About Us
UCSF Student Veteran and Military Support Services fosters a welcoming environment for anyone who is military affiliated, including Health Profession Scholarship Program (HPSP) students. It is our goal to help military affiliated students navigate UCSF and provide them with mentoring, guidance on educational benefits, and tools to succeed academically and personally. We value the experiences veterans bring to the UCSF community and are committed to helping all military affiliated students achieve their goals and aspirations.
Staff
Alece Alderson
Assistant Vice Chancellor, Student Life
Student Veteran and Military Support Services Coordinator
[email protected]
(415) 502-5377
Alece Alderson is thrilled to be supporting the veteran and military population at UCSF. She is dedicated to building community, mentorship programs, and advocating for the military population. Prior to UCSF, Alece spent three years working at Virginia Tech with the Corps of Cadets—a 24/7 military leadership program. Alece welcomes students to visit her at the Student Success Center or make an individual appointment.
Christine Coleman
Veteran Education Benefits Certifying Official
[email protected]
(415) 476-4185
Christine Coleman has served as the VA Certifying Official at UCSF for the past 10+ years in her dual role as a Budget Analyst in the Student Financial Aid Office. She finds this to be the perfect balance of assisting students directly and indirectly while also satisfying her need to crunch numbers! Christine is committed to helping students, residents, and fellows navigate their VA Benefits throughout their journey at UCSF.
Student Ambassadors
Student ambassadors are representatives from each school or division at UCSF. They act as a point of contact for veterans or people interested in the military. These representatives, or any of the staff serving veterans, will be happy to answer any questions you may have about UCSF, transitioning to UCSF, or general inquiries.
Graduate Division
If you are insterest in being a Student Ambassador for Graduate Division, please contact [email protected].
School of Dentistry
Euneece Hong
Navy, HPSP Recipient
[email protected]
"Born and raised in Sonoma County, I'm currently a dental student and proud recipient of the four-year U.S. Navy Health Professions Scholarship (HPSP). My choice for a military career was fueled by my desire to serve my country while exploring diverse experiences through travel and interactions. Embracing a new lifestyle and seizing new opportunities were motivating factors behind my decision. What truly excites me about our UCSF student military and veteran community is the prospect of making connections with fellow military affiliates, using resources both for personal growth and mentorship, and contributing to a supportive environment for all involved."
Leopold Samba
Air Force, HPSP Recipient
[email protected]
"I am a dental student and recipient of the three-year U.S. Air Force HPSP. I’m originally from Atlanta, Georgia. Having a strong desire to assist and care for others, being an HPSP scholar and member of UCSF Student Military and Veteran Services has provided unlimited opportunities to give back to members of both communities. I hope to be a valuable resource to current and future peers!"
School of Medicine
If you are insterest in being a Student Ambassador for School of Medicine, please contact [email protected].
School of Nursing
If you are interested in becoming a Student Ambassador for School of Nursing, please contact [email protected].
School of Pharmacy
Magdiel Rivera
Army National Guard, Active
[email protected]
"I am currently serving in the Army National Guard here in California. I previously lived in Florida my whole life, but I have quickly fallen in love with SF and the Bay Area. After I graduate with my PharmD, I hope to also become an Army Pharmacist in the Army Reserves. I can’t wait for the opportunity be able to practice clinical pharmacy on the Army side and civilian side at the same time, so then I can serve my community while also supporting my fellow soldiers. Through the military, I have gotten the opportunity to meet various healthcare professionals and amazing soldiers who have helped me along my way, and I would like to do the same for any military-affiliated students here at UCSF. I am excited to be a resource for any military-affiliated students, and please feel free to reach out to me with any questions!"
Physical Therapy
If you are interested in becoming a Student Ambassador for Physical Therapy, please contact [email protected].
