What Started as a Job Became the Heart of My College Experience
The Joan & Art Barron Veterans Center at San Diego State university has been the heartbeat of my college journey. I started working here as a freshman just 18, unsure of myself, and trying to find where I fit in a brand-new world What I thought would be a simple campus job turned into the place that shaped my entire experience
Over the last three years, this Center became more than just a workplace. It became my home A place where I learned, grew, laughed, cried, and connected with some of the most inspiring people I’ve ever met I’ve had the privilege of serving alongside
Before it became the heart of our community the place where laughter echoes through the halls and friendships are forged over coffee breaks the Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center began with something simple: a single walk-up window tucked inside SDSU’s Registrar’s Office It was small, but even then, the mission was big serve military-connected students with dignity, purpose, and heart.
By 2008, that mission
had already turned into a movement SDSU became the first university in the entire California State University system to open a dedicated Veterans Center Just two years later, the Department of Veterans Affairs took notice, naming SDSU one of the first three campuses in the country to host the VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) program.
The Center wasn’t just keeping up it was leading the way
Thanks to a $1 million endowment from Joan and Art Barron Art, a proud Navy veteran the Center moved into its forever home: a 4,000square-foot space in Student Services West That gift didn’t just expand the walls it expanded the heart of what this place could be. It became a refuge, not just a resource.
Every part of the Center tells that story:
The lobby, where you’re always met with a smile (and sometimes snacks)
Private offices, where tough conversations turn into real support
The Hostler Conference Room, where ideas are shared and growth takes root
The Jack McGrory Bunker, a cozy, oneof-a-kind lounge where bonds are built.
And the kitchen, small but sacred because sometimes, community starts with a granola bar and good conversation
What started as a window is now a legacy a place where students find their footing, find their people, and write their own chapters And no matter when you arrive or why you came, once you step through those doors, you ' re part of something bigger
Numbers Reflect the Strength and Diversity of Our Students
Bythe Numbers
A Snapshot of Our Students
StudentDemographicsby Race/Ethnicity
A breakdown of the racial and ethnic makeup of the military-connected students we serve
Our center’s community mirrors the diversity that makes SDSU special:
873 Asian 1,104 Hispanic/Latinx
376 Black/African American
68 Native American/Indigeno us
1,378 White
614 Two or More Races
114
Other/Unspecified
Dig a little deeper, and you’ll see how important representation is to us:
22 Black Female Veterans
183 Black Female Dependents
45 Black Male Veterans
122 Black Male Dependents
At the Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center, we don’t just see numbers we see individuals with unique stories, backgrounds, and experiences Each of the 4,568 militaryconnected students we serve at SDSU is part of a vibrant community that includes veterans, active duty, reservists, dependents, and spouses, all of whom rely on the center to help navigate their academic journey
From accessing resources to finding guidance and support, these students form a family of resilience and service
Here’s a snapshot of who we’re here for:
1,520 students benefit from the CalVet Fee Waiver 721 students are supported by Chapter 33 (Post9/11 GI Bill) 732 students rely on Chapter 35 (Dependents’ Educational Assistance)
156 students are part of Chapter 31 (Veteran Readiness & Employment)
24 students are enrolled through Chapter 1606 (Selected Reserve)
We’re proud to support a growing number of graduate students (599) alongside our vibrant undergraduate community (3,953), with even a small group of global learners (16)
Behind these numbers are the faces of students who bring strength, resilience, and heart to everything they do. The Work Study Program is just one way these students give back to each other and create a community where every voice matters. Every number tells a story And together, these stories make us who we are
A look at how different educational benefits empower our students on their academic journey.
a year in motion
WelcomeWeek
SDSU’s MVP kicked off the semester with food, connection, and a strong sense of community
GIBillRoadshow
SDSU’s MVP hosted the GI Bill® Roadshow, guiding students and families in maximizing their education benefits
9/11Ceremony
SDSU honored 9/11 with a moment of silence, uniting to remember courage, sacrifice, and resilience
UnityMixer
MVP and OneSDSU hosted the first Unity Mixer, bringing students together to build connection and community.
FallCareerExpo
MVP, T2E, and SVO hosted SDSU’s first career expo, connecting military students with employers and new opportunities
34thAnnualMilitary Women’sLuncheon
SDSU women connected, shared stories, and celebrated service.
SpringCareerExpo
SDSU honored fallen heroes in a moving tribute.
WarMemorialCeremony
Students met employers and explored career paths.
ExploreSDSU
MVP welcomed new students to the Aztec family.
