Caldwell, NJ – Caldwell University held a Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. The event opened with a Presentation of the Colors by the James Caldwell American Legion Post 185 accompanied by the Caldwell University drumline. The Caldwell University Chorale performed The Star-Spangled Banner, and Father Jim Manos, Campus Minister, said a few words and gave a blessing.

Anthony Grosso, Dean of Students, presented honorary awards to three veterans; Caldwell University student Nafissa Sanogo, local resident William May Sr., and Caldwell University employee Efrain Santana. 

Santana entered the U.S. Navy in 1989, serving as a deck seaman in San Diego. He later trained as a medic and attended Aviation Medicine Technician C School in Pensacola, FL before joining Squadron VS 32 in Jacksonville. After transitioning to the Naval Reserve in 1994, he served with units in Kearny and Earle, New Jersey, and completed a three-year active-duty recruiting tour. Efrain retired after 21 years of service and now works in university food service.

Nafissa Sanogo is a senior at Caldwell University, majoring in Public Health with a minor in Business Administration. She enlisted in August 2024, and currently serves in the United States Air Force Reserve as a Security Forces Specialist with the 514th Security Forces Squadron at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Following graduation, Nafissa plans to pursue a Master of Health Administration while continuing to work toward a career in healthcare leadership and maintain her relationship with the military.

William May Sr. is a member of the James Caldwell American Legion Post 185. He served on the U.S. Air Force in Korea from 1954 to 1957.

The ceremony finished with a performance by the James Caldwell High School Choir and a military gun salute from the James Caldwell American Legion Post 185.