Veterans Center at Buffalo State University
A Case for Support
Buffalo State is designated as a Yellow Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
With your support, Buffalo State University can create a lasting resource that honors service, strengthens families, supports workforce development, and transforms lives.
Building Belongings, Support, and Pathways for Veterans
A $5 Million Initiative to Create a Regional Model for Veteran Success
The Buffalo State University Veterans Center will provide veterans, military connected students, spouses, and dependents with a welcoming home, coordinated support services, and clear pathways to education, workforce training, and meaningful careers.
Why This Matters
Veterans bring leadership, resilience, discipline, and mission-focused problem solving to higher education and the workforce. Yet many face challenges navigating benefits, accessing support services, transitioning to civilian life, and identifying educational and career opportunities.
Three Strategic Pillars
- Belonging and Community. Veteran student workers, peer mentoring, community meals, spouse and dependent programming, and a dedicated gathering place.
- Embedded Support Services. Benefits counseling, behavioral health referrals, telehealth access, academic support, and community partnerships.
- Transition Pathways. Connections to degrees, workforce training, microcredentials, internships, and employment opportunities.
Regional Impact
The center will serve Buffalo State students while also welcoming veterans from across Western New York through community partnerships, outreach, and workforce development programming.
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.
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
A leading behavioral health provider offering mental health, trauma-informed care, addiction treatment, peer recovery services, and veteran-focused support.
SUNY and Educational Partners
The Veterans Center will connect veterans to Buffalo State University, SUNY Erie, SUNY Empire, workforce development organizations, and career-aligned training programs.
Expected Annual Outcomes
- 150-200 veterans engaged through outreach and information sessions
- 75-100 veterans receiving individualized navigation services
- 35-50 veterans entering education or workforce pathways
- Expanded access to behavioral health services
- Increased support for military-connected families
CollegeNET’s 2025 Social Mobility Index
Buffalo State ranks 11th out of benchmarked colleges and universities in the state on CollegeNET’s 2025 Social Mobility Index, which measures how a university educates economically disadvantaged students at lower tuition and graduates them into well-paying jobs.
Campaign Investment Opportunities
Phase I: Opening 2027
Goal: $2 Million
Purpose: Facility readiness and launch programming
Phase I: Progress
- $1.3 Million Raised
- $700,000 Remaining to be Raised
Phase I: Programming
- Community Gathering Lounge
- High-Flex Classroom
- Veterans Memorial Gardens
- Telehealth and Wellness Suite
- Peer Mentorship Program
- Veteran Student Worker Program
- Community Meals and Family Programming
Phase II: Full Launch
Goal: $3 Million
Purpose: Long-term sustainability and program growth
Verterans and Military Services at Buffalo State
Buffalo State serves all 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, we ensure your educational journey is well supported. Learn more about how we support vets.