Bound by Purpose: Fordham Honors Veterans, Builds for Tomorrow

Growing up in San Antonio, Jasmine Dean always dreamed of living in New York. But it wasn’t until after serving nine years in the Navy that she found herself walking through the gates of Fordham University—encouraged by a fellow sailor and drawn by a school that, unlike others, was quick to answer her questions about maximizing her veteran benefits.

This spring, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology—and a deep sense of connection to a place that helped her thrive.

John Brutzman, on the other hand, seemed predestined for Fordham. As an Army veteran graduating with his master’s degree in social work, Brutzman became the 15th member of his family to earn a Fordham diploma.

Though their journeys to Fordham could not have been more different, Dean and Brutzman stood shoulder to shoulder at Keating Hall on May 16—part of a proud cohort of veterans and military-connected students recognized at the University’s annual Yellow Ribbon Ceremony.

Beyond service and scholarship, what united them was a shared sense of belonging.

“If I had gone to another school, I wouldn’t have been as successful as I was. I don’t think I would have found as many friends and community as I have here at Fordham,” Dean said. “I think it helped project me forward in many ways. Even though I’m graduating, I’m excited to keep in contact and hopefully be working with the [Fordham] Veteran Center while I’m at Baruch College for my master’s.”

Brutzman echoed that support. “I really couldn’t have done this without them,” he said of Fordham’s veteran support. He now looks to use his knowledge working for a professional or collegiate sports team, whether in player wellness or engagement.

Launching the Fordham Veterans Initiative

This year’s ceremony didn’t just celebrate the accomplishments of Fordham’s graduating veterans—it also looked ahead. In a pivotal moment, President Tania Tetlow outlined a bold new vision to expand the University’s support for those who serve.

“Simply put, you are our finest students and we want more of you,” Tetlow said. “And today I’m proud to announce the launch of the Fordham Veterans Initiative, a bold university-wide commitment to double the enrollment of military-connected students over the next five years. With expanded resources, growing our team, and a new military family center coming soon, we are strengthening our support for veterans, active duty service members, ROTC cadets, and military families across our campuses.”

That expansion builds on Fordham’s existing efforts. As a proud Yellow Ribbon School, the University already offers 100% tuition and fees coverage for eligible Post-9/11 GI Bill® recipients and their dependents. Fordham serves more than 470 student veterans, active-duty service members, ROTC cadets, and military family members across its campuses, and it’s currently ranked the No. 1 “Best for Vets” college in New York by Military Times.

The planned Military Family Center at Rose Hill, modeled after the successful Veteran Center at Lincoln Center, will be a physical space where students and the community can connect with resources and each other—including the nearly 24,000 veterans who live in the Bronx.

“From hands-on guidance through admissions to career placement and community connection, we are building a network that fosters belonging, honors sacrifice, and supports success at every stage,” Tetlow added.

A Tradition of Service

Fordham trustee and board chair Armando Nuñez also addressed the graduates, recognizing their military and academic achievements while reflecting on the University’s long tradition of serving those who’ve served.

“We celebrate and literally salute you with excitement and gratitude for your incredible accomplishments as both servicemen and women and students, and soon-to-be graduates,” Nuñez said. “Fordham University has had a long and storied history of educating America’s heroes. We proudly count six Medal of Honor recipients among our esteemed alumni.”

Commissioner James Hendon, of the NYC Department of Veterans’ Services, offered a call to action for students to use their benefits.

“Take advantage of all the benefits you have earned, city, state, federal, public, private, nonprofit. Someone in this room has something they need,” Hendon said. “Please take the steps … be it healthcare or housing, education or employment, for yourself and your loved ones. Take advantage of all these things.”

A Moment to Ring In the Future

Following the formal remarks, each student crossed the stage to receive their Yellow Ribbon Medallion—a symbol of Fordham’s commitment to their success—and then processed outside to ring the Victory Bell.

A piece of history with military roots, the bell was gifted to Fordham after World War II by Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz and first rung on campus by President Harry S. Truman. In 2019, it was reintroduced as part of the Yellow Ribbon tradition by Matt Butler, executive director of OMVS, a retired Marine and Fordham alum. Today, ringing the bell marks transitioning from military service to academic achievement and civilian leadership.

After the ceremony, graduates gathered with family, friends, and faculty for a reception inside Keating Hall, pausing to reflect, celebrate, and look ahead.

With the launch of the Fordham Veterans Initiative, it’s clear the University isn’t just honoring veterans—it’s investing in their futures.

And as Dean and Brutzman’s stories show, no matter the path that leads to Fordham, every veteran who arrives finds something lasting: community, purpose, and a place to belong.

About the Office of Military and Veterans’ Services at Fordham University: Fordham University’s Office of Military and Veterans’ Services (OMVS) supports veterans, service members, and military-connected students as they transition from military life to college and into professional careers. Through personalized support, benefit navigation, career development, and a strong community network, OMVS ensures student veterans thrive academically, socially, and professionally. As a proud Yellow Ribbon Program participant, Fordham is committed to honoring those who served by investing in their success, on campus and beyond.

Top photo: Navy veteran Jasmine Dean rings the Victory Bell in celebration of her graduation from Fordham University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, May 16, 2025. Ringing the bell, a post-WWII gift to Fordham, has become a tradition for graduating veterans.
(Photo by Jeriel Nunez)