Lane Community College in Eugene is home to a unique mentor for its student veterans. Michael Sámano, a 62‑year‑old former U.S. Navy sailor, now serves as the instructor and coordinator of the college’s ethnic‑studies program while also overseeing the Maxwell Student Veteran Center.
From Navy service to campus advocate
Sámano spent six years in the Navy, serving aboard the USS Moinester during the Cold War era, where his unit hunted Soviet submarines. After leaving the service in 1989, he enrolled at Lane Community College, earning a two‑year degree despite feeling “ancient” and overwhelmed by the coursework.
He recalls the challenges of his early college days: “The classes were super boring. Oh, and there was a little thing called math that I didn’t have a grasp of.” Yet, a series of sociology and psychology classes sparked a new interest, leading him to transfer to the University of Oregon and later pursue graduate studies at Cal Poly Humboldt.
Building a support hub for veterans
In 1999, Sámano returned to Lane as faculty, tasked with reviving the ethnic‑studies program. Recognizing the unique needs of fellow veterans, he helped launch the Maxwell Student Veteran Center, a one‑stop resource offering dedicated courses, counseling, and community space. The center, named after World‑II Medal of Honor recipient Robert Maxwell, provides a place where veterans can “let their hair down” and see how military‑honed skills translate to civilian careers.
“I like where everyone can be together, and I like that there’s a place where you can just kind of literally let your hair down,” Sámano says. He emphasizes that veterans often feel disconnected from civilian peers, but their time‑management and self‑discipline are valuable assets.
Mentoring the next generation
Student veterans frequently stop by Sámano’s office for advice, whether they feel overwhelmed, scared, or out of place among younger classmates. He offers simple, heartfelt encouragement: “Hey, you got this.” The message resonates because it mirrors the support he received when he first arrived on campus.
During a Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 9, Sámano addressed the crowd, stating, “Six years in the Navy, then from 1989 to now I have lived my life as a veteran. I’m not a civilian. I know that for a fact.” His words underscore a lifelong commitment to service—both military and educational.
Personal touches and community ties
Beyond his professional role, Sámano enjoys classic Oregon pastimes: hiking, beach trips, fishing, and occasional hunting. He is a devoted fan of science‑fiction, especially “Star Trekk” novels, and still rocks out to Van Halen or Boston on his easy‑listening playlist. During the COVID‑19 pandemic, he repurposed vintage drive‑in movie speakers, showcasing his hands‑on ingenuity to his family.
Married to Rosa and father to two sons, ages 18 and 22, Sámano balances family life with his dedication to students. He credits a Willamette High School counselor who once told him he wasn’t “college material,” using that doubt as motivation to prove the opposite.
Looking ahead
While Sámano is no longer directly involved in the day‑to‑day operations of the Maxwell Center, he remains a familiar presence, offering guidance and sharing his story with new cohorts of veteran students. His journey—from a shy West Eugene kid to a respected educator—exemplifies the power of perseverance, faith, and community support.
For student veterans at Lane Community College, Sámano’s experience serves as a living reminder that the transition from military to civilian life can be navigated successfully with the right mentorship and a strong sense of purpose.
Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.
