On Friday, Sept. 11, veterans at James Madison University will have a new safe haven on campus. The school’s Student Veterans Association chapter will officially be opening a space in Wilson Hall for any current or retired U.S. Military members to use as a quiet place to study, collaborate or socialize.
The center will offer veteran students swipe card access to lockers, a kitchen area with a refrigerator, a comfortable lounge area and a meeting space with conference tables, white boards and video monitors. Bill Wilson, director of the JMU Outreach and Engagement’s Office of Madison Institutes, has worked closely on the project and describes the vision for the center to be a place where student veterans can “go and find people similar to them, communicate with folks who understand and have privacy.” In the future the space will also offer special sessions with on-campus offices, to ease processes such as enrollment or advising.
Home Depot, in conjunction with the Student Veterans of America, made the space possible by sponsoring a $10,000 grant. In addition, Harrisonburg’s Melanie Woodard of Polished Inc. volunteered her services to act as the interior designer. Wilson describes her vision as “harkened back to World War II era”, with classic black-and-white imagery decorating the walls. Current Student Veterans Association members are welcomed to bring in personal photos from their own tours as well. Flags and Plexiglas seals for each branch will be mounted.
The university hopes this center will further the Student Veterans Association’s mission to “provide resources, support and advocacy in a campus community” for those student veterans who oftentimes are working full-time jobs, have families or commute to campus. “This will better the climate for veterans and make their experience more inviting,” says Wilson.
The space will be unveiled with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday. All students, families, community members and media are welcomed to join the Student Veteran Association on the steps of Wilson Hall at 8:50 a.m. JMU’s President Alger will speak in remembrance of Sept. 11, followed by Eric Gage, Program Manager for the Student Veterans of America and JMU SVA chapter advisor, Dr. Jennifer Taylor. Light refreshments will be served following a tour of the center.
To further kick-off the opening there will be a resource fair for all local community veterans starting at noon, in the Festival Highlands room. On Saturday, Sept. 12, there will be a 5K event at 9 a.m., with all proceeds benefitting the Student Veterans Association.
– Source: James Madison University
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