Brig. Gen. Ted Crichton, left, Chancellor Linda P. Brady and Spc. Chen-yang Liu, right, ring the university bell as they dedicate the new Veterans Resource Center.
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.
“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.
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. “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.
reposted from UNCG News & Features