SF opens a new veterans student center worthy of its ‘military-friendly’ reputation

November 5, 2026

“New space, same mission,” said Sandra Torres-Pintos, Director of TRIO and Veterans Programs Wednesday morning to a gathering outside R-132, for a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the new permanent home of Santa Fe College’s Veterans and Military Success Services (VMSS). 

The new hub of support for student veterans at the college was followed by an open house and an unexpected honor for one of the attendees. 

“Santa Fe College has always been an institution deeply committed to serving veterans,” SF President Paul Broadie said. “That’s why we’ve been recognized as ‘Best for Vets’ for so many years running. Every department is always asking our student veterans, ‘How can we serve you?’ That includes spouses and children of veterans. It doesn’t happen by accident. We serve them because they served us. They deserve a space where they can gather, where they can be advised, where they can unwind.” 

SF alumnus Bryan Rowland, a U.S. Army veteran and current student at Santa Fe College, said “Before I came to Santa Fe College, I spent more than three years as a paratrooper. I went from there to fighting wildfires on the west coast of the U.S. for four years. But going to college was by far the most intimidating. VMSS grew into one of the most important parts of my journey — not just for school, but in life.”

Prior to the ribbon-cutting, Torres-Pintos stood again to reveal the namesake of the new space. “This individual dedicated more than three decades to serving this nation. But today, we are here to recognize what came after that distinguished service — because it never ended. That person is Lt. General John M. LeMoyne.”

LeMoyne, U.S. Army veteran who served in Vietnam and was Chief of Staff for Seventh Army in Europe, is a graduate of P.K. Yonge Laboratory School in Gainesville (FL), and the University of Florida, where he earned his bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

The distinguished Special Forces soldier was responsible for the conception of a program to provide scholarship support for veterans wanting to pursue study at Santa Fe College. The result was more than 50 scholarship opportunities annually — as well as decades of investment, advocacy and mentorship for military vets — which eventually expanded to become a central office for dedicated student support.

“My experience in the military serving these people has changed my life, reinforced my values, and given me meaning,” LeMoyne said. “My wife and I have done this ever since I retired. And we did it because we served with people like you. It’s a small way of saying ‘thank you’ for what you’ve done for people like me, but also for our nation.”

Nick McMillen, a Navy veteran and coordinator for VMSS, said the enhanced visibility and centralized nature of the center is important for the needs of this student population at SF. 

“The process for our military students in terms of in getting assimilated into the college in their first semester is different, and we’re really excited to have this space to meet their specific needs.”