Concordia student veteran, Nicholas Piazza, was selected to attend the 2025 Student Veterans of America (SVA) Leadership Institute. Piazza, a VA work-study employee and an active member of the Veterans Resource Center, was invited to Washington, D.C. October 15 to 19 to participate in this SVA program designed to cultivate the next generation of changemakers and advocates for student veterans.

The SVA Leadership Institute brings together student veterans from across the country to develop their leadership skills, learn effective advocacy strategies and create meaningful change within their communities. 

For Piazza, an Army Combat Veteran and 11B Infantryman, who served for four years including a 13 month deployment to Afghanistan, the experience provided an invaluable opportunity to deepen his understanding of veteran support systems and to strengthen his voice in advocating for student veterans at Concordia and beyond. 

Reflecting on his experience, Piazza said, “It was a life-changing experience. I was given the opportunity to learn from my fellow veterans from all over the nation and from leadership at the congressional level. I am grateful for not only the experience but the knowledge gained in being able to grow as a leader within my community, as an advocate for veterans, and in understanding the pathways that are now possible to support veterans nationally.”

In light of Piazza’s opportunity, Anna Bidondo, Administrative Coordinator for Student Affairs and VA work study supervisor, said, “This was a huge blessing for Nick to get to attend the SVA Leadership Institute. He came back motivated to not only take our campus club to the next level but also to invest what he's learned, and the connections he made, back into the greater Orange County community after he graduates.” 

Richard Lewis, Director of the Veterans Resource Center, said, “This could not have happened to a better student. Nick has shown how capable he is, and I can always count on him to go above and beyond to serve our military-connected students.”

As a CUI Center for Career and Vocation Intern, Piazza adds experience and vibrancy to the campus by helping other veterans navigate their educational journey and staying connected with one another. 

Piazza is graduating this fall with a B.A. in Psychology. He plans to then transfer to grad school for MSW / LCSW to work as a therapist and advocate for the veteran community.

Like Piazza, other student veterans involved with Concordia’s Veterans Resource Center and its work study program have been able to solidify themselves as cornerstones in the Concordia community. From student-led support groups to Bible studies to regular family nights, the Veterans Resource Center provides a welcoming space for veterans to connect, find companionship and build a greater sense of community. 

The Veterans Resource Center at Concordia is named in honor of fallen alum Staff Sgt. Matthew Thompson, 28, who was killed in 2016 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. The center offers a variety of programs designed to meet the unique needs of Concordia’s student veterans and their families, especially when it comes to supporting them as they transition from military service to academic life.

The Student Veterans of America at Concordia also plays an important role in celebrating and advocating for veterans on campus. Through initiatives like Veterans Day activities and community outreach, the club ensures that student veterans are recognized for their service and that their voices are heard. Piazza’s selection as a SVA Leadership Institute Fellow highlights the impact of these programs and the dedication of Concordia’s veterans to leadership and service.

To learn more about the Veterans Resource Center and its events, visit @cui_veterans on Instagram. The VRC will be holding a variety of events from Nov. 10 through Nov. 14 that are open to the wider Concordia community, including a flag raising and national anthem at 9 a.m. on Nov. 11, and a Veteran Seminary student speaking at Chapel also on Nov. 11. 

Tags: Veterans

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