A “Celebrating our Women Veterans” event brought together De Anza College students and veterans in the Campus Center on May 20.

Lillie Robinson, guest speaker, discussed the work and services she provides for veterans at the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Hospital and the volunteer work she does with the Army Wounded Warrior Program.

She works closely with veterans who want to go back to school.

“I’m a big advocate for junior colleges,” said Robinson, who “works closely with the veterans, or active duty [who] are going to do the transition.

“I try and help them with their career plan,” Robinson said. “If you haven’t been to school for a while, you really need help getting back.”

Megan Matthews, 25, a business major and six-year Air Force veteran, said when she looked for a college to attend, she was able to find the assistance she needed at the De Anza campus.

“De Anza was the one that was actually like, ‘let me help you,’” Matthews said which made the transition to school easier for her.

Breland Johnson, 20, psychology major, said he was unaware of the veteran population on campus before the event.

Students found a great wealth of information and inspiration from the event.

“I think it’s interesting that there are veterans out there trying to help fellow veterans,” said Yocelin Macias, 21, paralegal studies major.

She said she was concerned about the lack of promotion for veterans’ events around campus.

Others students said they would like to get more involved with veteran events on campus.

“It is something that is good for the community and it doesn’t just benefit one person,” Macias said. “It benefits us as a society and a community.”