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Military service teaches discipline, leadership and the importance of working toward something greater than oneself. But when service members leave the military, they often face a different challenge: figuring out what comes next. I have seen this firsthand coming from a military family (Father- Army, Grandfather- Navy, Uncle- Marines).
As we gather on November 4 for our annual Veterans Day ceremony, we will honor those who have served our country and reflect on a responsibility that extends beyond a single day: helping veterans build their futures.
Our featured speaker, Daniel Montoya, knows that journey firsthand. A proud U.S. Navy veteran and Southwestern College alumnus, Montoya enrolled at Southwestern after leaving the military. While plotting his next steps,Southwestern gave him the time, space and academic guidance to find his direction.
“I am grateful for the counselors who helped me navigate college, the professors who invested in me, and a campus environment that made opportunities accessible. Southwestern met me where I was during an important transition in my life and helped me begin to see what was possible,” said Montoya.
Montoya currently serves as vice president for University Relations and Development at California State University, Long Beach, and CEO of the Long Beach State Foundation. His career in higher education advancement spans more than 20 years. His work is full circle as he now works to build partnerships, engage alumni and create opportunities for students, drawing on the very experiences that helped shape his own path.
His story is a reminder that success rarely follows a singular straight forward path. Rather, it begins with an opportunity, a conversation, an idea. Veterans may be weighing career options, returning to the classroom after years away or learning how to turn military experience into new professional opportunities. Having the right people and resources behind them can make all the difference. And we strive to act as a guide at Southwestern College, particularly for veterans and military-connected students.
Our Veterans Services Office helps students navigate VA education benefits and complete the required paperwork. Veterans counselors help students develop education plans aligned with their academic and career goals. Eligible veterans can also receive priority registration, making it easier to plan their schedules and enroll in the classes they need.
The Veterans Resource Center offers a place to study, connect with fellow veterans and find assistance beyond the classroom. Students have access to veteran-to-veteran tutoring, a dedicated computer lab, peer support and referrals to campus and community resources for employment, housing and health care. More information at swccd.edu/credit4priorlearning.
Southwestern College also offers a Credit for Prior Learning Program where students are awarded credit for learning they experienced in the past, such as during their military service. This will allow them to achieve a certificate or degree in a timely and cost-effective manner.
This need is evident in our own campus community. Southwestern College served 733 veteran students during the 2025–26 academic year. Some arrive with a clear career goal. Others are still exploring. Many bring years of leadership and hands-on experience, yet translating those skills into academic credentials or civilian employment can require additional guidance. Our job is to help them recognize the value of what they already know while opening doors to new possibilities.
Daniel Montoya came to Southwestern College at a time when he was still figuring out what came next. The guidance and opportunities he found here helped lay the groundwork for a career devoted to helping others succeed. I am proud of this role Southwestern played in his story. And we remain committed to helping today’s veterans write the next chapter of their own.
Mark Sanchez, Ed.D. is Superintendent/President of Southwestern College.
