TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Office of Veteran and Military Affairs at The University of Alabama now is offering emergency scholarships for veterans.
The fund, called the Veteran and Military Affairs Scholarship, is supported, in part, through a partnership involving Shelton State Community College, Stillman College, the West Alabama Officer’s Association and the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama.
A total of $7,500 has been raised in support of this partnership, with $4,000 from the Alabama Marines Foundation establishing the Veteran and Military Affairs Scholarship at The University of Alabama.
“The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, and specifically its Veterans Affairs Committee, fully supports any effort to help our veterans assimilate into our community,” said Randy Gelwix, chairman of the Veteran Affairs Committee, Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama.
“We appreciate the difficulty veterans have in the transition from military to civilian careers to include educational endeavors to better prepare them for this transition. For those reasons, we support the efforts of the West Alabama Officers Association and Alabama Marines Foundation in the founding of the charity to support student veterans in emergency need.”
A gift of $1,000 was donated anonymously to honor Lisa Fells, UA veterans benefits coordinator, who works to ensure the maximization of earned benefits for not only UA student veterans but any veteran in the local area.
“Our partnership with the federal VetSuccess on Campus program through the Veteran Benefit Administration has benefited countless students and faculty because of Ms. Fells’ willingness to go the extra mile,” said David Blair, director of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs.
“We are very lucky to have remarkable community partners to ensure that The University of Alabama has the ability to assist those who served their country and help prevent barriers in achieving their academic goals.”
UA’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs moved into the renovated Houser Hall Wednesday, Oct. 21, along with the Office of Disability Services and Technology and Testing Services. The fund was announced at the opening.
Those interested in donating to UA’s Veteran and Military Affairs Scholarship should contact the UA Office of University Advancement at 205/348-4768.
Contact
Richard LeComte, media relations, rllecomte@ur.ua.edu, 205/348-3782
Source
Alex Karagas, assistant director of veteran and military affairs, Karag001@sa.ua.edu