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Jefferson Community College and New York Army
National Guard Celebrate Opening of New On-Campus Recruiting Office
Published: December 11, 2025
at 05:00 p.m.
By: Press Release
from Jefferson Community College
Jefferson Community College and New York Army National
Guard Celebrate Opening of New On-Campus Recruiting Office
 WATERTOWN, N.Y. – Jefferson Community College (JCC)
and the New York Army National Guard celebrated a milestone in their
growing partnership Wednesday with the official ribbon-cutting of a new
on-campus National Guard Recruiting Office and a ceremonial signing between
Major General Michel Natali and President Daniel J. Dupee, II.
Held in the
Fireside Lounge of the Dean’s Collaborative Learning Center at JCC, the
event brought together campus leaders, military representatives, and
community members to recognize a shared commitment: expanding educational
and career opportunities for students who wish to serve their state and
nation.
President Dupee
and Major General Natali formally signed a partnership agreement
reaffirming their joint dedication to providing Guard-affiliated students
with accessible, high-quality pathways to higher education. Following the
ceremony, guests participated in a ribbon-cutting and tour of the College’s
veteran's lounge, a space designed to support service members, veterans,
and military-connected students as they pursue their academic goals.
“Our
collaboration with the New York Army National Guard strengthens SUNY
Jefferson’s long-standing mission to serve those who serve,” said President
Dupee. “By welcoming the Guard onto our campus, we are expanding
opportunities for students who want to advance their education while
contributing to the defense and well-being of our state. This partnership
ensures that service-minded students have a clear and supportive path to
success.”
Major General
Natali emphasized the importance of meeting students where they are.
“Establishing a presence here at SUNY Jefferson allows us to connect
directly with young men and women who are driven to serve,” he said. “This
partnership helps ensure that our soldiers have access to the educational
benefits, support systems, and career pathways they deserve.”
During the
ceremony, Dr. Dupee and Major General Natali received congressional
certificates from the office of Congresswoman Claudia Tenney commending
them on their partnership and leadership in establishing the new on-campus
National Guard recruiting office.
The event
concluded with a National Guard “tabling takeover” in the McVean Student
Lounge, offering students the opportunity to meet Guard members, learn
about service options, and explore tuition benefits and career programs.
Jefferson’s
commitment to military-connected students includes personalized advising,
dedicated support spaces, flexible educational pathways, and strong
relationships with Fort Drum and regional military partners. The new
on-campus recruiting office further enhances the College’s ability to
support students balancing academic goals with military service.
To learn more
about Jefferson’s Veteran Services, military-connected resources, academic
programs, and student support visit www.sunyjefferson.edu.
The New York Army
National Guard offers free tuition to soldiers who attend college at a
State University of New York (SUNY)/ City University of New York (CUNY) or
community college while offering full-time SUNY/CUNY tuition reimbursement
for higher education. Students may also receive student loan repayment
options, tax-free stipends, and a part-time paycheck for their monthly
service. Offering low-cost healthcare, access to no-money-down
VA mortgages, and paths towards an expedited security clearance, the NY
Army National Guard has opportunities to help students start their career
off strong.
To learn more
about New York Army National Guard, contact Staff Sergeant Josiah Mann
at 315-886-9421 or josiah.j.mann.mil@army.mil.
Photo Caption:
Jefferson
Community College hosted a ceremonial signing event to celebrate the grand
opening of a New York Army National Guard recruiting office on campus.
(l-r) Lieutenant Colonel John Harder, Major General Michel Natali,
President Dr. Daniel J. Dupee, II, and Provost Carey L. Goyette.
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About Jefferson
Community College
Established on
November 7, 1961, Jefferson Community College was the area’s first
institution of higher education. Supervised by the State University of New
York (SUNY), Jefferson offers more than 50 associate degrees, certificates,
and microcredentials for career preparation and
transfer. The college also provides local access to bachelor’s and advanced
degrees through partner institutions; lifelong learning through workshops
and seminars; business and industry training; community-based research;
forums for the productive discussion of ideas and regional issues through
the Center for Community Studies; and cultural enrichment opportunities
that serve the entire tri-county region—Fort Drum’s military installation
among them. Jefferson, accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher
Education, currently serves approximately 2,400 students, many of whom are
service members and their families. Visit www.sunyjefferson.edu for
more information.
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