GGU Inaugurates Helen Diller Center with Milestone Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

On Wednesday, February 7th, Golden Gate University together with the Helen Diller Center for Veterans of U.S. Military Service hosted the Center’s long-anticipated Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. 

Held at Golden Gate University, the ceremony was attended by GGU leadership staff, faculty, and military-affiliated students along with representatives and supporters of the Diller Center. 

“Thank you all for being here to commemorate Dick Rosenberg’s legacy,” said Jason Dempsey, Center Director, in his opening remarks. 

Launched in March 2021, the Center—supported by a $2 million grant from the Helen Diller Foundation—was established to provide robust support and activities for veterans along their entire educational journey at Golden Gate University. 

The center was created in honor of the late Richard “Dick” Rosenberg, distinguished GGU alum, retired chairman and chief executive officer of Bank of America, and board member of the Helen Diller Foundation. Rosenberg tirelessly advocated for the Center, inspiring and facilitating its inception. 

“Today,” continued Dempsey, “veterans are looking for creative ways to approach their education, they’re looking to get meaningful jobs, and they’re looking to build more meaningful communities, and it is with Dick’s advocacy and investment that we’re able to put a lot of veterans on that path. Thank you for enabling future service and the next generation of service members.” 

During the program that preceded the ribbon cutting, President David J. Fike expressed gratitude to the late Dick Rosenberg, the Center’s leadership, and representatives from the Diller Foundation present for the ceremony. President Fike acknowledged the presence of Dick Rosenberg’s sons, Mike and Peter Rosenberg. 

“On behalf of the students and our entire community, I extend my deepest gratitude to the Helen Diller Foundation’s foresight and commitment to service,” said President Fike. “Your generosity through the Diller Center has impacted countless lives and will continue to do so for generations. Let us remember the legacy of service and sacrifice that this Center embodies, let us honor the memory of Dick Rosenberg and all those who have served our country.  

Otilia Alas, GGU student and Veteran Ambassador spoke about her experience as a military-affiliated student and as a Veteran Ambassador helping others through the Diller Center. 

“Serving as a Veteran Ambassador has been one of my biggest highlights at GGU,” said Alas. “I have also had the privilege to work alongside other Veteran Ambassadors who understand how important it is to be a resource for prospective and current students. I enjoy representing the Diller Center during Welcome and Campus Week and getting to put faces to names of those we have helped.” 

Following remarks by head of the Helen Diller Foundation Jaclyn Safier and the Rosenberg family, Center director Jason Dempsey unveiled the Diller Center military coins, presenting the first two to Michael and Peter Rosenberg.  

Following the program and catered lunch, attendees gathered at the plaza level of the University for the ceremonial ribbon cutting and tour of the Veterans Center.