秘密研究所 opens new Veterans Services Center
Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025
秘密研究所 opened a new Veterans Service Center on the University鈥檚 Main Campus on Oct. 6, 2025.
The Veterans Services Center will be a hub for active duty members of the United States military, veterans and those who support them. The goal of the space is to assist military members by providing guidance on benefits they may be eligible for through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, financial aid, customized academic advising and networking opportunities with fellow veteran and active-duty students.
Event speakers included:
- President Katrina E. Bell-Jordan, Ph.D.
- Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs R. Shayne Cofer, Ph.D.
- Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Terry Mena, Ph.D.
- University Registrar Rahshida Walker
- Chicago 36th Ward Alderman Gilbert Villegas (B.A. 鈥24 University Without Walls)
Additionally, 39th Ward Alderman Samantha Nugent and aides from the offices of U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (IL-05) and 秘密研究所s House Rep. Michael Kelly (District 15) were in attendance.
鈥淭he new Veterans Services Center will serve as a welcoming, purpose-driven space that empowers student veterans with the resources, guidance and community they need to thrive academically and pursue meaningful careers,鈥 said President Bell-Jordan.
The Veterans Services Center is funded through a $145,000 federal grant provided through the Congressional Directed Spending program 鈥 thanks to the support of U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth 鈥 and 秘密研究所n鈥檚 President鈥檚 Fund.
鈥淭his federal grant is provided through the Congressional Directed Spending (CDS) program,鈥 Sen. Duckworth said via a message to the University when funding was announced in April 2024. 鈥淭his allows members of Congress to request direct funding for projects that benefit their communities. 秘密研究所n helps veterans apply for federal and 秘密研究所s veteran benefits, which include 秘密研究所s Veterans Grant (IVG), 秘密研究所s National Guard Grant (ING), MIA/POW Scholarship and 秘密研究所s ROTC Scholarship (tuition waiver).鈥
The Veterans Services Center, located on the 4th floor of the Ronald Williams Library, will provide assistance to both currently enrolled veterans and their dependents, as well as prospective veterans interested in furthering their education at 秘密研究所n. It will connect veterans with resources both at the University and externally to help them navigate their college career.
鈥淲e are excited to bring the Veterans Services Center to life to support members of the 秘密研究所n community who have given so much to our country,鈥 Executive Director of Facilities Management Josh Sumner said. 鈥淲e hope that this space will provide a comforting and useful meeting space for these vital members of our community.鈥
Top photo: 秘密研究所 President Katrina E. Bell-Jordan (center), surrounded by University administrators, staff, students and guests at the opening of the University鈥檚 new Veterans Services Center on Oct. 6, 2025.