The following story was originally posted on UNCGNOW on November 12, 2014.
Spc. Chen-yang Liu, an Army Reserves combat photographer and vice president of UNCG’s Student Veterans Association, wore his dress blues for the Veterans Day dedication of the university’s new Veterans Resource Center (VRC).
The VRC will be “a space of support and welcome for service members” and a “magnet for the military community, supporters and family members,” Liu told the crowd assembled on the terrace of the Spring Garden Apartments just outside the VRC entrance.
Liu introduced Chancellor Linda P. Brady. A small orchestra provided music for the celebration.
“Chen, it is because of you and the student veterans here today, and those who have come before you, that we are here,” Brady said. She added that a dedicated space for veterans on campus “rose to the top” of a list of recommendations by a veterans services task force she assembled in 2010.
Currently, nearly 500 students at UNCG are using Veterans Administration (VA) educational benefits, nearly double the number in 2008. Victory Media has named the university to its Military Friendly Schools list for four straight years.
UNCG participates in the VA’s Yellow Ribbon Program to make up gaps in out-of-state tuition rates not covered under the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill. Yellow Ribbon schools set aside funds to cover extra expenses, and the VA matches those funds penny for penny. For the Fall 2014 semester, UNCG contributed $90,000 for 21 students.
Veterans tend to excel academically, and serve as leaders and role models on campus, Brady said. “They have so much to offer in terms of self-discipline, life experience and specialized skills.”
Brig. Gen. Theodore Crichton followed Brady at the podium. Crichton, a 35-year military veteran known as “General Ted” at UNCG, has worked closely with veterans and veterans programming on campus.
Crichton told the crowd the new VRC “means a lot” to him as a veteran. “UNCG clearly recognizes the strength and ability veterans bring to this campus,” he said, adding that veterans are trained to be flexible and resourceful — qualities that translate well to the classroom. “You’re valued.”
Crichton, Brady and Liu rang the university bell three times, a UNCG tradition for dedication ceremonies.
There was almost a shortage of scissors to go around as Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughn and several other dignitaries joined them to cut the dedication ribbon.
The VRC will be open M-F from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Call the VRC at 336-334-5632, or drop by in person at the Spring Garden Apartments, above the Spartan Trader.
For help with VA benefits, contact Elizabeth Cranford at 336-334-5946 or eacranfo@uncg.edu.
For ways to connect with student veterans, contact Chris Gregory at 336-334-4715 or cdgregor@uncg.edu.
To get involved with the Betty H. Carter Women Veterans Historical Project at UNCG, contact Beth Ann Koelsch at 336-334-5838 or bakoelsc@uncg.edu.
To financially support student veterans services at UNCG, contact Miriam Bradley at 336-944-2778 or mebradle@uncg.edu.