Utica Observer-Dispatch: Veterans lounge opens at SUNY
Polytechnic
Published:
Wednesday, September 30, 2015 - 16:30
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I wanted to share the following article with you from the Observer-Dispatch:
A new veterans lounge has opened SUNY Polytechnic Institute for military veterans and active service members pursuing their degrees.
Posted Sep. 30, 2015 at 11:00 AM
A new veterans lounge has opened SUNY Polytechnic Institute
for military veterans and active service members pursuing
their degrees.
Located in Room 1123 of Donovan Hall, the lounge offers
students in the armed forces a place to gather, study,
exchange information and help each other navigate the
transition from military to civilian life, according to a
news release.
“SUNY Poly is honored to have members of the armed forces
among its student body, and the new veterans lounge only
begins to demonstrate our deep gratitude for the sacrifices
they have made on our behalf,” said Dr. Alain Kaloyeros,
president and CEO of SUNY Polytechnic Institute, in the
release. “We hope that that this new space will enhance the
campus experience for our student veterans and provide them
with new opportunities to connect and communicate with
fellow service members.”
Dr. Robert Geer, the college’s senior vice president and
chief operating officer, said the lounge was spearheaded by
Lance Tlustos Jr., SUNY Poly’s Student Veterans of America
Chapter president.
Being a veteran, Tlustos knows first-hand how challenging
the transition from military life to civilian and campus
life can be. That’s why he founded the Student Veterans
Club.
After speaking with other veterans on campus, he realized
how beneficial it would be for veterans to have a place to
gather and share important information pertaining to the
G.I. bill, financial aid hurdles and other veterans’
services in the Utica area.
“The lounge is a meeting place for veterans to exchange
information and give advice on how they obtained their
benefits,” Tlustos said. “In addition, it provides a space
for us to enjoy the camaraderie we shared while in the
service.”
Tlustos said this is the first step in a larger commitment
to veterans at the Marcy campus, noting that he and the
veterans club are working to obtain a card reader that will
provide lounge access to all student veterans. The group
also is working with SUNY Poly administration to find
innovative and effective ways to expand services to and
increase retention and recruitment of student veterans.
“We were pleased to identify space that our veteran
students, of which we have many, could use to study,
collaborate, and relax as they discuss and tackle the unique
issues that come with the transition from military service
to civilian and college life,” said Dr. William Durgin, SUNY
Poly provost. “This is a terrific addition that supports the
success of our veteran students.”