SNHU Military Grads Honored in Graduation Ceremony at Marine Corps Base

Graduation is just weeks away for many members of the Class of 2026. Colleges and universities nationwide are preparing to award diplomas with pomp and circumstance.

One military base in Quantico, Virginia, kicked off the celebrations in April with a ceremony that honored graduates from different schools and backgrounds. The Voluntary Educational Center at Marine Corps Base (MCB) Quantico organized a Celebrating Student Success Ceremony on base for military-affiliated graduates.

SNHU Graduates Recognized

Nine graduates from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) were recognized during the graduation ceremony, representing a wide range of military affiliations and academic disciplines.

The group included active-duty service members, spouses and veterans connected to the U.S. Air Force, Army and Marine Corps. They pursued degrees in psychology, business, communication, computer science and criminal justice.

"It’s truly an honor to have the opportunity to celebrate alongside these graduates and recognize the dedication behind their achievements," said Sonali Mukerjee, director of partnerships and military marketing at SNHU, who traveled to MCB Quantico for the ceremony. "This moment represents far more than a degree; it is a testament to each graduate’s resilience, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to growth and service."

For many military-affiliated students, earning a college degree can be a challenge. There are Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves, deployments, field exercises and other duties to consider that can make traditional modes of education difficult — even impossible.

Flexible online programs, like those at SNHU, are a solution for some.

“At SNHU, supporting military-affiliated learners is central to who we are, as we continue to provide the access and support they need to achieve their goals, wherever their journey takes them," Mukerjee said.

During the ceremony, a speech was made by Col. Jenny A. Colegate, the commanding officer of MCB Quantico, and graduates were called up individually to receive their diplomas.

Meet four of the SNHU graduates.

‘Taking One Class at a Time Slowly Added Up’

Less than a year after U.S. Marine Ricardo Troche '25 '26 earned his associate degree in liberal arts at SNHU, he attended the Virginia graduation ceremony for his bachelor's degree in business administration.

"Having Marine Corps Base Quantico host a celebration makes it even more meaningful, especially since so many service members can’t attend the official graduation," Troche said.

Troche, who used Tuition Assistance (TA) to pay for college, never expected to earn a bachelor's degree. He said he only pursued the associate degree to make himself more competitive when it came time for promotions.

"But taking one class at a time slowly added up, and before I knew it, I earned my associate degree," he said. "At that point, I figured, if I made it this far, and it is free, I might as well keep going."

He found that the faculty and staff at SNHU understood his military obligations and were accommodating.

"Having people who were willing to work with my schedule and genuinely want to see me succeed made a huge difference," he said. "Their support is a big part of my success and why earning my degree felt achievable."

He also credits his wife, who kept him motivated through his education. She handled many family responsibilities when Troche needed to focus on assignments.

Now, Toche has a bachelor's in business administration and plans to earn a master's degree next. His goals? Commissioning as an officer in the Marine Corps — and when he retires from that, going into sports management with a focus on soccer.

"Just like earning the title of Marine, my degree is something that no one can ever take away from me," he said.

‘Challenges Overcome ... Bright Futures Ahead’

Education is important to Lorna Perez '26G, a military spouse who recently earned her master's degree in psychology at SNHU. She said it signals growth and develops the skills needed to think critically and with empathy.

"With a master’s in psychology, I feel empowered to make a difference in people’s lives, whether through counseling, research or advocacy," she said. Counseling roles typically involve licensure, which Perez plans to obtain next.

She wants to be a mental health advocate, taking a trauma-informed care approach to support children and teenagers.

As a military spouse with an unpredictable schedule and frequent moves, Perez said she appreciated the flexibility SNHU's online program offered.

"Additionally, the supportive community at SNHU provided resources tailored to military families, making it easier to connect with peers who understood my unique challenges," she said.

When it came time to celebrate her degree on base in Quantico, Perez said she felt a mix of relief and pride. She also highlighted the community element of achieving a degree.

"It’s not just a personal victory; it’s a shared celebration of hard work and perseverance," she said. "The graduation ceremony was a poignant reminder of the challenges overcome and the bright futures ahead, and I am excited to see where this degree will take me next."

‘Resilience, Discipline and the Ability to Stay Committed’

Crossing the stage at the MCB Quantico with a bachelor's degree in psychology was a moment of significance for Donnica Coleman '26.

"It represented not just academic achievement but resilience, discipline and the ability to stay committed even when life felt unpredictable," she said. "As a military spouse, there are so many moving parts in daily life, so celebrating this milestone felt especially meaningful."

Coleman said she appreciated the support and resources available at SNHU. The consistent structure of the online classes also allowed her to balance all her other responsibilities.

She was able to use military benefits and discounts to help pay for her degree, too, which she said allowed her to better focus on her goals.

For Coleman, earning this degree symbolizes perseverance and purpose. "I have always been passionate about understanding people, and pursuing a degree in psychology allowed me to turn that passion into something tangible," she said.

Now preparing for a master's degree, Coleman wants to continue building on her emotional intelligence (EQ), communication and leadership skills. She hopes to one day apply her studies in an industrial-organizational (I-O) psychologist role, where she can make a positive impact within the workplace.

"I want to be part of creating healthier, more productive work cultures where individuals feel valued and motivated," she said.

‘A Turning Point in My Journey’

Jose Sanchez '25, who recently transitioned to civilian life after serving active duty in the U.S. Army, was unable to attend the graduation ceremony. But he said he's been reflecting on his accomplishments at home and celebrating with his family.

"During my time in the military, I saw how critical it is to continuously learn and grow," he said. "Education provides the tools to think strategically, solve complex problems and transition successfully into new environments."

When he started work on his bachelor's in business administration at SNHU, Sanchez was still an active-duty service member. Now a veteran, he experienced the value of an online degree program from two different angles.

"SNHU made it possible to maintain momentum through both phases of my career," he said.

Sanchez used military benefits such as the GI Bill^® to pay for college.

"Those benefits helped remove financial barriers and allowed me to stay focused on completing my degree," he said.

Now, Sanchez has advanced into the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at SNHU, which he expects to finish later this year. Ultimately, he would like to contribute to organizational strategy within leadership or consulting roles.

"My MBA is helping me build on my leadership experience and develop stronger skills in strategic thinking and decision-making," he said.

His commitment to education goes beyond his career goals, though. Sanchez also wants to set an example for his family.

"Balancing work, family and school wasn’t always easy, but it taught me discipline and resilience," he said. "I hope my story encourages other service members and veterans to pursue their education, no matter where they are in their journey."

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by the VA is available at the official U.S. government website.

Rebecca LeBoeuf Blanchette '18 '22G is a writer at Southern New Hampshire University, where she fulfills her love of learning daily through conversations with professionals across a range of fields. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a minor in Professional Writing at SNHU’s campus in Manchester, New Hampshire, and followed her love of storytelling into the online Master of Arts in English and Creative Writing at SNHU. Connect with her on LinkedIn.