Military vets honored at graduation reception

Dressed in cap and gown, military veterans were honored at a special graduation reception at SF State on April 28.

Shea Casperson, president of the veterans club on campus, and Rogelio Manaois, Veterans Services Coordinator at SF State, are among the veteran students graduating this year.

Veterans who are graduating this year celebrated with family and friends in Jack Adams Hall. Bucky Peterson, chair of the California State University's Troops to College initiative, and University President Robert A. Corrigan addressed the graduates and their guests. Each student was presented with a medallion representing the symbols of the branches of military service and the SF State seal.

"This event highlights the accomplishments of our veteran graduates. They are an example to future classes of veterans, showing them that they can succeed and can overcome the challenges in their lives," said SF State Veterans Services Coordinator Rogelio Manaois.

There are 105 military veterans graduating from the University this year. Among those marking this milestone is Daniel Mendoza, a first-generation college student from Richmond. He served in the Marines, assisting with humanitarian aid missions after the 2004 tsunami and in Pakistan after the 2005 earthquake, before coming to SF State to study political science.

There are 105 military veterans graduating from the University this year. Among those marking this milestone is Daniel Mendoza, a first-generation college student from Richmond. He served in the Marines, assisting with humanitarian aid missions after the 2004 tsunami and in Pakistan after the 2005 earthquake, before coming to SF State to study political science.

Daniel Mendoza, who is graduating with a bachelor's in political science.

"When I first came out of the military it was hard to find my place, but I finally felt at home when I got to SF State," said 25-year-old Mendoza. "I made friends with veterans who felt the same as I did and the student body was accepting toward vets."

Named one of the nation's top military-friendly schools by G.I. Jobs Magazine,SF State has expanded its support for military veterans in recent years. In November 2011, the campus opened a Veterans Services Center, providing pre-admissions counseling, assistance with benefits, academic planning and career counseling.

Veterans receive priority class registration and the University recently announced a new veterans scholarship named in honor of House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi.

There are currently 430 veterans and 330 veterans' dependents enrolled at SF State.

For more information about veterans services at SF State, visit:www.sfsu.edu/~veterans/

For more information about commencement 2012, visit:www.sfsu.edu/commencement/

-- Elaine Bible