News

CHENEY, Wash. - With thousands of veterans returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan in the coming years, Eastern Washington University President Rodolfo Arévalo is pleased to announce the formation of a Veterans Service Center to ensure EWU is a welcoming campus that will meet the needs of our service men and women.

There are currently more than 500 veterans enrolled at Eastern, and the university expects to see an increase in the number of veterans seeking college degrees and utilizing GI benefits by 10 percent a year. The Center will provide critical services and resources veterans will need as they integrate back into civilian life and learn to navigate the university system. It will also provide a space for veterans to socialize, a computer lab and conference/workshop space.

"We expect the center to be a national model," said President Arévalo. "It will deliver exceptional support services to address the personal and academic needs of active-duty and former military personnel, their spouses and dependents."

The center will be located on the first floor of Showalter Hall, and staffing will include a director, a recruiter/advisor, a GI benefits coordinator, graduate assistants, VetCorps representative and faculty liaisons. It is funded through the President's Initiative Fund and reallocation of existing funding within Student Affairs. Private donations and grants will be sought and accepted from individuals and organizations wishing to support this significant effort. These contributions will be part of the funding structure to enhance amenities and programs for these students.

"The Center will also provide veterans with an important venue to meet fellow soldiers," said Stacey Morgan Foster, vice president for Student Affairs. "Eastern believes this type of military support center will bring student retention rates among veterans to a level that exceeds the general student population."

In addition to the strong program on campus, the Veterans Center will develop a robust online presence to reach individuals even while they are still on active duty.

The Center is expected to open in July, 2012. A search for a director will begin immediately. If you would like to donate to support the work of the Center or the physical renovation of the new space, please contact Stacey Morgan Foster at 509.359.6015 or sfoster@ewu.edu.

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