In honor of Veterans Day, we are highlighting a military-affiliated alum who graduated this past spring.

Just days before his SUNY New Paltz journey was set to come to an end, Sam-Karis Oghenekome ’24 (Electrical Engineering) had earned an opportunity to pause and reflect on how far he’s come. He knew exactly where to begin. 

“I’ve always wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself.”

He was standing behind the podium at his Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) commissioning ceremony, looking back on his successful career at SUNY New Paltz. It was the culmination of one chapter of his story, and the beginning of something entirely new.

“Being an immigrant, I always found the idea of serving on the world’s stage as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces to be an honor and a privilege,” he said.

Surrounded by friends, family, peer students and military professionals, he was about to swear an oath and fulfill his dream of becoming a U.S. Army officer.  Oghenekome, having risen to every challenge he set before himself at New Paltz, was now advancing to the rank of Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.  

Here on campus, Oghenekome found community and support in the Office of Military & Veteran Services (OVMS), the campus hub for academic and student support services for the hundreds of veteran, active military and dependent students enrolled at SUNY New Paltz.

The office provides a range of support, including assistance with the transition from the military to our university, academic advising and career advisement. The office also highlights student events that foster a sense of community and comradery. Even with more nuanced topics, they can help. Students can receive guidance through the complexities of the GI Bill benefits process, military and New York State tuition assistance, and scholarships.

“We work to ensure all students affiliated with our office have the best experience possible during their time at New Paltz,” said Donnie Martin '11 (Adolescence Education: Social Studies), the University’s assistant director of veteran & military services. “The Office of Veteran & Military Services aims to be a one-stop shop for all affiliated students, and if we can't provide it we'll walk you to the office that can. We work to serve those who served us.” 

Like many military-affiliated students, Oghenekome took advantage of camaraderie-building programs organized by OVMS, and later transitioned into a peer-leader role in the office through employment as a Department of Veteran Affairs work-study student.

“OVMS could not be prouder of Sam-Karis,” said Martin. “Watching one of our students complete the ROTC program is such an honor. We were fortunate to not only have Sam-Karis as one of our affiliated students, he also worked within our office as a Veterans Affairs work-study student working hard to assist our students.” 

Oghenekome’s completion of the ROTC program represents another example of the dramatic growth of veteran and military engagement at SUNY New Paltz in recent years. Since the fruition of OVMS in 2014, it has increased the number of students it serves from the dozens to the hundreds. These are often people who may not fit the mold of the “traditional” college student. Many of those who work with OVMS come to New Paltz with life experiences and situations distinct from those of their classmates.  

For this reason, OVMS has also made it a priority to serve as a social hub and gathering space for a cohort seeking that kind of positive community experience. With a dedicated lounge space, there is a spot for students to enjoy free coffee and tea, use amenities like a refrigerator and microwave, and hang out or study with plenty of comfortable seating.

That community aspect was especially valuable to Oghenekome as he navigated work, academics, ROTC responsibilities and his pathway to U.S. citizenship.  

“Knowing there are people here going through the exact same things I have was tremendously beneficial for me,” said Oghenekome. “It’s something that I will remember fondly of my time here and hope to take with me on my travels in the Army.” 

Fast forward to today, Oghenekome describes life after commissioning as "busy but rewarding." Upon graduation, he headed to Fort Sill, Oklahoma for the Field Artillery Basic Officer Leader Course, which trains and develops newly commissioned Lieutenants into Field Artillery Officers. He graduated on time and went off to his new duty station in Fort Liberty, North Carolina.

"I am looking forward to this new chapter in my career with the Army and my unit," said Oghenekome. "Graduating from New Paltz gave me both the leadership tools I needed to succeed through one of the Army's toughest courses as well as the social and leadership skills that have helped me progress through my first couple months in the Army."

Oghenekome is just one of many students who have relied on OVMS support for success as a student and beyond. In its 10-year history, it's seen tremendous growth, but Martin says there is more to come. SUNY New Paltz is number seven among Northeast institutions on the Best Colleges for Veterans list, further demonstrating the University’s reputation as a leader in serving military-affiliated students and families.

"We are excited to build upon what has been established over the last 10 years," he said. "Having a dedicated staff and space to serve veterans, military members and their families is relatively new in higher education."

New Paltz was recently awarded SUNY’s Veteran Internship Program Grant through the New York State Office of Strategic Workforce Development. With these funds, the office hired Derek Mendez, a student who is a member of the New York National Guard and participates in the ROTC program. He will work to provide students with in-depth information on the ROTC program and develop a survey to see how we can better serve students.

"We are honored to be a part of what is being built," said Martin.

Click here to learn more about the Office of Veteran & Military Services at SUNY New Paltz. 

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense visual information does not imply or constitute Department of Defense endorsement.

SUNY New Paltz is not affiliated with the Department of Defense or any Military Service.