Student veterans connect with campus and each other

  Thursday, August 29, 2013 2:00 AM
  News

Pittsburg, KS

Some of the growing number of veterans on the Pittsburg State University campus gathered in the student center this week to meet each other and learn more about ways the university supports them.

President Steve Scott told the group that they are an important part of the university family.

“You are important to us,” Scott said. “I hope and trust you are getting the kind of support you need from the faculty and staff at PSU.”

The president noted that the number of veterans on campus has grown steadily over the past decade, from around 130 in 2000 to more than 270 today. He also pointed to a history of campus support for the military. That support is evident, he said, in a strong and well-respected ROTC program, the Veterans Memorial and the shared Student Rec Center/National Guard Armory.

“It fits our culture. It fits our history,” Scott said.

David Adams, assistant director of the student center for campus activities, said the event was planned to link student veterans to campus resources as well as to each other.

“This is an opportunity for student veterans to meet others who have shared and are sharing their experiences,” Adams said.

Student veterans Chad Rook, left, and Zach Shoemaker, talk with English Professor Paul "Skip" Morris, about a veterans writing group he hopes to start.