Associate Director
Dennis Torres is a two-time Iraq combat veteran with eight years of service within the Selective Marine Corps Reserve, specializing in communications. During his time in the corps, he earned a BA in Labor Studies from Hofstra University and an MA in Industrial Psychology from Adelphi University.
Since completing his service, Dennis spent two-and-a-half years as a Veterans Specialist with New York City’s Workforce1 – Veteran Priority1 program, specializing in assisting veterans and their spouses find employment.
After gaining invaluable skills with Workforce1, he searched for an organization that would grant him the opportunity to give back to fellow veterans. CUNY-Queens College has made that dream come true while permitting him to use what he learned from his master’s degree. Striving to assist veterans, military personnel, and dependents in pursuing their academic and civilian careers, he has brought ambition and energy to the campus, spurring growth in the Veteran & Military Support Office.
Dennis is a proud husband and father of two children, as well as an uncle of nine nieces and nephews. In his free time, he enjoys playing indoor soccer and cycling. Dennis is also a doctoral candidate at CUNY’s Graduate Center, pursuing a degree in Social Welfare.
Contact Information:
Student Union, Rm. 320
Phone: (718) 997-3033
Email: Dennis.Torres@qc.cuny.edu
School Certifying Official
Carlos Garzon, a U.S. Army Veteran, holds a Master of Arts degree in Computer Science from Queens College and is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in Digital Marketing at Baruch College.
Over the past several years, Carlos has provided invaluable support to VMSS in various capacities, including administrative duties, data processing for military and government platforms, and offering guidance to Queens College students on their benefits with exceptional quality service. Having utilized his benefits, Carlos was inspired to seek an opportunity to give back to his fellow veterans, which CUNY-Queens College has enabled him to do while using the knowledge gained from his master’s degree.
Carlos’s passion for technology and video games is commendable. He is enthusiastic about helping veterans, military personnel, and dependents achieve their academic and civilian career aspirations. Carlos’s fresh ideas and energy have brought the Veterans Support Office new momentum.
Carlos believes in the power of motivation, perseverance, and seeking assistance when needed. He encourages all veterans and students to stay motivated and keep going, reminding them that numerous resources are available and there is always time to achieve their goals. We are thrilled to have Carlos on our team at VMSS.
Contact Information:
Student Union, Rm. 320
Phone: (718) 997-4433
Email: carlos.garzonacevedo@qc.cuny.edu
Veterans Academic Advisor
Dr. Alexandra Venezian, US Army brat. She currently holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from East Stroudsburg University, Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from SUNY New Paltz, and is completing her PhD in Organizational Leadership from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Alexandra has worked for CUNY for over 12 years in multiple capacities and several locations. She began her career as a Career and Academic Advisor at Kingsborough Community College and moved into the Director of Military and Veterans’ Services/School Certifying Official (2011-2016). Alexandra relocated to Queensborough Community College as the Director or Military and Veterans Services/School Certifying Official (2016-2022). She currently offers advisement services for the VMSS students and is working on the Joint Service Transcript evaluation procedures and policies.
Alexandra is a proud mother of 3 children, 18 chickens, and a dog. She enjoys spending her time outdoors, staying physically active, and taking on new projects to reuse/recycle/repurpose.
Alexandra is very passionate about the military and veteran population and hopes to always be able to provide a service to benefit these men and women.
Contact Information:
Student Union, Rm. 320
Phone: (718) 997-5647
Email: alexandra.venezian@qc.cuny.edu
Emilee Coleman – PROVE SOCIAL WORK INTERN
Emilee Coleman is a PROVE Intern and a first-year clinical practice Master of Social Work Student at Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College. Emilee achieved her BA in English from Florida International University and then later returned to college to receive her AS in Human Services through SUNY Orange.
Emilee recently worked at a residential program supporting individuals with mental illness in increasing their independence and maintaining stable housing. She currently works within the same program as a treatment plan writer, where she creates personalized goals for each person’s needs. Emilee leads with empathy and practices a person-centered approach. She believes people are resilient, and with support and resources, anything is possible. She is honored to be a part of Queens College and the Veteran & Military Support Services Team!
Contact Information:
Student Union, Rm. 320
Phone: (845)-690-0077
Email: ecoleman@qc.cuny.edu
Mark Rodriguez – PROVE SOCIAL WORK INTERN
Mark Rodriguez is a PROVE Intern and a first-year student in the clinical social work Master’s program at Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College. Mark received his BA in criminal justice with a minor in Sociology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
For the past year, Mark has worked in an elementary school setting as an academic coach in both an afterschool and summer camp. He prioritizes providing a safe space for others to share their stories or thoughts and emphasizes meeting everyone with compassion and empathy/sympathy. He happens to be the son and nephew of 10-year Navy veterans. He feels a sense of familiarity around veterans. He’s excited to work with and learn from all personnel that come through the Veteran & Military Support Services Team at Queens College.
Contact Information:
Student Union, Rm. 320
Phone: (347)-948-5580
Email: MRodriguez2@qc.cuny.edu
VMSS organization chart
