With the goal of improving success rates among veteran students, Rowan College at Burlington County will officially open a new Center of Excellence for Veterans Student Success on Saturday, April 30 in conjunction with a community fair for veterans.
The Burlington County District 11 Veterans of Foreign Wars and the VFW Auxiliary is organizing the fair in Votta Hall from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Veterans can get information about VA claims filing, federal and state veterans’ benefits, housing, counseling, employment, discharge upgrades and more.
The Day of Service to Make a Difference for Veterans and Their Families will begin with a formal program in Votta Hall at 9 a.m., which will include a medal ceremony. The college will officially open the new veterans center following the ceremony around 11 a.m. The center is located in Votta Hall, room 134.
The center is funded by a $375,000 federal grant that the college received to improve retention and graduation rates of veteran students through creating a dedicated space, and expanding advising and academic success services for veterans.
National reviews of the veteran experience on college campuses demonstrate the burdens placed on veterans in returning to college, including but not limited to the loss of a sense of purpose in moving from military to civilian life and the fears of appearing vulnerable when asking for help. RCBC plans to use the grant to mitigate these issues.
“We currently serve hundreds of veterans and plan to continue to improve our service to those who served our country,” RCBC President Dr. Michael A. Cioce said. “Adding a dedicated lounge space, with access to computers and fellow veterans, will increase camaraderie and a sense of inclusion among our veterans. This is just another step we’re taking to thank those who have given so much to our country.
All documented veterans, regardless of their use of benefits, are eligible. Visit rcbc.edu/center-excellence for more information.
The VFW is collecting non-perishable food items to support the college’s Food Pantry. Veterans and their families will receive lunch at the end of the fair. The lunch will be served in the Student Success Center, which is hosting a Smithsonian exhibit: Voices and Votes, which celebrates democracy – one of the many freedoms protected by American veterans.
