Graduating student veterans, their friends and family, and Suffolk University supporters are invited to the 2025 Student Veteran Stole Ceremony on Friday, May 16, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM in the Keches Room on the 1st Floor of Sargent Hall.

This annual event celebrates the achievements of graduating undergraduate, graduate, and law student veterans/active service members. The ceremony will feature a short speaking program, the presentation of graduation stoles, and a reception with hors d'oeuvres.

Our keynote speaker will be Retired Brigadier General Jack Hammond, a decorated U.S. Army veteran and the Chief Executive of the Home Base National Center of Excellence for Mental Health and Brain Injuries. General Hammond has led U.S. and NATO forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, commanding over 100 counter-terrorist operations and responding to WMD events and attacks on the U.S. Embassy. He has presented his innovative programs at prestigious venues such as the White House and the UK Parliament.

Since 2012, General Hammond has led Home Base, a partnership between the Boston Red Sox and Massachusetts General Hospital, providing free mental health and brain injury care to veterans and military families. Under his leadership, Home Base established the nation’s first private sector Center of Excellence for the Invisible Wounds, developing innovative solutions for mental health and brain injuries. These treatments leverage the resources of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, reimagining care for veterans and military service members.

General Hammond holds degrees from the University of Massachusetts and Boston University, and completed a National Security Fellowship at Harvard University. His military awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and several international honors.

Questions? Email Alex Paterson, Coordinator of Veterans Services at apaterson@suffolk.edu