Starting this fall, qualified military veterans can attend Colgate University tuition-free, thanks to an agreement between the university and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

The university will take part in the new Yellow Ribbon Program, a component of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which makes earning a college degree more affordable for veterans.

Inspired by the sacrifices of war veterans, a group of Colgate University sophomores has launched a letter-writing campaign aimed at spreading holiday cheer to local veterans.

"They need to know that we care about them," said Clarissa Polk '10, co-founder of 'Gate Embrace. "We're asking the campus and central New York communities to embrace those who've fought for our country."