PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Allen McFarlane, Associate Dean for Outreach and Engagement and Director of the NYU Military Alliance at New York University
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4 min
Allen McFarlane, Associate Dean at NYU and Director of the NYU Military Alliance, provided testimony on the university's efforts to support student veterans and military-connected students. He highlighted the 15-year history of the NYU Military Alliance, its partnerships, and programs aimed at fostering community and addressing the challenges faced by veterans transitioning to civilian life.
- The NYU Military Alliance operates a community center lounge (The Mac) as a hub for veteran students to meet and access resources.
- A recent survey revealed persistent challenges for veterans adjusting to civilian life, presenting opportunities to harness their experiences for success and societal engagement.
- McFarlane emphasized the potential of the veteran community in emerging technologies and various sectors, particularly in public service.
Allen McFarlane
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Well, good morning.
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Alan McFarlane.
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Freedom is not free.
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These are the emotive words of the retired United States Air Force colonel Walter hits cock of the New Mexico Military Institute.
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I refer to and share this quote often as it is foundational to the mission we hold dear at New York University in service to student veterans and military connected students.
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Good morning.
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Again, I'm Alan McFarlane.
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I'm a three time graduate of New York University currently employed as the associate dean for outreach and engagement and the NYU office of the dean of students.
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I have been employed by NYU for over 40 years.
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And I serve as the director of the NYU military alliance.
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I proudly served the United States Air Force.
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It was stationed at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia now.
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Joint Base Langley.
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Thank you, counsel, Member Holden, and the Committee for the invitation to testify today.
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I'm grateful and humbled to provide you with this helpful information or any helpful information about the NYU military alliance and respond to your questions.
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It so happens that the alliance is celebrating its 15th year at New York University.
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In 2009, the alliance was established by a consortium of university units and a notable alumni such as the celebrated journalist and author, Mister Pete Hamill, US Navy veteran May He Rest in Peace.
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And major Christopher Tripp Zenatus Pilot U.
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S.
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Air Force, Air National Guard, and FDNY fire marshal.
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While that NYU trip was a member of the NYU student senate and class president, Major Zenitus perished in Iraq along with 6 other airmen in a helicopter crash in 2018.
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His leadership remains an inspiration and is an exemplar in how colleges can be a pipeline to public service and civic engagement.
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About the military alliance, the first, we are committed partners with the Student Club, the NYU Student Veteran Association, and the Office of Student Success.
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I would also like to give a shout out to my colleague, assist director of student veteran transition and success army veteran Steven Westby.
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And our other division units within University Life and our work across schools with the military connected student standing committee.
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We host a number of programs from open houses to the military ball at NYU.
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Our base, if you will, is the military alliance community center lounge.
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The Mac, as it is known, is a destination for student veterans and military connected students to meet foster community, learn about services at NYU, the VA, and beyond.
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The honorable veterans administration secretary Dennis McDonough visited our lounge in April 2024.
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And he was a featured speaker at NYU that invited veterans from across the city and other local universities, and some folks that are
Armando Crescenzi
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here.
Allen McFarlane
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Finally, our theme this year is adapt, adjust, and connect.
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As student veterans and military connected students endeavor to meet their educational belonging and career goals, this theme specifically addresses what we learned from the military connected student survey in 2024 that was administered by my office and the office of student success.
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It was a sobering reminder that veterans have so much to contribute, but with so with so much sacrifice, there remains this persistent challenges for adjusting to civilian life.
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So conversely, here is a golden opportunity to harness their lived experiences and establishing outcomes for their success and engagement with society at large.
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As we partner with our veteran and military Canadian students and university departments, I would like to thank our NYU government relations office, the student veteran association club partnership, the vast VA resources, and other notable organizations that are steadfast in their commitment to veterans.
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Even when it comes to new emerging technologies such as AI and other growing sectors of our economy, I cannot think of a better community to tap into for their love of country and service for career, many professions, and especially public service.
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Thank you again for your commitment and support veterans.
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I look forward to our dialogue this morning.
Robert F. Holden
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Thank you, professor.
