subpage flowers image

Veterans Resource Center

Graduation 2022

Congratulations, Veteran Graduates!

Thank you for your service to protect our freedom. We at Foothll feel fortunate and honored to support you in achieving your academic goals.

We want you to know that we appreciate each and every one of you, and we are committed to your academic success. 

Group of veterans

 

Message from Acting President Fong

 

Acting President Bernadine Chuck Fong

To Our Foothill Veteran Students:

Our Veterans Resource Center was established at Foothill College to serve one of the most important student populations in our student body. The Center with all of its resources is but one small way Foothill can give back to our veterans, in gratitude for your service to our community and our country. Veterans should always feel welcome and embraced by the college as we treasure your presence.

Bernadine Chuck Fong, PhD

Acting President

Foothill College 

Message from Chancellor Miner

 

It is with great admiration and appreciation that I extend my

chancellor photo

congratulations to our veterans who are part of the graduating and transferring class of 2021-2022! I send my warmest wishes both personally and on behalf of the entire Foothill-De Anza Community College District.

As someone with family members who have served in the United States Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marines, I understand that the transition to civilian life can be challenging and is a process rather than an event. I am immeasurably proud of your educational journey at Foothill College because it took to determination, discipline, and resilience to reach your goals. I am equally excited for your continued educational journey for which you are prepared more than you may know. Your accomplishments at Foothill are truly a “commencement.”

Veterans, I salute you!

Judy C. Miner, Ed.D.

Chancellor

Message from

VP-Student Services Laurie Scolari

 

Hi! I'm Laurie Scolari, the Vice President of Student Services at Foothill College and I am sending my heartfelt congratulations to our Foothill heroes; Our veterans.

A hero is someone who has given their life to something bigger than themselves and I'm sure you've heard that quote before.

 

You have done that, for us, through your life of service to this country and we hope that we at Foothill have done the same for you. We've tried our best to provide you with the best possible service while you were here as a student as a demonstration of our appreciation for that commitment.

Sso you've done it and you've graduated. Now you are the hero of your own story so go out there and make us proud.

Congratulations!!

Laurie Scolari , Ed.D.

VP-Student Services

Message from Los Altos Rotarian Kelly

Foothill VRC Through Los Altos Rotary Club, I have been involved with the Foothill Veterans Resource Center for over ten years. Los Altos Rotary started its Veterans Support Committee with the stated purpose to help rotary rep 2022support US Military Veterans in their transition frommilitary life into starting or continuing their post-military college education. During this time, I’ve had the privilege of meeting hundreds of Vets coming through the Foothill VRC.This has been one of life’s truly heartwarming experiences and definitely a “labor of love.” Being a Veteran as well as a Foothill alum, I can honestly tell them “I’ve walked this very path you are on”and just might be able to help guide the way. My club members have helped raise almost a million dollars to provide scholarships, book vouchers, Smart Pens, computers and other necessities for the VRC. We have presented lunchtime “career exploration programs,” internships, part-time jobs and informational job interviews.We’ve also written letters of recommendation to four-year colleges for transferring Vets.The strongest indicator that Rotary’s relationship with the VRC has been effective is the continuing contact we’ve had after the Vets havegraduated and/or transferred to a four-year college. We’ve received texts and email telling us about their marriages, birth announcements, current jobs, businesses they’ve started, where they’re living, and some have gone on to pursue their Master’s Degree. We appreciate the years-long sacrifice these young men and women have made in service to our country and are glad to express that appreciation in our own small, short-term way.

Respectively submitted,

Jack Kelly

Los Altos Rotary ClubPast-president2013-2014

 

Celebrating Graduating Veteran Students

Daniel Avalos

 

Degree: AA-General Studiesarmy photo

Transfer Plans: FH Dental Hygiene-BS

Military Service: U.S. Army

 

 I want to give a big thanks to everyone in the veteran's resource center for helping me have a smooth transition from military life to civilian life. Especially other vets on campus that had the same struggles as I did. A special thanks to my mother who has been there for me since the beginning -Mama Julie Brown-. Without her help and the help of others I would have been lost in the dark.

photo grad 2

 

