s is a US Department of Veterans Affairs-approved Post 9/11 GI Bill institution and participates in the Yellow Ribbon tuition assistance and academic support program. The University has been designated a military-friendly institution by VIQTORY, a Pennsylvania-based company that connects veterans with professional and educational opportunities.

All of the University’s resources and more were explained at the seminar. As of 2022, St. John’s enrolled 150 veterans who received about $3 million in University assistance.

Ashley T. Martino, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, served as a Staff Sergeant in the US Air Force from 1996 to 2000, during which time he was twice deployed to Kuwait.

Dr. Martino recalled the challenges he faced after his honorable discharge, including housing issues which he said can be troublesome for members of the veteran population heading to college. Likewise, veterans are often older than many entering students and must balance their studies around family and professional responsibilities.

“If you go from high school directly to college, you can still live with your family,” Dr. Martino explained. “But when you get out of the military, you are likely not going to move back in with your parents."

Disability resources available through St John's include assistive technology and testing accommodations for emotional, physical or learning disabilities via registration with Disability Services office.

Maria Pantoja Director Disability Services emphasized importance raising awareness among veteran students "Sometimes accommodations are difference between passing failing being A student instead B student".

James Phinex Petty Officer Third Class US Navy attended event choosing pursue second master's degree Theology goal becoming pastor "When I applied made sure educate myself on services available take advantage those conversations led other conversations very important".

First-year student Shae Braithwaite Petty Officer First Class US Navy hopes events such inspire more connect socialize campus "I’m already looking forward next event I’d love connect more members veteran community”.