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by Dr. Tony Delgado;
Assistant Dean, Office of Undergraduate Studies
University of South Florida
Every November, two significant celebrations take place just days apart: First-Generation College Celebration Day (Nov. 8) and Veterans Day (Nov. 11). These moments recognize two important, often intersecting student groups. Nationally, 62% of student veterans are first-generation college students, and only 15% of student veterans fall within the traditional college age range of 18-23, with most between 24 and 40 years old (VA Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, 2025). Student veterans are navigating both military-to-civilian transitions and the challenges of being the first in their families to attend college.
Recognizing this unique intersection, the University of South Florida (USF) hosted Service to Scholars—Celebrating First-Gen Military-Connected Students on November 12, 2024. This event provided a platform for first-gen student veterans and military-connected students to share their experiences, celebrate their resilience, and connect with resources to help them succeed.
Todd Post, the assistant director for the Office of Veteran Success, shared “the Service to Scholars event was deeply personal for me as a veteran and first-generation college student who knows firsthand the challenges of navigating higher education without a roadmap. Hearing the stories of our first-gen military-connected students, I saw reflections of my journey—the uncertainty, the perseverance, and ultimately, the pride in breaking barriers.”
One such story is Jacob Gresham, a former U.S. Navy Machinist Mate who initially felt behind his peers but later embraced his journey. With the support of his wife, he realized the impact of his service and education on his family’s future. Austin Steele, a former U.S. Army Infantry soldier, faced a pivotal decision after a medical discharge—follow his parents into the workforce or pursue higher education. By choosing USF, he hopes to inspire others by proving that determination and hard work pay off.
Drayton Browne II, an Army ROTC cadet, takes pride in setting an example for others, while David Burgos, who served in Special Operations and Civil Affairs, sees his education as a way to break the cycle of hardship he grew up in. Noah Marchesiello, also an Army ROTC cadet, is driven to be the best student and leader he can be, striving to make his family proud.
These students embody the resilience and dedication that make first-gen military-affiliated students so remarkable. Todd Post reflected on the event, “watching them share their experiences and be celebrated was emotional, inspiring, and a reminder of supporting this population's importance. To keep the momentum going, we must continue amplifying these voices, building stronger support networks, and ensuring that every first-gen veteran knows they belong and can thrive in higher education." Their experiences highlight the importance of institutions like USF in providing a supportive environment for military-connected students.
In addition to being a FirstGen Forward Network institution, USF is recognized as a Collegiate Purple Star Campus, a designation awarded in 2023 by the state of Florida for colleges and universities that offer strong support for military-affiliated students and their families.
With nearly 1,400 student veterans and more than 5,300 military-connected students, USF has one of the largest military-affiliated student populations among state universities in Florida. By recognizing the unique challenges they face, the university is committed to ensuring they have the resources and guidance needed to thrive.
As we reflect on the significance of First-Gen Day and Veterans Day, it's clear that student veterans bring invaluable perspectives and experiences to higher education. Their path is shaped by service, sacrifice, and perseverance. Through events like Service to Scholars and USF’s ongoing commitment to military-connected students, the university continues to support these students as they transition from service members to scholars and, ultimately, to graduates making an impact in their fields.
Reference
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. (2025, January 6). VA College Toolkit: Learn about Student Veterans. https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/student-veteran/learn-about-student-veterans.asp
For more information on University of South Florida's approach, please visit their website here.
