Military Friendly\u00ae, a subsidiary of\u00a0VIQTORY<\/a>, a Pennsylvania-based organization that evaluates colleges and universities nationwide for their support of student veteran needs, awarded St. John\u2019s \u201csilver\u201d status based on data from its annual survey, which is developed with guidance from experts in veteran education. It is at least the fifth consecutive year St. John\u2019s has been recognized by the organization.<\/p>\n Michele Chung, Director of St. John\u2019s Veterans Success Center<\/a>, said the recognition reflects the strong sense of community that has developed among veterans on campus. \u201cSince stepping into this role, I have come to appreciate how strong the sense of community is among our veterans,\u201d Ms. Chung said. \u201cWhen they come into the center, they share their experiences and support one another, and that confidence extends beyond the center and into the classroom.\u201d<\/p>\n The primary means of veteran support at St. John\u2019s is the Veterans Success Center, housed in Marillac Hall. The center offers veterans transitioning from military service to college life networking opportunities, campus resources, and community-building events. It also hosts regular events that connect veterans with peers and University services, fostering a supportive environment that honors their service and enhances their St. John\u2019s experience.<\/p>\n Ms. Chung said veterans entering college are navigating a major transition from military service to civilian life. She said St. John\u2019s continues to explore ways to support further student veterans, including expanding orientation programming and exploring a mentoring initiative that would connect incoming veterans with those who have already navigated the transition to campus life.<\/p>\n The Military Friendly\u00ae\u00a0School designation is presented to institutions that demonstrate the best military and veteran educational support while cultivating employment and academic outcomes for veterans and their families.\u00a0<\/p>\n Military Friendly\u00ae\u00a0evaluated more than 1,800 colleges and universities in 2025 using public data and responses to surveys of their institutions. Ratings combined the schools\u2019 survey scores with an evaluation of their ability to meet goals for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, and more for student veterans. The surveys were open to all institutions nationwide, with more than 800 earning some level of recognition in the group\u2019s four-tiered system.<\/p>\n The new Military Spouse Friendly\u00ae\u00a0School designation reflects the University\u2019s broader commitment to supporting military families. Ms. Chung said spouses and children of veterans often find a similar sense of connection within the campus community.<\/p>\n St. John\u2019s is also a\u00a0US Department of Veterans Affairs<\/a>-approved\u00a0Post 9\/11 GI Bill institution<\/a>\u00a0and participates in the\u00a0Yellow Ribbon<\/a>\u00a0tuition assistance and academic support program. The Veterans Success Center hosts a barbecue at the start of each academic year to welcome student veterans to the Queens<\/a>, NY, campus.<\/p>\n Among the veterans who attended the September 2025 barbecue was US Air Force<\/a> veteran David Fonseca<\/a>, a native of Chicago, IL, who served at\u00a0Whiteman Air Force Base<\/a>, near Kansas City, MO, from 2020 to 2024. Now a Reservist, he has found St. John\u2019s to be a supportive environment that understands the unique needs of veteran students and aligns with his personal values.<\/p>\n \u201cSt. John\u2019s has been nothing but accommodating,\u201d said\u00a0David, a first-year student at\u00a0The Peter J. Tobin College of Business<\/a>.\u00a0\u201cI knew I wanted to come to New York\u00a0City,\u00a0and I wanted a school that fit my character.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Army veteran Aleksandar Dikov<\/a>, who is studying health and human services<\/a> at The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies<\/a>, said St. John\u2019s recognition and support help veterans feel valued on campus.<\/p>\n \u201cVeteran service is genuinely recognized and respected,\u201d said Aleksandar, who served for eight years in a field artillery regiment and who is in his first year at the University. \u201cSt. John\u2019s understands that veterans bring meaningful life and leadership experience from military service, and it creates opportunities for us to share those experiences with the broader University community.\u201d<\/p>\n Catherine Dragon \u201925SJC, is pursuing a master\u2019s degree in international communication<\/a> at St. John\u2019s. A staff sergeant in the Air Force Reserve,<\/a> she said the University is committed to helping all members of the St. John\u2019s military community feel welcome.<\/p>\n \u201cSt. John\u2019s support brings our military community together and allows them to build friendships and camaraderie,\u201d Catherine said.<\/p>\n![\"St.](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/vsc_960x640.jpg\")
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