Empire State University honors heroes in Veteran’s Month event 

Honoring our Heroes Event at the Veteran and Military Resource Center.
Honoring our Heroes Event at the Veteran and Military Resource Center.
Posted On: November 4, 2024

(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — NOVEMBER 4, 2024) Empire State University’s Veteran and Military Resource Center honored veteran and active-duty members of the university community, commemorating their service and the beginning of Veteran’s Month on Nov. 1, 2024.  

“To the students honored here today, and truly, all our veteran and military students, I deeply admire your courage and tenacity, as well as your commitment to the nation, your education, your families, your jobs, and your communities. Your commitment to growth is truly inspiring,” Empire State University President Lisa Vollendorf said.  

The “Honoring Our Heroes” event welcomed guests from the New York State Department of Veterans Services, the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce, the Veterans and Community Housing Coalition, the Veterans Business Council, and the Montgomery County Health Department, in addition to leadership, faculty, and staff at Empire State University.  

The ceremony commemorated new banners displayed in front of Empire State University’s buildings on West Avenue in Saratoga Springs, NY, showing the faces of SUNY Empire’s heroes: active duty and military veterans who are an integral part of the university and its commitment to serving military-affiliated populations. Students were nominated by mentors and staff across the university and were selected by a committee. In addition to the nominated students, those on the Wall of Honor, students who were nominated to tell their stories at the VMRC’s launch in 2023, were also honored.  

“I am so proud to be doing the work that I do every single day in service to our military and veteran students and their families,” Desiree Drindak, director of the Veteran and Military Resource Center, said. “I appreciate all of you for your dedication to our communities and commitment to our country. We are honored the celebrate you.” 

The university is home to over 1,000 military-affiliated students and the Veteran and Military Resource Center, a dedicated hub for military-affiliated students and staff to seek peer support, resources, and hear about opportunities for affordable and flexible education whether you are transitioning into civilian life or active-duty. Since 1971, the university has served more than 3,800 military-affiliated students. Empire State University serves more military-affiliated students than any other SUNY institution.  

“Empire State University has a unique role to play in the future of our state and in the future of our country,” President Lisa Vollendorf said. “My dream is that we elevate that role to be in service to more veterans, more active-duty military, and to the families of the military—folks who are giving their lives, their time, and their effort toward helping our country remain safe and secure.” 

Meet the Honorees 

  • Gabriel Cerda, Army  
  • Michael Donnan ‘21, ‘23, Army. Wall of Honor student.  
  • Daniel Heffernan, Army 
  • Robin Hodges ‘22, Navy 
  • Harold Jimenez, Army. Wall of Honor student. 
  • Xavier Mantock ‘23, Army. Wall of Honor student. 
  • Joshua Jones, Marines 
  • Juan Martinez Rojas ‘24, Army. Wall of Honor student.   
  • Eric Mazzeo, Marines 
  • Laroy Nelson ‘24, Army  
  • Htein Naing, Space Force  
  • Richard Pangborn, Army  
  • Gloria Reed, Army  
  • Kassondra Roach, Navy. Wall of Honor student.  
  • Andrew Taber, Army  

Photos from the ceremony can be found on MediaValet.