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The University of New Haven community gathered for a memorable evening at its 10th annual Salute to Service Award Banquet, a celebration of the dedication, resilience, and achievements of its student veterans and military-affiliated community.

The event brought together students, faculty, staff, families, and local veteran organizations in a formal setting that blended recognition with reflection. The event reflected a broader institutional commitment to supporting, both in the classroom and beyond, those who have served, and created a space for connection across generations of service.

For many in the room, the night was not only about celebration but also understanding. Non-veteran attendees gained a deeper appreciation for the experiences of those who have served, while veterans were recognized in a community that understands their journey.

鈥淪omewhere along the way, our student veterans find us and begin a journey they may not have thought possible,鈥� said Ryan Noonan '20, '23 M.S, manager of Military & Veteran Affairs.

That journey, he noted, is not without challenges, but it is one the University is deeply committed to supporting.

As guests sat within the room, a single table stood apart. 鈥淭his table is set for one... symbolizing the fact that members of our profession of arms are missing from our midst,鈥� Henry Wylie 鈥�28, a VA work study student whose both parents are veterans themselves, explained.

Each element of the table told a story: the white cloth for purity, the red rose for loved ones, the candle for enduring spirit, the inverted glass to represent those who cannot return, and more.

鈥淲e must never forget those who are still deployed, those who have never returned home, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice,鈥� Wylie said.

鈥淩emember,鈥� echoed throughout the reading, grounding the room in shared reflection.

Kevin Sullivan of the , which assisted in the preparation and presentation of the table, underscored the importance of the moment.

鈥淚t is truly an HONOR, in capital letters, to participate in the presentation of the Missing Man Table,鈥� he said.

He spoke about the enduring bond among service members and the realities of war. 鈥淚t is no small fact to us that we are the lucky ones, able to be classified as 鈥榁eteran,鈥� that we are home,鈥� he said.

That bond, he emphasized, does not fade with time. The commitment remains unwavering. 鈥淭he only thing you have to survive with is what you are made of and the confidence that your brothers and sisters will come for you,鈥� he said. 鈥淭here is no expiration date to the commitment, 鈥楲eave No One Behind.鈥欌��

Throughout the evening, the University recognized outstanding individuals whose work reflects the values of resiliency, integrity, service, and excellence.

Noonan, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, reflected on the transition many veterans face when entering academic life. 鈥淲hen you leave the military, you leave a part of yourself behind,鈥� he said.

Yet, despite those challenges, student veterans have a rich history of excelling as Chargers. 鈥淭heir success isn鈥檛 a stroke of luck; it鈥檚 a defiant victory won in spite of every obstacle,鈥� he added. 鈥淔or many veterans, finding a new mission is the hardest part, but once they do, they thrive.鈥�

Student veterans at the University have consistently achieved high academic performance, maintaining strong GPAs, and continuing to raise the bar each year.

That commitment to student success has also earned national recognition. For the second consecutive year, the University of New Haven has been named a , marking the first time in the University鈥檚 history it has achieved back-to-back Gold status.

Among those honored were quarterback AJ Duffy 鈥�28 and head football coach , recipients of the 2nd Annual Military Appreciation Game MVP Award, recognized for leadership and teamwork on and off the field.

Lisa Dadio, M.S., M.S.W., received the 2026 Salute to Service Faculty Award for her unwavering support of student veterans.

Cadet Morgan Stromski 鈥�28 was named the inaugural Salute to Service Army ROTC Cadet of the Year, while Christopher Rynich 鈥�28 earned the 2026 R.I.S.E. Student Veteran of the Year distinction for his academic excellence and service.

The University also inducted new members into the , including John Holland 鈥�28 (Alpha Tier), Sean Lonergan 鈥�27 (Bravo Tier), and Chris Rynich 鈥�26 (Gold Tier), recognizing their academic achievement and leadership.

Danielle Jastrab 鈥�26 was recognized with the VA Work Study Commencement Award for her leadership in expanding outreach and storytelling for the military and veteran community at the University, particularly through the expanded use of social media.

Each honor reflected a shared commitment to service that extends far beyond the classroom. 鈥淭hese students are motivated, disciplined, and determined,鈥� Noonan said.

Their accomplishments reflect the evolving ways student veterans continue to serve through mentorship, leadership, and advocacy.

鈥淰eteran success depends not only on academic resources, but on human connection,鈥� Noonan emphasized.

Honoring service means recognizing both sacrifice and the continued contributions of those who have worn the uniform.

鈥淲e train to serve something bigger than ourselves,鈥� Noonan said. 鈥淎nd that doesn鈥檛 stop when the uniform comes off.鈥