Florida State University is highlighting the experiences of first-generation student veterans during Veterans Day and First-Generation College Celebration Week, which runs through November 12. The university aims to recognize students who are both the first in their families to attend college and have served in the military.
Billy Francis, director of the Student Veterans Center, said, “Our veteran students bring a remarkable depth of experience and resilience to Florida State University. Some are also the first in their families to pursue a college degree, and that unique journey shapes both their perspective and the campus community. The Student Veterans Center is committed to providing tailored support and resources to help these students thrive academically and personally.”
The FSU Student Veterans Center has supported military-affiliated students since 2011 by offering academic advising, transition assistance, and help with VA benefits. About a quarter of FSU’s undergraduate population identifies as first-generation college students. The university’s Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE) offers preparation programs, mentoring, financial aid guidance, and academic support specifically designed for first-generation student veterans.
One featured student is Sgt. Aryanna Fortuna, 24, who will graduate in December with a degree in public health and a minor in psychology. She is both a first-generation college student and a first-generation military member from Fort Myers.
“I always dreamt of going to college, and my family knew I had the potential to be the first,” Fortuna said.
Fortuna joined ROTC in high school before enlisting in the Florida Army National Guard in 2019. She served as a combat medic during a nine-month deployment to Ukraine in 2021, where she provided emergency care for about 140 soldiers. After returning home, she attended Florida Gulf Coast University while balancing coursework with hurricane relief efforts before transferring to FSU in 2024 on recommendations from fellow Guard members.
“It was reassuring to know I’d get the resources and support I’d need as an actively drilling Guard member,” Fortuna said. “As a first-gen, I’m proud of all I’ve accomplished. No one in my family had gone through this before, so I had to figure out each step on my own.”
She remains active with FSU’s Student Veteran Association and plans to pursue physical therapy after another upcoming deployment. “As both a veteran and first-generation student, I’m thankful for the support I’ve received from my family, friends and this institution,” she said. “I am proud of all the lives that I’ve touched. I’ve been to many places, universities and units, met many people, and have made meaningful relationships every step of the way.”
Ben Cheney is another student recognized by FSU this week. Cheney will graduate with a degree focused on social innovation and entrepreneurship. As the youngest of nine children from Utah, he did not initially plan on attending college.
“College was never something on my radar. It was something the other guys did,” Cheney said. “But a professor encouraged me that I could do it, and it finally all clicked.”
Cheney served five years in the Marine Corps before enrolling at FSU at age 25—about five years older than most classmates—but found acceptance among peers.
“They didn’t focus on my age,” he said. “I explained I was in the military and that’s how I paid for it.”
He credits Tracy Woodard from the College of Social Sciences for helping him become involved on campus life through activities such as cheer team participation, Collegiate Veteran Association membership, Kappa Sigma fraternity involvement, and serving as Cimarron for two years.
“I’ve always liked building community, and I wanted to be part of that,” Cheney said. “I’ve proven to myself that I can do this.”
More information about FSU’s Student Veterans Center is available at veterans.fsu.edu.
