The Veterans Resource Committee, in association with Honoring America’s Warriors, is working to create a Veteran’s Resource Center on campus.
The center will be located on the bottom floor of the Dawson-Loeffler building and will be designated exclusively for student veterans.
Christine Jeffreys, development officer of university advancement, is on the committee to assist veterans on campus.
“Veterans have different challenges and needs after serving in the military, and having their own lounge area can help smooth the transition from serving the U.S. to life as a student.” Jeffreys said.
Anastasia Conyers, studio art sophomore, served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years as an electronics technician. She served in California, Alaska, Japan, Chicago, and Florida.
“This would be a wonderful place for veterans,” Conyers said. “I live on the other side of town, and when I have long gaps between classes, I sometimes don’t have a place to hang out on campus where I can just relax.”
The committee is working to raise $30,000 for the renovation of the space designated for the veteran’s center. The money will be used for lifting the ceiling, new paint and furniture. It will provide Student ID access, a computer station, tables, personal lockers, a television, and a coffee bar for veteran students.
Honoring America’s Warriors has been working to collect the money for the renovations. They contacted 600 veterans who graduated from OCU and are trying to obtain a veteran-specific grant from Home Depot. They are also searching for a namesake to further promote funding.
Amy Ayres, vice principal for student affairs and dean of students, is part of the project.
“The OCU Veterans Resource Center will aim to foster a welcoming campus culture for our student veterans and ensure that the men and women who serve our country have access to a quality education in a supportive environment,” Ayres said.
The committee aims to open the center in Fall 2019.
Retired Maj. Gen. Rita Aragon occupies the chair position on the Veterans Resource Committee board.
“Helping veterans today builds a better tomorrow because our OCU veterans are from across the country,” Aragon said. “We are repaying them for everything they’ve done for our nation.”
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