Katelin Suwalkowski

Degree: AS Psychology

Transfer Plans: UCBerkeley

Military Service: U.S. Army

         mosCongratulations to all current and future veteran Foothill Graduates. I am beyond grateful to of had the opportunity to attend Foothill College and receive a two degrees from this amazing school. My goal and drive has been inspired by the chase of a holding a future PhD in my hands and my want to help others. I’d like to show thanks to my biggest fans out there - my sister, Jaimee, and my Dad back home in North Carolina. I would also like to give a huge thank you to my best friend here in the Bay, Maya Marquez-Garcia :) celebration photo grad

James Meeker

Degree: AS-PsychologyJMSP22 GRAD

Transfer Plans: SJSU

Military Service: U.S. Navy

As a retired Navy veteran, I have successfully conducted 9 combat deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya as an Intel analyst working with both the United States Army and the United States Marine Corp . Along with those tours I was also assigned to the Pentagon during the events that took place on September 11, 2001. Overall, I have completed 20 years of honorable service in the United States Navy 

The road to me transferring to San Jose State here in the fall since my retirement has been a tremendous one. In 2014 I was forced to retire from the military and went through some devastating challenges. I had to deal with a great many things such as mental disorders dealing with depression and severe PTSD along with substance abuse. I also was dealing with legal issues and homelessness for a period. However, these days I am in my children's daily lives, owning my own home, being completely sober and successfully continuing my education. 

My journey in achieving my associates degree from Foothill College has been very challenging. There were so many ups and downs through the last couple of years. When I started my journey here at Foothill College back in 2019, I did not know what to expect. There have been so many great people who has helped me through the process of getting through my classes and finally graduating in 2022. I would like to thank my two sons Maseus and Rome along with my girlfriend Yvette all have been the mainstay of my achievements, however professionals at Foothill College like Professor Eta JMSP22 GR2Lin, Mrs. Mimi Overton, the veteran volunteers in the Veteran Resource Center and most importantly Miss Julie Brown were critical in my success at Foothill. Special thanks to Miss Julie Brown because in my eyes I could not have graduated and be as successful without her help and guidance. I feel so blessed to have met Miss Brown and I can’t say thank you enough. I hope to stay in contact with everyone that has helped me here at Foothill College and I look forward to my next challenge of attending a CSU.  

Luis Herrera

Degree: AS-GE ScienceJMSP22 GRAD

Transfer Plans: Samuel Merrit Nursing School

Military Service: U.S. Marine Corps

Returning to school was one of the best decisions I have made in my life, but it did not come without challenges. The assistance I received from the Veterans Resource Center made an enormous difference. The VRC was my second home. It was a place where I met and interacted with fellow veterans and where I could be myself because all of us veterans have something in common. grad photo 2022

Veteran Graduates:

Andre Johnson

Major: Psychology

Transfer: SJSU

Military Service: US Army

 

 

 

Stephe Tull

Major: AS-Psychology

Transfer: SJSU

Military Service: US Coast Guard

 

 

 

Miranda Bravo  photo op

Major: AA-Business Administration

Transfer: SJSU

Military Service: Dependent

 

 

ph default text

Questions?
We're Here to Help!

Veterans Resource Center

650.949.7912


contactvrc@fhda.edu


Building 5400, Room 5403

 

View Veterans Resource Center Office Hours

MsJulie

Ms. Julie Brown
Veterans Resource Specialist & School Certifying Official

Veterans Resource Center

 

650.949.7001


brownjulie@fhda.edu


Schedule an Appointment

 

Saroyan Image

Richard Saroyan
Counselor, Veterans Services

Veterans Resource Center

 

650.949.7232


saroyanrichard@fhda.edu


Schedule an Appointment

 

 

Miriam

Miriam Orozco Ramirez
Adjunct Counselor, Veterans Services

Veterans Resource Center

 

650.949.7232


orozcomiriam@fhda.edu


Schedule an Appointment

 

 

Winter Hours

Jan. 8 – Jan. 12

  • Mon. – Thurs.: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (In Person & Virtual)
  • Fri. 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. (In Person & Virtual)

Jan. 15 – Mar. 29

  • Mon. – Thurs. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.(In Person)
  • Fri. 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.(Virtual Only)

HOLIDAYS & EXCEPTIONS

  • Jan. 15: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Feb. 16: Lincoln’s Day
  • Feb. 19: Washington’s Day
Related Campus Services
Other Useful Resources

 

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government

 

 

 

Top