Students Who Are Veterans Prepare to Celebrate Veterans Day on Campus
By Kenzy Alshinhab | November 10, 2026
Along with its ongoing support and resources, Veteran & Military Student Services places an emphasis on helping students build connections and a sense of community.
The organization on campus that provides support to veterans, active-duty service members, military-connected students, and their dependents as they navigate their college experience is gearing up to celebrate its third annual Veterans Day on campus.
Of the 17,500 students attending the university, about 280 are veterans and military students, according to Elda Zenuni, the Assistant Dean of Students for Veteran & Military Student Services.
Zenuni said this year’s event is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Campus Center Multipurpose Room. The event is open to the entire university community and provides an opportunity to recognize and honor veterans, both on campus and beyond.
Zenuni said there will be guest speakers as well as refreshments, catered food, and a raffle followed by “a walk around the purple path in recognition of all those who served,” if the weather allows.
“Everybody on campus, all the offices, all the departments, all our veteran students and their families; everyone is invited,” Zenuni said.
Zenuni said she also hopes the celebration will increase awareness of the office, of the idea that veterans are among the student body, and of the resources available to the broader university community.
“I hope more students become aware of our office and the services we offer. Whether they are using VA education benefits or not, I want students to know that we are here as a resource and that I am always looking for ways to better support them,” Zenuni said.
In addition to assistance with VA education benefits and priority registration, the office helps students connect with university resources, navigate administrative processes, and find a sense of community, according to Zenuni.
Students also have access to the Veterans Lounge in Campus Center, Room 320, which offers a dedicated space to study, connect with other military-connected students, and access to computers, printers, coffee, and snacks.
Student assistants in the lounge are also available to help students who are not veterans.
“For students who are new to UAlbany and aren't sure where to go or who to ask for help, they can stop by the Veterans Lounge and speak with one of our student assistants. They can help answer questions, point them in the right direction, and connect them with me if they need additional assistance.” Zenuni said.
Along with its ongoing support and resources, Veteran & Military Student Services places an emphasis on helping students build connections and a sense of community.
One way the office does this is through campus events. There are many resources to guide veteran students and their transition to UAlbany, including student assistants who are also veterans.
More information can be found on their Instagram (@ualbany.veterans)
Comments