Speakers

Adrian Hale

Adrian Hale, a Rochester native, is the Senior Manager of Workforce/Economic Development & Education Initiatives at the Rochester Chamber of Commerce. In addition to his responsibilities at the Chamber, Adrian serves on several boards in the Greater Rochester community, most notably as a community board member on the Democrat and Chronicle’s Editorial Board. As a United States Marine, he made two combat deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to Afghanistan and served with the United States Air Force reserves. Adrian graduated from Monroe Community College with distinction in 2014 and was a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence. Upon graduating from MCC, Adrian transferred to Yale University, where he received his B.A. in Political Science and became a Director’s Fellow at the Institution for Social and Policy Studies with a focus on education reform, and police accountability. 

Dr. A. Peter Ziarnowski

Dr. A. Peter Ziarnowski is a Clinical Psychologist who has worked with Service men and women and with veterans for almost 5 decades. During his 5-year career in the Army he served as a Psychologist both at Letterman Army Medical Center in San Francisco and at the US Military Academy at West Point. Since 1977 he has been counseling veterans in different capacities within the Department of Veterans Affairs. He currently is the Director at the Rochester Vet Center, a Readjustment Counseling Center for war zone veterans and their families. Dr. Ziarnowski has over 35 years of teaching experience as an adjunct professor at Monroe Community College as well as a couple of decades at the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Eric Wheeler

Eric Wheeler is currently the Assistant Director of Veteran Services at Monroe Community College where he assists veterans as they transition from the armed forces to higher education. He serves as the college's liaison with community agencies whose work affects the lives of veterans and their families. SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras appointed him as a member of the SUNY Veteran and Military Action Council in 2020. Eric also instructs courses as an Adjunct Associate Professor at Monroe Community College. Eric received an Associate of Science in Liberal Arts from Monroe Community College and went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in History (summa cum laude), a Master of Arts in American History, and a Master of Public Administration, all from the State University of New York, College at Brockport. 

Holly A. Wheeler, Ph.D.

Holly A. Wheeler is a Professor at in the English/Philosophy Department. She holds a B.A. in English from St. John Fisher College, an M.A. in Literature and Rhetoric from SUNY Brockport, and a Ph.D. in Education from Capella University. She teaches courses in children’s literature, detective fiction, American literature, and writing. Dr. Wheeler created the professional development series the Supporting Transitioning and Returning Service Members (STARS) Project to assist military-affiliated students at MCC.

Jenny Lopez is Mental Health Social Worker for the Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL) program. VITAL is a partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs and local universities and colleges. Jenny assists both Student Veterans (as well as Caregivers, Family member and dependents) and their universities/colleges by providing or assisting with various services, resources, and support. The mission is to help Veterans achieve their academic goals. 

Nick Stefanovic

Nick Stefanovic was born and raised in Rochester NY. He joined the Marine Corps in 2002, served multiple tours overseas, and was honorably discharged in 2006. Like many Veterans who return home, his transition was difficult and for three years he struggled to readapt to civilian society and thrive in employment. In 2009 Nick found his salvation in a Veterans Treatment Court. He used this program to reintroduce himself to the structure and motivation that the Marine Corps had provided him yet he lacked after his discharge. After completing the Vet Court in Rochester Nick entered the Monroe Community College 2+2 program.

He has appeared on nationally broadcasted programs like Hardball with Chris Matthews, Diane Rehm, Take Part Live, CBS Nightly News with David Martin, CNN and many others. He has testified before Congress, presented at the White House, and has worked individually with the past three Secretaries of the VA. In 2017 Nick authored a national publication that was edited and released by the National Institute of Corrections titled, “Barracks Behind Bars”. And in January 2018, he was appointed by the Monroe County Executive to Director of the Monroe County Veteran’s Services Agency. Nick earned an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts; a BA in Substance Abuse Counseling, and a MA in Public Administration.