Congratulations, Veteran Graduates!
Thaddeus J. Akkebala
- A.S.-Transfer, Business Administration
- U.S. Army
Grad Message
2020-2022 was a crazy one eh?
I would like to thank my peers, teachers, and counselors for support through the pandemic.
I would also like to thank my wife and family for supporting me through the rough times. I appreciate and love you all.
Krist Bharanyi
- Transferring to San José State University
- U.S. Navy
Grad Message
I am very thankful to have met other veterans here at De Anza. It definitely made the transition to school easier. As a veteran who is older, having someone who relates to my experience allowed me to not feel out of place at De Anza. In addition, the veterans at De Anza are some of the most patient and kind people I have met. I wish you all the best in your endeavors. I would also like to thank the Veteran Services office for being extremely reliable.
Albert Borbon
- A.S.-Transfer, Administration of Justice
- Army National Guard
Grad Message
Thanks to all at the Veteran Resource Center for being so helpful in this process..
Jingzhu Chen
- A.S.-Transfer, Business Administration
- Transferring to San José State University
- U.S. Navy
Grad Message
Did you join the military because someone in your life said you couldn’t do it? This may seem ridiculous, but it’s not uncommon.
Many veterans, whether they admit it or not, joined the service to prove something to someone. They looked at military service as a way to “show them,” to prove these people wrong.
This same approach can motivate you in college. As you find your drive waning, remember everyone in your life who said you’d fail. Don’t give them the satisfaction of quitting. Instead, let this doubt fuel your motivation to excel in college.
Prove them all wrong.
Message From President Holmes
Dear Veteran Graduates,
Each year, hundreds of military veterans and dependents choose De Anza to pursue academic goals that will prepare them for the next chapters in their lives. We are grateful for your service and honored to have you join our community.
For some of you, De Anza represents your first encounter with higher education. Others of you have come to us after attending a variety of schools during military deployments around the world. You all have enriched De Anza with your wide range of experiences and perspectives.
Attending college requires hard work and determination. For many veterans, the transition to civilian life poses additional hurdles, as you navigate the world of higher education. This year’s graduates faced even more challenges from a global pandemic that caused illness, loss of life and many other hardships. Even so, you didn’t let these things deter you, and your achievements are all the more remarkable.
At De Anza, we do our best to support our veteran students on their educational journeys, and we are proud to see you succeed.
On behalf of the entire college, congratulations to those of you who are graduating or transferring this year, and best wishes for your continued success!
With appreciation,
Lloyd A. Holmes
President, De Anza College
Hyun Je Choi
- A.A., Liberal Arts – Science, Math and Engineering
- Transferring to San José State University
- U.S. Army
Grad Message
I appreciate Veteran Services and the veterans' counselors for working with me and helping me reach my goal of transferring to SJSU. I wish the best of luck to my fellow veterans on their educational journey and thank you all!.
Eddison Contreras
- A.A.-Transfer, Sociology
- Transferring to San Francisco State University
- U.S. Air Force
Grad Message
There is no better time to start working towards your education than today. As a veteran, I found my passion late in life and often found myself comparing my educational journey to others around me. The Veterans Resource Center helped me through every process to my educational plan to providing reassurance when times got tough.
I want to share my appreciation for Lan Truong for not only being a big supporter of my journey but for also being the mentor I never asked for. She’s a huge part of my success in obtaining my A.A.-Transfer degree and guiding me towards a degree in social work. I never met a counselor more genuine and passionate as her.
And to my fellow veterans who are single mothers, fathers, guardians, caretakers, disabled, or new to school: what makes us unique is our ability to adapt and overcome. You WILL achieve your educational goals, just take the first step. Remember to enjoy the journey, no matter how long it takes, and start investing in yourself.
Andrew Copeland
- A.A., Accounting
- U.S. Marine Corps
Grad Message
I would like to personally thank all of my counselors for showing the love and support that was needed during these trying times. Their aid and assistance was always extremely helpful. They have always made time for me and all of the other veterans in need. They have all of the veterans' best interest at heart and only wish to see us succeed.
For my fellow veterans out there, keep your your heads up and always remember to keep pushing forward.
Frank Cortez
- A.A., Corrections/Probation
- U.S. Marine Corps
Grad Message
I just wanted to recognize all of the De Anza College Veteran Services team for all the hard work and dedication before and during the pandemic. Thank you!
Judith Dietz
- A.A.-Transfer, Kinesiology
- Transferring to Sacramento State University
- Daughter of U.S. Army veteran
Grad Message
Thank you so much for helping me out over the years at De Anza, especially helping me out with receiving my benefits. Much thanks.
