Student Veterans of America Announces 2025 Honors Awards Finalists
WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 26, 2025) – Student Veterans of America (SVA) is proud to announce the finalists for the annual SVA Honors Awards at the 18th Annual NatCon. These outstanding student veterans, chapters, and advisors exemplify excellence in leadership, service, and advocacy within the community of student veterans.
This year’s finalists represent the very best of SVA’s mission in action: advancing opportunity, building belonging, and strengthening the student veteran experience across campuses nationwide. Their achievements highlight the impact student veterans have on their peers, institutions, and local communities.
Student Veteran of the Year Finalists
The Student Veteran of the Year Award recognizes a student veteran who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment to service, and meaningful contributions to the veteran community over the past year. Finalists embody resilience, initiative, and a dedication to uplifting others.
- Ben Gonzalez Jr., Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach
- Christian Pierce, University of St. Gallen
- Donavan Butler, Northeast Lakeview College
- Greg Hillman, University of Nevada, Reno
- Kelly Hein, Naropa University
- Lauren Rodriguez, Florida Gulf Coast University
- Madeline Graf, Auburn University
- Manuel Gomez, California Baptist University
- Nikki Gold, Oregon State University
- Yonatan “Yogi” Hernandez, San Diego City College
Chapter of the Year Finalists
The Chapter of the Year Award honors an SVA chapter that has significantly enhanced the student veteran experience on campus. Finalists have demonstrated excellence through innovative programming, strong campus and community partnerships, and impactful service to their members.
- Student Veterans of America at Fordham, Fordham University at Lincoln Center
- Veteran Student Union at Full Sail University, Full Sail University
- Nighthawk Legacy Leaders, Northeast Lakeview College
- Student Veterans Association at The Ohio State University, The Ohio State University
- Saddleback Veterans Club, Saddleback College
Chapter Advisor of the Year Finalists
The Chapter Advisor of the Year Award acknowledges a campus staff or faculty member who has gone above and beyond in supporting their SVA chapter. Finalists have provided exceptional mentorship, guidance, and advocacy, helping student veterans thrive academically, socially, and professionally.
- Joshua Clarke, Minnesota State University
- Kolin Williams, Saddleback College
- Loren Rovere, American Public University System
- Matt Butler, Fordham University at Lincoln Center
- Nicholas Gutierrez, Cypress College
SVA celebrates each finalist for their dedication, leadership, and commitment to strengthening the student veteran community.
Award recipients will be announced at the 18th Annual NatCon in Colorado Springs, CO.
About Student Veterans of America
With a focused mission on empowering student veterans, Student Veterans of America® (SVA) is committed to providing an educational experience that goes beyond the classroom. Through a dedicated network of over 1,600 on-campus chapters in all 50 states and 4 countries representing nearly 600,000 student veterans, SVA aims to inspire yesterday’s warriors by connecting student veterans with a community of like-minded chapter leaders. Every day these passionate leaders work to provide the necessary resources, network support, and advocacy to ensure student veterans can effectively connect, expand their skills, and ultimately achieve their greatest potential. For more information, visit us at www.studentveterans.org.