Kutztown University held the grand opening ceremony for its new Veterans Center April 3, with a public signing of the Armed Forces Community Covenant, which outlines six pillars of support for members of the military, veterans and their families.
Nearly 125 people attended the covenant signing and ribbon cutting ceremony, which was held in the President’s Room of the McFarland Student Union.
Dr. Javier Cevallos, state Sen. Judith Schwank, Rep. Gary Day and KU mayor Sandra Green, along with other state and local government officials, and representatives from the armed forces and local veterans organizations, signed the covenant, agreeing to pledge their support for KU service members.
‘Signing this covenant is an important step forward for KU and the community,’ Cevallos said. ‘It’s a unique and exciting opportunity to support KU service members and lay out the actions KU and their partners can do to support military members on campus.’
At the center, student veterans and military-connected students can enjoy a computer station, lounge, kitchen, TV and additional amenities, as well as receive assistance with their GI Bill and other benefits.
‘As a veteran student at KU, having a space set aside for us is very appealing,’ said Angela Hardy, a master’s degree candidate in student affairs in higher education administration and member of the Military Club. ‘It helps the campus feel more welcoming, because it’s apparent that KU is putting money and resources into making sure we’re taken care of. It’s a sanctuary for us, in one of the best spots on campus.’
Another initiative recently launched by the Veterans and Transfer Services Office is the Green Zone ‘Got Your 6’ Faculty and Staff Professional Development training course. Faculty, staff and students enrolled in the course will learn about the invaluable strengths and possible transitional issues of student veterans. All attendees will receive a ‘green zone’ sticker for display, which lets others know they are supportive of military-affiliated students. The training is open to all KU faculty, staff and students.
KU alum Marine Corps Lt. General (Ret.) Richard Zilmer delivered the keynote address for the event, and lauded the university for opening the center.
‘Seeing our veterans treated with thanks is very heartwarming,’ he said. ‘The mindset toward veterans has changed remarkably over the years. The decision to open the center here is a great step forward; I applaud you for doing this and wish you the best of luck as you step forward with this great undertaking.’
Zilmer was surprised with an appearance by his son, who was on hand to present his father with a plaque from the United States Marine Corps for selfless service.
Sarah Griffiths ’15 and Sage Mauser ’15, KU juniors whose fathers served in the military, spoke about the challenges they faced as a military family, and how the GI Bill, which they received from their fathers, made life a lot easier for them as college students.
Reese Roberts, president of the Military Club and corporal in the Marine Corps Reserve, also spoke at the event, and noted that the campus has transformed since his arrival in 2010, when there were fewer services available for student veterans. However, he noted that in the past four years, the university has taken major steps to make the transition from military to campus life as smooth as possible. Ms. Tania Brown Berringer, the coordinator of Veterans and Transfer Services, has been instrumental in establishing the center on campus.
‘Kutztown University’s Veterans Services Center is a central hub where student veterans and military-connected students can interact with one another and obtain information and services,’ she said. ‘Our programs and services support veteran-student success by coordinating services internally and through our community partners to address the academic, financial, mental, physical and social needs of veteran students.’
The Wilson High School Junior ROTC honor guard ushered in the ceremony by presenting the colors, and three of its members sang the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ a capella. Sidney Lyons, Miss State Capital Outstanding Teen, concluded the program with a heartfelt rendition of ‘God Bless America.’
Signatories for Armed Forces Community Covenant
Education: Dr. F Javier Cevallos, Kutztown University president; Dr. Carlos Vargas-Aburto, Kutztown University provost and vice president for Academic and Student Affairs; Kimberly Scranage, vice president for Enrollment Management; Glenn Godschall ’75, commander VFW Post 560; Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Richard C. Zilmer ’74, business leader
Jobs: Tammy Gore, executive director, Northeast Berks Chamber of Commerce; Ellen T. Horan, president and CEO, Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Housing: Peter Stinson, executive director, Operation Homefront, for Pa. and Del.
Health: C. J. Quick, outreach program coordinator for the Lebanon VA Medical Center
Families: Liliana Moore, program manager for the Celebrating Veteran Families Community Prevention Partnership of Berks County
Leadership and Service: Kyle Lord, founder and director of Keystone Soldiers
Elected Officials: Kutztown Mayor Sandy Green; State Sen. Judith Schwank; Pa. state Rep. Gary Day; Pa. state Rep. Mark Rozzi; Pa. state Rep. Mike Tobash
Representatives from the offices of: Sen. Robert Casey; Sen. Pat Toomey; Rep. Matt Cartwright; Rep. Charlie Dent; Pa. state Rep. Mark Gillen; and Pa. state Rep. Ryan Mackenzie
Military Commands: U.S. Army; U.S. Army National Guard, Kutztown Recruiting Command; U.S. Army Reserve, Harrisburg Recruiting Command; U.S. Marine Corps, Harrisburg Recruiting Command; U.S. Coast Guard; Philadelphia Recruiting Command
Military Club at KU Leadership: Reese Roberts, president