Cesar Fernandez
- A.S.-Transfer, Communication Studies
- Transferring to San Francisco State University
- U.S. Army
Grad Message
We also look out for one another and I can't help but thank the Veteran Services' office staff at De Anza for their tremendous help. From when I first started, Shari helped me with everything I needed and took care of me from day 1. I ended my De Anza college term working with Counselor Truong and I am more than grateful. I know I wouldn't have graduated if it wasn't for her help and like I said I'm beyond grateful.
To my fellow veterans continuing with their school studies, keep your head up and charging forward. Don't be afraid to ask for help and or seek help. We help one another and take care of our own as we also take care of those around us. The homework, long nights and studying all pays off with the accomplishment at the end.
Taylorr J. Gutierrez
- A.S.-Transfer, Business Administration
- Transfering to San José State University
- U.S. Army
Grad Message
As a fully disabled veteran who suffers severe short-term memory loss, I want to say thank you to all those who supported me during this stressful time. More specifically, Lan and Bertha, the two of you are amazing and I thank you for the love and support.
To other vets: I barely made it out of high school, I suffer short term memory loss, severe PTSD, and take care of my family. If I can manage college, so can you.
Omar Hidrogo
- A.A., Liberal Arts – Science, Math and Engineering
- Transferring to San José State University
- U.S. Army Reserve
Grad Message
Thank you to all the people that made my dream of transferring to SJSU a reality. It took me longer than expected to reach my goal but that's life.
To the fellow veterans that are still in school or looking to transfer: Keep making those sacrifices. You'll get there! You're not behind, everyone has different paths to walk. It's what makes us unique.
Kyle Le
- A.A.-Transfer, Economics
- Transferring to University of California, Berkeley
- U.S. Marine Corps
Grad Message
Growing up, I was never one for school. As a matter of fact, I barely scraped by high school with a 2.7 GPA. Due to a variety of failures and setbacks, I had rescinded myself from any form of schooling, pre-selecting myself as one not fit for a higher education. Slowly but surely, my self-perceived inadequacies caught up to me mentally, causing me to inadvertently hide from academia. As I joined the military, I remember thinking, "This is it, for the rest of my life." I just couldn't comprehend that I deserved something better.
Seven years later, I'm now going to a school I never thought I would have the honor of attending, with an academic foundation I didn't think I would be capable of creating.
My message to fellow veterans (especially the infantry) is this. You are not who you were as a kid. I'd go as far to say that you aren't even who you were in the military. As you transition into this new realm, you are a new individual with a unique and applicable blend of experiences. In the classroom, apply yourself, and let the classroom impress you the way the military lifestyle did. Wear your veteran badge with pride, but be humble. Share your story, and be willing to listen to others.
Understand that those around you aren't better or worse, they're just different. Draw from their experience the way they will learn from yours.
Most importantly, have fun! De Anza is a great school, and there are a wide plethora of activities to do inside and out of the campus. Take your time and decompress, enjoy your life, and take care of your mental/physical well being. College will pass by in a flash, and it would do you well to cherish every moment of it.
To all the veterans on the journey towards higher education, you got this. To my fellow grunts (Army or Marines), if I can make it, you 100% can too. Shady Bums represent!
Tuan Le
- A.S.-Transfer, Business Administration
- Transferring to San José State University
- U.S. Marine Corps
Grad Message
It is tough to go back to school after serving in the military, but you are not alone in this beautiful college.
The Veteran Resource Specialists and Counselor Lan Truong have helped me during my two years at De Anza. My best advice is: DO NOT hesitate to reach out to Veteran Services office and Counselor Lan Truong for any help. Never give up on chasing your dream!.
Daeyoon Lee
- A.A., Liberal Arts – Science, Math and Engineering
- Transferring to San José State University
- U.S. Army
Grad Message
Thank you to the Veterans Counselors, especially Lan Troung for helping me to find the best academic path.
To fellow veterans, there are many resources for veterans in De Anza that you can get benefits out of, so use them!
Austin Leifer
- A.S.-Transfer, Business Administration
- Transferring to California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
- U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, U.S. Army
Grad Message
I want to thank the Veteran Services office for making the transition process easy. Manija and Bertha were very helpful. Lan is a great counselor and is a good asset to have in your corner as you navigate the transfer process. Make use of the tutoring center and online resources sooner than later, as they are very helpful especially if you’ve been away from the material for a long time. I want to thank Khoa Nguyen with the MPS program, who went above and beyond for me and was very helpful in getting me into the math classes I needed.
Veterans, remember two things: Time doesn’t stop, and you run your own race. Just like in uniform, no matter how difficult times can be, if you compartmentalize the tasks and break it down chow to chow or day to day or month by month or quarter by quarter, eventually you make it to the other side – because time doesn’t stop and neither do you.