A Portrait of Support
The Hearbeat of the Joan & Art Barron Veterans Center
A LEGACY OF SERVICE, A HOME OF HEART
Over the years, the faces at the Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center have changed people have come and gone, new names have joined the doorplates but one thing has never wavered: the dedication, heart, and unwavering commitment each staff member brings to this space
No matter the season or the person behind the desk, there’s always been the same steady presence of care The same willingness to listen, to show up, and to go
the extra mile for a student who needs support whether it’s with benefits, a career path, or just someone to talk to
Some brought military experience, others brought deep empathy, but all of them brought purpose And that spirit of service, of community, of meeting students where they are has been the one constant in a place that’s helped so many of us feel a little more grounded, a little more seen, and a lot more at home
ELISA EAST: WHERE LEADERSHIP MEETS HEART
Some people lead with authority Others lead with vision But Elisa she leads with heart And for so many of us who’ve walked through the doors of the Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center unsure, overwhelmed, or just trying to find our place Elisa has been the person who makes all the difference
She’s the Director of the Military and Veterans Program here at SDSU, but that title only scratches the surface of who she is. Elisa is a listener. A problem-solver. A fierce advocate. A mentor. A quiet force of calm in moments when things feel heavy. And she’s been all of those things to me, from my very first year on this campus.
As a freshman, I wasn’t sure what to expect from college especially as a military-connected student navigating benefits, transitions, and big decisions all at once Elisa was there through it all She didn’t just answer my questions; she understood them She didn’t just support my goals; she believed in them And even now, years later, she’s still someone I turn to Someone who has never stopped showing up for me
Elisa’s leadership is rooted in experience As a U S Army veteran and proud Aztec alum, she knows firsthand the challenges that come with transitioning from military life to higher education and the resilience it takes to thrive in that space. That lived experience allows her to connect with students on a deeply personal level, offering not just guidance, but genuine empathy. She gets it. And you can feel that in every conversation with her.
But what makes Elisa truly special is the way she builds community. Under her direction, the Veterans Center isn’t just a resource—it’s a refuge. A place where you can take a breath, ask for help, celebrate a win, or just exist without explanation. She’s created a culture where militaryconnected students are seen, valued, and supported in every step of their journey.
Her influence is everywhere—whether it’s in the thoughtful programs she develops, the students she mentors, or the way her team works with purpose and compassion. And yet, she never asks for the spotlight. She’s the kind of leader who uplifts others before herself, who notices the small things, and who remembers your story even when she’s juggling a hundred others.
Elisa helped shape not just my college experience, but who I’ve become along the way. She’s been a steady presence through academic milestones, career pivots, and personal growth. And I’m just one of so many students who carry her impact with them, far beyond these walls.
To be led by Elisa is to be believed in. And that kind of leadership changes everything.
JOSE ESPARZA: THE FIRST WELCOME, A LASTING PRESENCE
I first met Jose during my campus tour as a prospective student. He was warm, genuine, and fully present, like he truly cared about who I was and what I needed That brief conversation stuck with me, and honestly, it became one of the reasons I saw SDSU as more than just another option it felt like a place I could belong
Since then, Jose has been a steady, compassionate presence in the lives of so many students who walk through the doors of the Veterans Center. As the Outreach Specialist, he is often the first person military-connected students meet whether they’re touring the campus, applying to SDSU, or just trying to figure out where to start And Jose makes that first interaction matter He doesn’t just answer questions he offers reassurance There’s a quiet strength in the way he serves this community, always going out of his way to make sure others are taken care of, even when no one is watching.
And then there’s the food Jose has a love for sharing joy through food whether it’s breakfast burritos or donuts for the whole team during allhands meetings It’s not about the food itself it’s about how he uses it to build connection, to create comfort, and to remind us that we’re part of something bigger
Jose has shown us what it means to lead with heart. What it means to serve long after the uniform comes off What it means to show up for people again and again He was the first person to welcome me to this community And throughout my time here, he’s reminded me, and so many others, that we never have to walk this journey alone
ELISE GARY: A GENUINE LIGHT IN THE ROOM
Elise is the kind of person who just makes everything feel a little bit softer A little bit warmer A little more possible From the moment I met her, I felt her warmth She’s upbeat, always smiling, and somehow seems to know when you need a kind word, a walk around campus, or someone to just sit with you while you figure things out. She was already on staff when I joined, but you could tell that her roots here go deep she used to be a Work Study student herself, and that lived experience comes through in how she supports us now
She understands what it’s like to be juggling school, benefits, jobs, and life She gets the overwhelm, and instead of just offering solutions, she offers space Space to breathe Space to talk Space to be human. I’ve seen her give up her lunch break to help a student in need, take walks with those who just needed to get away from their desk, and offer thoughtful check-ins days even weeks after you told her something in passing She remembers She cares As a fellow Aztec and military dependent, she brings both empathy and lived experience to everything she does Her energy fills a room, but it never overwhelms it’s the kind that draws people in, makes them feel safe, and reminds them they matter.
