A new veterans lounge has opened SUNY Polytechnic Institute for military veterans and active service members pursuing their degrees.

Located in Room 1123 of Donovan Hall, the lounge offers students in the armed forces a place to gather, study, exchange information and help each other navigate the transition from military to civilian life, according to a news release.

“SUNY Poly is honored to have members of the armed forces among its student body, and the new veterans lounge only begins to demonstrate our deep gratitude for the sacrifices they have made on our behalf,” said Dr. Alain Kaloyeros, president and CEO of SUNY Polytechnic Institute, in the release. “We hope that that this new space will enhance the campus experience for our student veterans and provide them with new opportunities to connect and communicate with fellow service members.”

Dr. Robert Geer, the college’s senior vice president and chief operating officer, said the lounge was spearheaded by Lance Tlustos Jr., SUNY Poly’s Student Veterans of America Chapter president.

Being a veteran, Tlustos knows first-hand how challenging the transition from military life to civilian and campus life can be. That’s why he founded the Student Veterans Club.

After speaking with other veterans on campus, he realized how beneficial it would be for veterans to have a place to gather and share important information pertaining to the G.I. bill, financial aid hurdles and other veterans’ services in the Utica area.

“The lounge is a meeting place for veterans to exchange information and give advice on how they obtained their benefits,” Tlustos said. “In addition, it provides a space for us to enjoy the camaraderie we shared while in the service.”

Tlustos said this is the first step in a larger commitment to veterans at the Marcy campus, noting that he and the veterans club are working to obtain a card reader that will provide lounge access to all student veterans. The group also is working with SUNY Poly administration to find innovative and effective ways to expand services to and increase retention and recruitment of student veterans.

“We were pleased to identify space that our veteran students, of which we have many, could use to study, collaborate, and relax as they discuss and tackle the unique issues that come with the transition from military service to civilian and college life,” said Dr. William Durgin, SUNY Poly provost. “This is a terrific addition that supports the success of our veteran students.”