For Immediate Release
November 13, 2026

Suffolk County Community College Honors Veterans at Collegewide Veterans Day Ceremony

Suffolk County Community College honored the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans during its annual Veterans Day ceremony held this week on the Ammerman Campus. For hi-res image, visit https://photos.app.goo.gl/o3WiFY6erAePbWes8

Suffolk County Community College honored the service and sacrifice of the nation's veterans at its annual collegewide Veterans Day ceremony on Tuesday, November 10, at noon on the Ammerman Campus.

Held at Veterans Plaza, the ceremony recognized veterans and their contributions to our nation under this year's theme, Remembering 25 Years Since September 11th and the Contributions and Sacrifices of Our Nation's Veterans.

The program included a presentation of colors, musical tributes and a keynote address by Tom Ronayne, a U.S. Navy veteran and longtime advocate for veterans.

Ronayne served four years on active duty in the U.S. Navy, with deployments to El Salvador and Beirut, Lebanon, aboard the USS Vogelesang and USS Vreeland. Following his military service, he built a career in the New York City construction industry, serving as a construction manager and lead superintendent for Tishman Construction Corporation.

After surviving the September 11 attacks, Ronayne spent nine months working at the World Trade Center site. He later served as director of the Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency, advocating for veterans and helping connect them with benefits, services and resources. His commitment to veterans also includes state and federal advocacy and peer support initiatives.

The annual ceremony provided an opportunity for the College community to come together to recognize the courage, dedication and sacrifices of those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

About Suffolk County Community College

Suffolk County Community College is the largest, most comprehensive community college in the State University of New York (SUNY) system, enrolling more than 26,000 students in over 100 degree and certificate programs. With approximately 145,000 alumni, Suffolk County Community College is dedicated to meeting the demands of regional employers. The college has built an extensive track record of successfully training and educating its students through pathways from high school to college and into careers.