Meet the Staff
Joan Putnam
Veterans Coordinator
As veterans coordinator in the SDSU Veterans Center, Joan Putnam manages, directs and oversees all aspects of the veteran benefit programs for SDSU’s undergraduate and graduate veterans, active duty military, reservists, and dependents. She serves on Governor Schwarzenegger’s statewide “Troops to College” working group and is co-chair of the SDSU Troops to College working group.
Putnam also serves as an adviser to the SDSU Student Veteran Organization; chairs the SDSU Veterans Scholarship Committee; serves on the SDSU War Memorial Committee; and team-teaches a transition course for newly admitted SDSU veteran students. Her commitment to veterans extends beyond her work life – her father was a World War II veteran.
Nathaniel Donnelly
Assistant Veterans Coordinator
Nathaniel Donnelly has been the assistant veterans coordinator since 2007. He joined the Marine Corps in June 1995 and served throughout the world, in locations such as Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii; Guinea, West Africa; and San Jose, Costa Rica. He returned to the infantry following September 11, 2001. He finished his Marine Corps career with one tour in Iraq during Operation: Iraqi Freedom.
Upon transferring to San Diego State University in 2006, he founded the Student Veteran Organization (SVO). In January 2008, he and a group of student leaders founded the Student Veterans of America (SVA). Donnelly is also involved with the San Diego city council and the United Veterans Council of San Diego.
Frank Roberts
Military Liaison Officer
Frank Roberts is responsible for outreach with local military bases (except Camp Pendleton) and the military/veteran community in the San Diego area. Additional duties include co-chair of the SDSU Troops to College Committee, member of the Veterans Scholarship Committee, and campus-military liaison for the CSU and SDSU special admissions programs. This includes tracking the retention of veterans admitted under these programs. Roberts was an officer in the United States Army and retired after more than 23 years of service.
Marilyn Nichols
Veterans Center Assistant
Marilyn Nichols has worked part-time in the Veterans Center since September 2006. She provides information to the general public and campus community regarding all aspects of Veterans benefits. She also serves as the liaison between Veterans Affairs and students to help resolve payment and overpayment issues. Nichols also works closely with other campus offices to verify and process undergraduate and graduate student VA benefits.
Peter Salas
SVO President
Peter Salas has been the SVO President since January 2009. He is a Marine Corps Veteran, serving from 2002-2008 as Cpl, Nuclear Biological Chemical Defense Specialist. He was born and raised in San Diego and is a graduate of Bonita Vista High School. Salas recently received a degree in mathematics with a minor in computer science from SDSU. He is currently a graduate student in the homeland security program.