Celebrating a Half Century of Service to Student Veterans

November 11, 2024 was a special Veterans Day on the Onondaga Community College campus. As the accomplishments of Student Veterans were celebrated during a luncheon, OCC's Office of Veterans and Military Services was recognized for 50 years of service to Student Veterans.

College President Dr. Warren Hilton presented Steve White, who runs the office, with a Proclamation from Onondaga County Executive J. Ryan McMahon II declaring it "OCC Office of Veterans and Military Services 50th Anniversary Day." Dr. Hilton also presented a citation from New York State Assembly Member Pamela J. Hunter, and a military challenge coin.

The Office of Veterans and Military Services was recently named Military Friendly by Viqtory for its service to Student Veterans. "This whole campus is military friendly," said White. "It's easy to be military friendly in our office when you have the support of this campus and this administration."

Other speakers included Nancy Hazzard who ran the Student Veterans office when it opened in 1974. Current Student Veteran Jonathan Yard, who served in the United States Navy, also spoke. He is President of OCC's Student Veteran Club. "To have this office where a community of like-minded people can come together is integral. Whenever I need questions answered, it's a one-stop shop. A lot of our situations are different than those of the traditional student. It's very important in terms of making sure our individual needs are met."

OCC's Office of Veterans and Military Services is located on the second floor of Coulter Hall at the top of the main stairwell.