In the heart of California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) stands a remarkable symbol of service, unity, and resilience — the Epstein Family Veterans Center. This center, built with the mission to support student veterans and their families, has seen a surge of unprecedented engagement in recent months. Following the recent government shutdown, the center reported record-breaking numbers of students seeking its vital resources, underscoring its growing relevance and necessity in the university community.
Currently, CSUSM is home to approximately 500 student veterans and around 1,400 students who have immediate family members serving in the military, including parents, spouses, or children. These individuals represent a deeply connected community of service and sacrifice, and the Epstein Family Veterans Center has become their trusted haven.
During the last academic year, the center assisted 11,035 students—a milestone figure that exceeded all prior records. This upward trajectory has continued well into the 2025–2026 school year, showing no signs of slowing down. By September alone, the center had already served 2,195 students, including 440 veterans, and by October, the center recorded the highest monthly visitation in its history.
According to Josh Loop, the Director of Veterans Services at CSUSM, the growth in demand reflects both the center’s expanding reputation and the unique challenges faced by veterans and military families amid national changes. “Since the government shutdown in October, we recorded nearly 2,400 visits — the highest in any month we’ve ever had,” Loop shared.
Beyond the impressive statistics lies the true essence of what makes the Epstein Family Veterans Center so impactful. “This center provides a home base for veterans and their families,” Loop explained. “We offer a wide range of services — from helping students access their VA and GI Bill benefits to providing essentials like free coffee, snacks, printing services, and computer labs. We even connect students with local employers to help them transition smoothly into the workforce.”
These services not only address practical needs but also foster a sense of belonging. For many student veterans, the transition from military life to academic life can be daunting. The center stands as a pillar of stability — a place where students can regain confidence, find community, and move forward with renewed purpose.
Celebrating Service: Honoring Veterans and the Marine Corps
As part of its ongoing mission, the Epstein Family Veterans Center recently hosted a special Veterans Day celebration, coinciding with the 250th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps. This event served as a heartfelt tribute to all who have worn the nation’s uniform, while also uniting the broader community in appreciation of their sacrifices.
Among those in attendance was Megan Hewitt, a U.S. Navy Veteran and a current master’s student in Ecology at CSUSM. Hewitt’s journey is both inspiring and deeply relatable. After years of serving her country at sea, she felt a strong calling to protect it in a different way.
“It finally dawned on me what would make me happy — protecting the earth and preserving our beautiful country,” Hewitt shared. “When you’ve traveled around the world and witnessed pollution and environmental destruction, you can’t help but want to make things better, any way you can.”
Hewitt’s story is a testament to the spirit of transformation that defines so many veterans. The transition from active duty to civilian life often comes with uncertainty, emotional challenges, and a search for renewed identity. “It was actually really difficult for me when I first got out,” she admitted. “I had a lot of anxiety and felt disconnected from the world I used to know.”
It was at the Epstein Family Veterans Center where she rediscovered a sense of community and belonging. Supported by state, grant, and donor funding, the center became her sanctuary — a place of encouragement and connection. “There’s a sense of camaraderie here,” Hewitt said warmly. “You feel understood because everyone here has walked a similar path. They know what you’re going through, which makes the transition so much easier.”
A Hub of Hope, Growth, and Connection
The Epstein Family Veterans Center represents far more than a campus facility; it embodies the university’s commitment to service, inclusivity, and empowerment. Every visit, every conversation, and every event held within its walls contributes to a broader narrative — one of resilience, education, and the transformative power of community.
Through its programs, the center continues to bridge the gap between military service and academic success, providing tailored guidance that ensures veterans thrive both inside and outside the classroom. From career counseling and financial aid assistance to emotional support and peer mentorship, the center’s initiatives reflect a holistic approach to student well-being.
The continuous rise in student engagement not only highlights the center’s success but also reinforces its importance in today’s evolving social and economic landscape. Veterans bring invaluable perspectives and leadership qualities to their academic environments, enriching the entire CSUSM community. By supporting them, the university is investing in the next generation of leaders, innovators, and advocates who will continue shaping the nation’s future.
Join the Mission: Building a Stronger Future for Veterans
As the demand for services grows, so does the need for continued community support. The Epstein Family Veterans Center welcomes partnerships, donations, and volunteers who share its mission of empowering those who have served. Every contribution directly impacts the lives of students who have already given so much for their country.
Through compassion, connection, and commitment, CSUSM and the Epstein Family Veterans Center are proving that support for veterans doesn’t end when their service does — it transforms into lifelong opportunity.
To learn more about the Epstein Family Veterans Center, upcoming events, or how to get involved, visit www.csusm.edu/veterans and be part of this inspiring journey. Together, we can ensure that every veteran who walks through the university’s doors finds not only education — but also hope, purpose, and a true sense of belonging.
