Many veterans experience challenges as they transition from military to civilian and academic life. While Daemen University has long offered support services, the institution is addressing barriers that may stand in the way of success.

In October, the university community celebrated the official opening of the Foundation 214 Veterans Success Center in the Alfiero School of Business. The new space creates a central location for coordinated services, support, and programming for veteran and military-aligned students.

The new center complements the services and support already offered through the Nancy Haberman Gacioch Veterans Center located in Duns Scotus Hall.

The Veterans Success Center was funded through a $1.5 million grant from Foundation 214, a charitable foundation that supports United States military veterans.

“Daemen and Foundation 214 both share a passion for and deep commitment to military veterans,” said President Gary A. Olson. “And together, we will rise to a new level of support for these all-too-often neglected heroes.”

The grant will also support the new Accelerated Business Online Veterans Education (ABOVE) program, an online and expedited pathway to complete a bachelor’s of science degree in Business Administration.

“Nobody knows sacrifice like somebody who straps on a uniform,” added Chris Alfiero, the executive director of Foundation 214. “Some see way more sacrifice than they ever signed up

for. So, the pathway to taking what they’ve learned and what they’ve had to endure and turning that into a path to success, this is one of the greatest ways that can happen.”

PLUS: Daemen Featured on “Military Makeover Special Edition: Operation Career”

Lights! Camera! Action!

A production crew from BrandStar Studios spent a day on campus in September filming a segment for “Military Makeover Special Edition: Operation Career” with Montel Williams.

The five-minute feature, which focused on the resources and services Daemen provides veterans, reservists, and military- aligned students, as well as our one-of-a-kind ABOVE program, aired on Lifetime twice in November. It will continue to run in syndication and air on the Armed Forces Network, which broadcasts on United States Military bases around the world.

You can watch the full segment here: https://www.daemen.edu/admissions/veterans-admissions