D’Youville Honors Graduating Veterans and Military-Aligned Students

D’Youville University celebrated the achievements and service of its graduating veteran and military-aligned students this week, in a ceremony designed to recognize their unique contributions and foster community.

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The Veteran and Military Aligned Student Coin of Excellence Ceremony saw graduating students receive a specially designed coin symbolizing their outstanding academic performance and perseverance. Graduating veterans were also presented with red, white and blue cords to wear at commencement, signifying their service in the U.S. armed forces.

Among those recognized for outstanding performance was Nathan Meza Ray. Mr. Ray, a military-aligned student, is set to commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army following graduation. He plans to serve in the army as a physical therapist, exemplifying the blend of academic excellence and commitment to service the ceremony aimed to honor.

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The event, held on the D’Youville campus, was attended by a supportive crowd that included the honored students, their families and friends, active-duty and retired military personnel, as well as university staff and faculty members. The D'Youville University Honor Guard opened the ceremony with a formal presentation of colors.

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Phillip D. Pandy, the university’s director of Veteran Student Support and Recruitment, initiated the ceremony. He described it as a vital step in acknowledging the distinct path these students navigate.

"We wanted to create a meaningful tradition that not only honors the hard work and dedication of these exceptional students but also visibly strengthens the bonds within our military-affiliated community," Mr. Pandy said. "Seeing them receive their coins and cords is a powerful recognition of their dual commitment – to their education and, for many, to their prior service to our country. It's about building pride and connection."

The Coin of Excellence serves as a new benchmark for outstanding achievement among this student population, while the presentation of honor cords provides a visible symbol of military service during the university’s formal graduation exercises.

Mr. Pandy noted the importance of such events in supporting students who often transition from highly structured military environments to academic life, sometimes balancing studies with continuing service, family responsibilities, or processing their military experiences.

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The ceremony concluded with congratulations and a reception, allowing attendees to connect and celebrate the students' upcoming graduation.