As Veterans Day approaches on Nov. 11, our annual “yellow ribbons on the Quad” recognizes the sacrifice and service of our student veterans, along with staff and faculty who have served or are still active in the military. We’ll be adorning trees in the heart of our campus with yellow ribbons.

Veterans Day is also a time when I reflect on my family. My great-uncle, Isaac James Wilford Sr. — or “Uncle Ike” — served as an aircraft radio repairman in the Army Air Forces during World War II. He was among the first group of Black pilots in the U.S. military, known as the Tuskegee Airmen, and he received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2007. This legacy remains a great source of pride for our family.

This commitment of service isn’t left behind when veterans pursue a college degree. It becomes their foundation, as they bring their strengths, lived experiences and perspectives with a deep sense of purpose into their academic journey. 
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, about 62% of student veterans are first-generation. Nearly half are married, and many juggle family life and academics.

These realities highlight both the commitment of student veterans and the critical importance of UC Davis’ campus resources that help them thrive. Our support is reflected in national recognition — we are ranked No. 16 among Best Colleges for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report and our Graduate School of Management is ranked No. 4 for military students.

More than 4,000 veterans and students with military affiliation attend the University of California. They are UC Davis students like Sebastian Smith, a fourth-year Plant Biology major who returned to school after retiring from a 20-year Air Force career and enriches our academic community. He is a father of three, a first-generation student and passionate about scientific research with plans to pursue a PhD.

The transition from military service to a college environment can be especially difficult, with challenges like transitioning to a less regimented life, finding peers and navigating financial benefits. That’s why we’re dedicated to supporting the well-being of every student, staff and faculty member. We work together to provide academic and mentorship resources to build a healthier, more productive community.

Sebastian credits UC Davis’ Veterans Success Center, or VSC, for enriching his student life. It’s a space where veterans and military affiliated members of our university community can connect with resources and each other.

The VSC further supports professional development, such as workshops on how to apply to graduate and professional school, networking and building a resume that integrates their academic qualifications with their military skills and knowledge.

The VSC also works closely with José Roa, a 10-year U.S. Army veteran who served as an Infantryman and Staff Sergeant who endured combat. Now, he’s a career advisor at the UC Davis Career Center. His goal is to make student veterans feel like they belong, recognize what they're capable of and know their service is only one chapter of their story.

José reminds student veterans of what they already bring to the table: Managing people, working in high-pressure environments with significant responsibilities and developing leadership skills that many employers aspire to have on their teams.

Outside of their academic pursuits, our student veterans pursue service and connection here in Davis. Our alumni are active with VFW Post 6949, which connects local veterans and offers community service around Davis. Members of the King Hall Veterans Association, a student-run organization at the UC Davis School of Law, also provide community networking opportunities.

So, next time you’re on campus, I encourage you to pause at our Memorial Union and consider its significance. The Memorial Union was built on a foundation of reverence and respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in military service.

The Memorial Union was completed in 1955 and dedicated originally to soldiers who died in World War I and World War II. It has since expanded to honor the memories of all UC Davis students who served in our nation’s military and lost their lives in conflict. It’s the home of the Gold Star Aggies Wall that further honors students and alumni who died in United States military service.

Our university will remain connected to the Davis community as a place where student veterans aren’t just recognized for their service, but where they take leadership and academic skills to achieve career success and uplift communities.

Happy Veterans Day to all the military personnel in our community, both past and present, and thank you for your service. Let’s honor them not just on Nov. 11 but in the days beyond.