Elise doesn’t do her job just because she’s good at it (and she is) She does it because she loves the people she’s helping And that love is felt in every conversation, every laugh, and every moment she chooses to show up fully
She’s the kind of light that doesn’t just guide you carry it with you long after you leave the room.
DOREEN ENRIQUEZ: REAL, HONEST, AND ROOTING FOR YOU
At first, Doreen might seem quiet maybe even a little reserved She watches the room carefully, speaks when she has something to say, and always seems to be one step ahead But once you get to know her, you start to see the side of Doreen that really makes her shine: thoughtful, supportive, and deeply committed to helping students succeed, even when it means giving them a little tough love
Doreen holds one of the most important roles at the Veterans Center she’s the Primary Certifying Official, which means she’s the one making sure your education benefits are right, accurate, and on time. But her impact goes way beyond that. When I was unsure whether to add a minor or pursue grad school, she was right there offering clarity, insight, and honest advice She never sugarcoated things, but she always spoke from a place of care.
That’s Doreen’s strength she’ll tell it like it is because she truly wants you to succeed She's the kind of person who notices what others might miss, who holds you accountable because she believes in what you ' re capable of And despite her straightforward style, she’s also one of the most quietly encouraging people in the building
She’s been nothing but supportive of my goals, even cheering me on with opportunities like NASA, and that means more than I can explain Doreen doesn’t just process your paperwork she makes sure you don’t lose yourself in it She shows up, she keeps it real, and she’ll always have your back even if it’s behind a raised eyebrow and a welltimed “really?” Underneath it all, she cares a lot And that kind of care stays with you
JACKIE LOPEZ: A NEW START WITH SOLID GROUND
When Jackie joined the Veterans Center in January, she stepped into a program that was already in motion shifts were filled, routines had formed, and the year was well underway But Jackie didn’t just ease into the background she arrived with quiet determination, ready to bring structure, support, and a steady presence to the team.
And it makes sense Jackie spent over 11 years as a teacher She knows how to lead a group, set expectations, and bring out the best in people That experience shows in the way she organizes tasks, manages the moving parts of our Work Study program, and calmly keeps things on track even when everything gets a little chaotic. She treats us with the same balance of accountability and encouragement you'd expect from a great teacher firm when needed, but always rooting for our growth You can tell she’s used to helping people reach their potential, and she brings that same energy to our team
But Jackie’s impact isn’t just about structure it’s also about connection. She brings her own kind of humor into the space, cracking jokes and lightening the mood in a way that makes the office feel more human, more welcoming She makes the effort to get to know us not just as student workers, but as people
Even though she joined halfway through the year, Jackie quickly became someone we could count on She gave our program solid ground to stand on and made sure we had what we needed to succeed individually and as a team. She didn’t just take on a role. She took on a group of students and helped us thrive
Serving ThroughSupport
The Work Study Program at the Joan & Art Barron Veterans Center
A job with heart where service and support go hand in hand.
At the Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center, the Work Study Program offers militaryconnected and veteran students not just veterans, but also dependents, spouses, and active duty a chance to give back to the community that has shaped them. It’s more than just a part-time job
It’s a way to reconnect with shared values, support fellow students, and contribute to a space that feels like home. Whether helping with outreach events, guiding new students, or simply being a familiar, welcoming face at the front desk, work study team members play a vital role in the center’s mission
What makes the program special is that every student brings something unique: their own story, their own reasons for serving, and their own understanding of what it means to belong
Together, we create a place where every visitor feels seen, supported, and valued
UntilWeMeet
Again
Thisplace shapedmein allthebest ways.
As I wrap up my time at San Diego State, I’ve been thinking a lot about where it all started. I walked into the Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center as a freshman just looking for a job What I found was so much more For the past three years, this place has been my home It’s where I learned what it means to serve others, to be part of a team, and to
show up with purpose I’ve worked alongside veterans, reservists, dependents, and students who all carry different stories but share the same heart for community and support
This yearbook is my way of saying thank you to the people, the moments, and the mission that shaped my journey
Every small task, every shared laugh, every late-day conversation helping someone figure things out it all mattered And it’s all part of what made this place so special to me.
To those who are just starting here: lean in Bring your heart. Lift each other up. Because this Center is more than a space it’s a second chance, a soft landing, and a reminder that we’re never in it alone.
