The same characteristics that distinguish soldiers on the battlefield—leadership, discipline, dedication, and integrity, among other virtues—make them valued members of the University of Miami community.
The University’s Veterans Resource Center dedicates itself to empowering student veterans, offering specialized guidance and tailored resources.
“Since its inception in 2023, the Veterans Resource Center has been committed to creating a university, a campus, and a community that welcomes, encourages, and supports student veterans and military-connected students in achieving their goals and dreams,” said Jon Baldessari, director of the Veterans Resource Center.
“Nearly 500 Veteran Administration-funded veterans and dependents, with an additional 150 military-affiliated students like active-duty personnel and ROTC students, look to the Veterans Resource Center to find community and connection—to one another, to their campus, or to their larger alumni network,” Baldessari added.
Every November, Canes come together for Veterans Appreciation Week to recognize the commitment and sacrifice of military members with events, speakers, celebrations, and fundraisers for programming that support veterans.
In early October, the Veteran Students Organization held the South Florida Military and Veteran Resource Expo on campus, which connected hundreds of veterans, service members, and caregivers with organizations, services, and people looking to help. This year's expo was generously supported by a community grant from the Miami Foundation.
The Veteran Resource Center also proudly supports the Veteran Students Organization, which was created in 2011 to foster greater community among student veterans and military-connected students.
For student veterans looking to get involved with the Veterans Resource Center, the Center provides employment opportunities ranging from graduate assistantships to office support roles.
