Grand Valley State University receives gold status from the Michigan Veteran Affairs Agency

Grand Valley State University has been recognized by the Michigan Veteran Affairs Agency with the agency’s highest honor it gives to Veteran-Friendly Schools for the ninth year in a row.

In order to receive gold status from the MVAA, Grand Valley State University must meet strict criteria for excellence when it comes to serving its veteran community.

In an article posted on GVSU’s website, Grand Valley’s President Philomena V. Mantella talked about the continuation of the designation, saying, “Student veterans and their families are a vital part of the Laker community. Achieving Gold status from MVAA is a strong validation of our ongoing work to welcome those who have served our country. Our goal is to be the best in the Midwest for serving veterans and military affiliated individuals and families.  We have been the first to launch the Veterans Promise and Veterans Advance and we will keep on innovating in the interest of all those who have protected our national security. “

The university has dedicated a large amount of effort to helping members of the military and their family more easily transition from military service to graduation and into their careers through a variety of programs and initiatives.

Last year, Grand Valley State University announced a new progressive work-based learning program called Veterans Advance. The program teams veterans and employers up for learn and earn opportunities that provide them with the opportunity to earn a competitive wage and hone their leadership skills while also working toward a degree from Grand Valley. The first corporate sponsor for Veterans Advance was the large Byron Center based grocery chain SpartanNash.

Grand Valley has a range of veterans initiatives, including dedicated veterans’ lounges such as the Laker Military Resource Center, which is located on the University’s Allendale campus, and another meeting space at the school's downtown campus on the Medical Mile in the Health Campus; the GVSU Veterans Promise, which provides guaranteed admission to high school seniors who go on to join the military before going to college; the Peter Secchia Military and Veterans Program, which increases the programing and support for students, including career support such as the transition from military to civilian careers; the Michigan Veteran Entrepreneurship Lab, which gives military families and their veterans the opportunities, knowledge, and skills necessary to start a new business; and LEADS for Vets accelerated bachelor’s program, which offers a sped up online program created specifically for career veterans who are looking to get ahead in their second careers once leaving the military.

Adam Hollier, who serves as the Director of the Michigan Veteran Affairs Agency, talked about the importance of easing the transition for veterans, saying, “Making the transition from boots and a helmet to a cap and gown can be a daunting process, but having guidance and resources from their academic institution is a game changer. Their talent and experiences matter, and the best way to thank a student veteran for their service is to support them in their journey and offer them a job after they graduate. I want to wish our student veterans the best as they start this next academic year and continue their educational journey.”

More information about GVSU’s programs and services for veterans can be found on its website, as well as more general information about Grand Valley State University.