Buffalo State unveils plans for new Veterans Center following $1 million gift from Foundation 214

Buffalo State University and partner Foundation 214 announced plans for the opening of a new Veterans Center in fall 2027, which will provide veterans and military connected students, spouses and dependents with a welcoming home, coordinated support services, and clear pathways to education, workforce training and meaningful careers. The center will serve Buffalo State students while also welcoming veterans from across Western New York through community partnerships, outreach and workforce development programming.

The announcement was made at 1219 Elmwood Ave., the former Newman Center that will be the center's home following a $1 million gift from Foundation 214.

"We're creating a place of connection, belonging and opportunity that will strengthen families and our community for generations to come," President Jennifer L. Burris, Ph.D. said. "That is the power of education, and that is the promise of this Veterans Center."

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, "There is a place for every New Yorker at SUNY, and we are committed to enrolling and supporting student veterans and ensuring they have the resources and services available to succeed on campus and in the classroom. The new Veterans Center at Buffalo State University, together with the generous support from Foundation 214, will help ensure that more student veterans are able to find a sense of community and thrive as they take advantage of the affordable, excellent public higher education available at Buffalo State.

"I applaud President Burris for hitting the ground running in her new role and for building strong community partnerships to help Buffalo State University grow and serve this community, Western New York, and our entire state."

The Veterans Center will be based on three pillars:

1. Belonging and Community: Veteran student, spouse and dependent programming in a dedicated place.
2. Embedded Support Services: Benefits, counseling, referrals, telehealth access and academic support.
3. Transition Pathways: Degrees, training, internships and employment opportunities.

The establishment of a Veterans Center is a natural extension of the work Buffalo State does to support veterans and military-aligned students through its Veterans and Military Services. Buffalo State serves military-aligned students and their dependents, supporting their transition into the academic environment from pre-admission enrollment to post-graduation employment. Through the GI Bill and other institutional services, Buffalo State ensures the educational journeys of military-aligned students are well supported.

"After leaving the military, continuing my education was an important step toward building a better future for myself and my daughter," said Sasha Prince, a Buffalo State student. "When I chose Buffalo State, I hoped it would be a good fit. What I've experienced here has exceeded my expectations. I've found professors who encouraged me, opportunities that challenged me, and a community that made me feel like I belonged.

"I learned about resources I didn't even know existed, including the veterans work-study program, which was a huge relief. Because of the support I've received, I've been able to continue my education and still provide for my daughter."

"As a veteran myself, I know that the transition from military service to civilian life isn't always easy," Buffalo State Coordinator of Veteran Community Engagement Kenny Williams said. "For many, that transition means navigating education, employment, healthcare, finances and family responsibilities, often all at the same time. That's why this center is so important. Because when someone is worried about housing, healthcare or paying their bills, it's difficult to focus on earning a degree or planning for the future. This center is about bringing those relationships and resources together in one welcoming place."

Conversations surrounding the creation of a Veterans Center began nearly two years ago and have included representatives from Buffalo State Institutional Advancement, the Buffalo State Foundation, Buffalo State's Art and Design and Creativity and Change Leadership Departments, Wendel Companies, Lamparelli Construction, Millington Lockwood, Phoenix Innovation Group, Veterans One-Stop Center and more.

"A project like this takes an extraordinary amount of collaboration, generosity and expertise," said Jim Finnerty, vice president for Institutional Advancement and External Relations. "This center is about creating a welcoming place where veterans can find community, access the services and support they need, and discover new pathways to education, employment and civilian life. Achieving that vision requires strong collaboration with veterans organizations, higher education institutions and workforce development partners throughout Western New York. We are grateful to those who have contributed their professional services and talents to help make this vision a reality."

Buffalo State found the ideal project partner in Foundation 214, an organization that seeks to improve the lives of veterans and their families by supporting programs and initiatives involved in education and employment, rehabilitation and recovery and quality of life.

"When we learned about Buffalo State's vision for this Veterans Center, we saw an opportunity to bring that mission to life in a very tangible way," said Chris Alfiero, Foundation 214's executive director. "We hope this center will become a place of opportunity, belonging and possibility for generations of veterans and their families, and we hope that every veteran who walks through these doors knows that their service is valued, their future matters and their community stands behind them. Thank you to Buffalo State University for allowing our family to be part of this important work. We look forward to seeing the lives that will be changed here for years to come."

The Veterans Center will also work with additional community partners:

• Veterans One Stop Center, a trusted community access point helping veterans and military families navigate benefits, employment, financial challenges and civilian life transitions;
• The Wounded Warrior Project, the nation's leading veterans service organization, dedicated to improving the total well-being of post 9/11 wounded, ill and injured veterans, service members and their families;
• Horizon Health Services, leading behavioral health provider offering mental health, trauma-informed care, addiction treatment, peer recovery services and veteran-focused support;
• SUNY and educational partners, allowing the Veterans Center to connect veterans to Buffalo State, SUNY Erie, SUNY Empire, workforce development organizations and career-aligned training programs.

"As veterans, our experiences aren't always easy to explain to people who haven't lived them," Prince said. "That's why having a place where people understand our challenges, recognize our experiences and help us find our way is so important. I'm grateful to be part of a university that recognizes that, and I'm excited about what this center will mean for future veterans and their families."

"Ultimately, the real measure of our success won't be the building or the number of partnerships we create," Williams said. "It will be the difference we make in people's lives."

To learn more about plans for the Veterans Center, visit the website.

To give to the Veterans Center Fund, visit this page.