September 12, 2016
Kyle Guthrie
The center for the Office of Veteran and Military Student Affairs relocated from Forster House to McCord-Herbst Student Veteran Center in the Office of Public Safety and held an open house on Sept. 8.
The new space is mostly intended for student use and will extend its hours during peak study times like midterms of finals, according to Phillip Morris, program director for OVMSA.
The new center has a few upgrades for student veterans, including quiet areas for military and veteran students to study, an improved check-in and reception area, several computers, a printer and a large lounge with a big-screen TV.
“We have a lounge for the student (veteran) clubs, and the military STEM scholarship has already used this space for their scholars, but really, it’s a student space,” said Morris.
The center also offers coffee, snacks and a kitchen for student veterans who are looking to enjoy a quick break or meal between classes.
Heather Kling, program manager for the OVMSA, was impressed with the turnout for the opening of the center.
“We had quite a few people show up, and many people had comments about how nice the center was and how nice the mural was outside. They were very enthusiastic about the center being here,” said Kling.
Student veterans’ needs are top priority, according to Kling. The center hopes to implement tutoring, counseling and support groups in the future.
Senior fitness major Adelaida Manore is a processor at the McCord-Herbst Student Veteran Center. She explained that she thought the new center was a big step-up from the previous one.
“I think it’s definitely better than Forster House because not only can we accommodate more people, but we can be more like a lab, so veterans can come in and do their homework in a quieter setting,” said Manore.
Veteran programs will continue to improve. Boots to Suits, a mentoring program, is already in place, but new programs, such as the PAVE (peer advising) program is being implemented, according to Morris.
“All the things we are doing is to help student (veterans); if they would like to know more about it, just come and see us,” said Morris.
The McCord-Herbst Student Veteran Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and can be reached at 255- 3253.