On Wednesday night, May 6, Griffin Gate was transformed into a space of celebration and solace, filled with the sounds of a live DJ, people posing at a photo booth and the aroma of Mediterranean food. The dinner was more than just a meal for Grossmont College’s graduating veterans — it marked a tangible sense of completion and honored those who made it this far.
“It’s a celebration of the veterans graduating; we do it annually,” said Gregory Pace, who is the Veterans Resource Center Supervisor. “Just to have a good time and be thankful and happy they’re getting out of here.”
Pamela Luster, Grossmont’s interim president, shared a similar sentiment. “We’re glad the families could come,” Luster said.
The evening’s focal point was a formal recognition of the graduates and their dual roles. After attendees settled in, Luster and Pace opened with remarks that applauded students for reaching this milestone. They then thanked the chancellor and members of Grossmont’s governing board in attendance, showing appreciation for making events like this and veteran services possible.
“At Grossmont, we are proud to serve those who serve,” Luster said. “Tonight is a time to pause, reflect and express our gratitude for your service and your contributions to our college community. You’ll be a Griffin forever.”
One by one, School Certifying Official Kerri Etzel called students to the front, where they received certificates and Griffin green sashes labeled “Student Veteran.” They will wear these sashes during graduation, serving as a mark of respect for their service.
For Marine Corps veteran Andrew Figueroa, support from the Veterans Resource Center was pivotal in his academic success. After 12 years of service, Figueroa pursued an administration of justice major with the help of frequent counseling through veteran services.
“They’ve been great — they surprised me with school supplies and made sure I got off on the right foot,” Figueroa said.
He added that he met with counselors four to five times throughout his two semesters at Grossmont. “They’re very knowledgeable,” he said. Figueroa now plans to pursue federal law enforcement.
Grossmont Chancellor Lynn Neault, along with Governing Board Clerk Elena Adams and Vice President Julie Schorr, attended to celebrate the graduating veterans. They highlighted what veteran services provide and who they help.
The Veterans Resource Center, built in 2024, has served as a one-stop shop for student veterans’ needs.
“In the past, students would have to go from one side of the campus to the other,” Adams said.
“They have the whole Veterans Center where they can use the computers in Building 36,” Neault said, noting that some veteran students have access to gas cards and other resources where needed.
Veterans are not the only ones who can benefit from these services. Veterans can “give their benefits to their family,” Neault said. Even if the person who served isn’t a student at Grossmont, they might be able to give their benefits to someone who is.
For more information, visit the Veterans Resource Center on campus or go to bit.ly/griffinVET.
