Student veterans welcomed with new center
LCC President Brent Knight (left) cuts the ribbon to celebrate the opening of the student veterans center located in Gannon Building Room 204. (Photo by Nathan Wilson)
LCC officials celebrated the opening of a new support center for student veterans in the Counseling Center in Gannon Building Room 204, Nov. 12.
LCC President Brent Knight cut the ribbon stretched across the room entrance as student veterans and staff burst into applause.
“It only seems like a few weeks ago we were brainstorming about what we could do to make a more inclusive, friendly and inviting space for our veterans,” Knight said. “I thank everyone who made this possible, and I’m delighted that our veterans have this space.”
According to Knight, the Gannon Building is set to undergo renovations much like the rest of LCC campus, so this veterans center is only a temporary solution.
“This now affords our student veterans a place where they can sit quietly and study,” said Rebecca Beard, LCC Director of Purchasing and Student Veterans Association adviser.
“Student veterans have lots of forms that they have to fill out, so this provides them a place where they can get away from the hustle and bustle and go into this student resources room … to talk to other student veterans and meet with our counselors and advisers.”
Beard said she is hoping for a larger space to accommodate veterans once the renovations take place, but she is grateful for the center they have now.
According to Beard, the student veterans’ center will be available during normal business hours for the Counseling Center: Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
LCC registers approximately 500 student veterans each semester, and that number continues to grow, according to Beard. She said she and others are trying to link those veterans more with each other to grow a supportive network.
LCC Dean of Students Evan Montague said of the center, “It’s a nice, quiet, supportive environment, and we’ll continue to work on this as we look at our facilities campus-wide. I just want to say thank you to all of our veterans for your service.”
For more information, visit the LCC Veterans Services Office in GB 204 or call 517-483-5246.
Category: Other Featured