Don’t compare yourself to others. Remember we all run our own race; we all face different challenges which require different paces. And don’t forget: If something goes wrong along the way, it’s never too late to turn it all around. Hooah! Semper Fidelis
Ronnie Lazaro
- A.A., Liberal Arts – Science, Math and Engineering
- Transferring to California State University, Monterey Bay
- U.S Marine Corps
Grad Message
Thank you to those who believe in me. Take the time to enjoy every process of life!
Devin Magioncalda
- A.A., Liberal Arts – Science, Math and Engineering
- Transferring to San José State University
- U.S. Navy
Grad Message
I'd like to say that I deeply appreciate all of the help the veterans' counselors at De Anza have offered me. They are the only reason I have gotten to where I am with the amount of efficiency I have.
Thank you Lan and Shari from the bottom of my heart.
Bryan Melo
- A.S.-Transfer, Computer Science
- Transferring to San José State University
- U.S. Marine Corps
Grad Message
I would like to thank my counselor Lan Truong for an amazing experience at De Anza. Lan's knowledge and professionalism has made the past two years a breeze when it came to creating and modifying my educational plan. By far the best counselor I've had in any school!
To my fellow veterans: Embrace the new challenges and keep pushing yourself. Remain disciplined and strive for greatness. Do not allow yourself to become average; you are better than that. Never forget where you started and where you want your journey to end. Never ask for handouts and work for everything you want to accomplish. Continue to be a leader and remain humble.
Huy Nguyen
- A.A.-Transfer, Business Administration
- Transferring to San José State University
- U.S. Marine Corps
Grad Message
No one will ever teach you everything you need to know. Keep learning.
Jeremiah Ortiz
- A.A.-Transfer, History
- Transferring to San José State University
- U.S. Navy
Grad Message
Thank you for all the support I got through the staff at Veterans Services. Without them, I would be completely lost and that's the truth. And of course, thank you to everyone who supported me along the way – teachers, staff, friends and family!
For all my fellow veterans that are still here or will be coming here in the near future, I wish you all the best of luck! Never give up no matter how daunting the task may be.Never give up the ship!
Raymond Ostil
- Transfering to Stanford University
- U.S. Army
Grad Message
I am grateful for each person who chose the path to serve our diverse nation. The fabric of our country consists of immigrants and those with indigenous ancestry, with each member striving for better circumstances to some extent.
Veterans are cut from that very cloth, then isolated from it. You’ve made many sacrifices doing what sometimes feels like a thankless job after being removed from loved ones and a life we once knew. Some of us gave it all and all of us were given a new set of values that very few even seek to understand. Then by whatever set of circumstances, you found yourself here amongst the students, staff, and faculty of De Anza College. My personal experience at De Anza showed me when the world seems to count you out, the De Anza community does not. They believed in me when I could not.
There is a high premium on hope in difficult circumstances. They understand this at De Anza and render it accordingly for every unique situation. I thank you all at De Anza from the bottom of my heart. You’ve changed the trajectory of my life and I will carry your legacy with me forever.
Tyler Schasker
- A.A., Liberal Arts – Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Transferring to Santa Clara University
- U.S. Marine Corps
Grad Message
"Don't Worry, Be Happy" – Bob Marley
Viczel Zamora Suguitan
- A.S.-Transfer, Business Administration
- Transferring to San Diego State University
- Daughter of U.S. Air Force veteran
Grad Message
I couldn't achieve all that I did without the support of my family, friends and the Veterans Resource team at De Anza. A special thanks to my dad for serving in the Air Force and supporting my goals, and to Lan Truong who helped guide me through my time at De Anza.
Junyi Tian
- A.S.-Transfer, Business Administration
- Transferring to the University of California, San Diego
- U.S. Army
Grad Message
A huge thanks to Veteran Services' friendly and knowledgeable staff.
I would also like to give my special thanks to Ms. Truong for answering my questions/concerns during the quarters and helping with my transfer applications.
To my fellow veterans: Put the effort in, and you will get the results you wanted. You can do it!.
Best Wishes From the De Anza College
Veterans Resource Center
Thank you for your service to protect our freedom. We have been so honored to be a part of your educational journey at De Anza College.
Congratulations on your academic achievement. We wish you all the best on your next endeavors, and we appreciate each and every one of you!
- Nazy Galoyan, Dean of Enrollment Services
- Lan Truong, Veterans Resource Counselor
- Shari Pasquali, Veterans Resource Specialist
- Bertha Sanchez, Veterans Resource Specialist