Michigan Veteran Affairs Agency names Washtenaw Community College a Gold-Level Veteran Friendly School
This is the sixth consecutive year Washtenaw Community College has held this recognition.
The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency has once again bestowed the honor of Gold-Level Veteran Friendly School upon Washtenaw Community College. This is the highest honor the agency awards, and it is the sixth time in a row that Washtenaw Community College has earned the honor.
The status is awarded to schools who support veterans with services like veteran-specific career services, an on-campus veteran coordinator, resources, and a system that awards credits to student veterans based upon their service. Currently, Washtenaw provides these services to more than 600 veterans.
Washtenaw Community College has a dedicated veterans’ center to offer student veterans a consolidated place to receive services, as well as an area to find community with each other: Wadhams Veteran Center.
According to an article on Washtenaw Community College’s website, the school’s president Dr. Rose B. Bellanca said, “Our veterans have bravely defended America’s freedoms, and we are honored that they’ve chosen to be part of our WCC family. We are proud to serve them and are thankful for this recognition from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.”
Recently, Washtenaw Community College held its Veterans’ Day celebration with a series of events including a flag raising and a public veterans’ breakfast.
Benjamin Whisman, who serves as the president of the Student Veterans of America Club and served in the Navy for six years, said of the school, “Transferring to WCC is likely the smartest decision I've made in my pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. WCC offers these classes at an affordable cost for me to repeat so that I am eligible for consideration to be admitted to the U of M. I was even able to introduce myself to various people affiliated with U of M's nursing department.”
He went on to say that he agrees with Washtenaw Community College receiving recognition for its veterans services: “I am happy to hear that Washtenaw Community College has received this recognition. I believe WCC is deserving of such high praise,” he said.
Carol Osborne, who is the military and veteran coordinator at WCC, said, “It’s very rewarding to be able to assist veterans as they pursue their educational goals. The transition from military to civilian culture can be difficult to navigate alone. The Wadhams Veterans Center is a great place to start with that transition. Our veterans know they can count on us to help them access the benefits they’ve earned. We have a lot of fun in the center and build close relationships with each other; but in the end it’s all about helping our families reach their academic goals.”
For more information about Washtenaw Community College, visit the school’s website.