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Veterans Resource Center

November 6, 2023 by Schoolcraft College

The space on the second floor of the McDowell Building dedicated to serving student veterans will reopen during a grand opening Nov. 9 after several months of renovation and expansion.

Schoolcraft College’s Veterans Resource Center played a major role in helping Lauren Harman start college.

The Navy veteran was nervous about enrolling in school after spending several years in the military, but she said she felt much more comfortable after speaking with the leadership at the center.

“When starting my educational journey at Schoolcraft College, I was nervous about starting college after being out of college for eight years but upon meeting with Brent Landau, director of the veterans resource center, he listened to my concerns and really understood me first as a person and then a student and directed me in choosing the right classes that fit my current financial situation as well as the needs of my degree,” she said. “He guided me with resources that would benefit me as a veteran and made my time at Schoolcraft College less stressful.”

Schoolcraft College will soon offer a new experience for its student veterans like Harman after a several monthslong expansion of its veterans resource center.

Now named the Mark L. Whitfield Veteran & Military Services Center, the space on the second floor of the McDowell Building dedicated to serving student veterans will reopen during a grand opening Nov. 9 after several months of renovation and expansion.

With three times the usable space, the veterans resource center will have two additional office suites, a dedicated lounge dubbed the Masco Command Post and lounge space for student veterans. The new center will have more than 1,600 square feet aimed at assisting student veterans during their academic journey.

“This new space will welcome our student veterans in an unmatched way. With new amenities and offerings, we’re excited to be able to offer our vets the absolute best,” said Landau, who serves as the director of the Mark L. Whitfield Veteran & Military Services Center. “It’s only fitting we open this space during the week where we honor those who served our country in the armed forces.”

The center aids veterans and current military members to help them become thriving students at Schoolcraft College. Its mission is to help student veterans navigate the enrollment process by assisting with transcripts and other materials, as well as make sure students are aware of any eligible Veterans Affairs benefits or scholarships.

Donations fueling expansion

The center is named for Mark L. Whitfield, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate who served six years in active duty, as well as spent time as a Navy Reservist. He is a retired Commander.

Funds to benefit the new center continue to be raised by the Schoolcraft College Foundation, which continues to accept donations for the space. It currently has $40,000 in matching funds given by four families: the Fausones, the Mahoneys, the Stroms and the Whitfields. To give a donation and help the resource center, please visit the Foundation’s website.

“Donating to support the Mark L. Whitfield Veteran & Military Services Center is a great way to show support to those who have fought for our freedoms,” said Dawn Magretta, executive director of the Schoolcraft College Foundation. “What better way to celebrate Veterans Day than with a gift to support our veterans looking to further their education?”

Lauren Harman
Lauren Harman attended Schoolcraft College after spending time in the Navy.

Harman served active duty in the Navy from 2014-2019, spending time on the Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier, where she worked as a culinary specialist. She left active duty in 2019 as a Petty Officer 3rd Class and joined the reserves for two years before leaving the service in 2021.

She attended Schoolcraft College to complete her general education requirements before transferring to the University of Detroit-Mercy, where she is currently in her senior year studying social work. She hopes to go on to graduate school and work with hospice patients, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care, and to get certified in suicide prevention to be able to teach it to others.

Harman said she valued her time at Schoolcraft College and believes any veteran looking to go back to school can achieve their goals.

“If I had any advice for anyone, especially veterans looking to start college, I’d say: find a career you would be okay with doing the rest of your life and go for it,” she said. “You are never too old. Stop making excuses and strive for a better future because it is achievable.

“I would recommend any veteran looking to start at Schoolcraft College to use the Veterans Resource Center as they are your own personal resource that other students don’t have access to.”

Members of the public, as well as donors, are invited to stop by a tour the space anytime from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 9.

Filed Under: News, Schoolcraft Spotlight Tagged With: Veterans Day, Veterans Resource Center

November 8, 2021 by Schoolcraft College

Veterans Resource Center provides key services

Veterans face many challenges as they transition to civilian life and the next chapter of their lives. With deep gratitude for their service to our country, Schoolcraft College is committed to creating a seamless path to success for veterans and military members.

That assistance starts at the dedicated Veterans Resource Center (VRC), conveniently located in the heart of campus. It’s the first stop for those eager to become students, as the friendly and knowledgeable staff can help answer any questions and navigate the many challenges that come with being a college student.

“The VRC at Schoolcraft was instrumental in getting me ready for my classes.”

De’Leon Alonzo Morris, who served eight years in the Navy as an E6/First Class Petty Officer

The story of De’Leon Alonzo Morris illustrates how important the Veterans Resource Center is. De’Leon served eight years in the Navy as an E6/First Class Petty Officer.

DeLeon Morris
De’Leon Alonzo Morris served in the Navy and now is a full-time student at Schoolcraft College.

He started at Schoolcraft College in May of 2020 with a goal of earning an Associate Degree in Engineering.

“The VRC at Schoolcraft was instrumental in getting me ready for my classes,” said Morris, who is a full-time student. “Being out of school for the last eight years, things have changed a lot in that time. The team at the VRC helped me with so much, including degree choice, getting my military credit to transfer, course and professor recommendations and getting all of my VA benefits submitted on time so I could receive financial assistance right away.”

The Schoolcraft College Veterans Resource Center provides assistance to veterans and military members as prospective or current students, working with military personnel and their families to provide assistance with:

  • The VA educational benefits application process
  • Planning a program of study with course selection and course sequence information in accordance with Schoolcraft and VA policies and guidelines
  • Submission of enrollment certification paperwork
  • Information about scholarships offered to veterans and service members
  • Connections to college resources: Priority Registration, Tutoring, Career Services and Resume Writing

At the service member’s request, the VRC will also:

  • Act as a liaison between the veteran and the VA
  • Serve as a point of contact for additional referrals and resources

Amenities offered in the Veterans Resource Center include:

  • Use of computers and printers for completing homework
  • Lounge area to relax in between classes, watch TV, or enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages
  • Kitchen area with microwave
  • Lending Library to check out donated textbooks for use throughout the semester

“The best part about the VRC is their response time,” Morris said. “I can call or email and I know I’ll get a response quickly. They work hard to answer any questions and provide the necessary resources.

“For example, as soon as I put my admission letter in, I got an email from the VRC helping with the timeline of events and helping answer any questions I had as an incoming student.”

Morris has taken classes in calculus, physics and coding, so he’s well on his way to achieving his goals.

“Schoolcraft has made my life so much easier and less stressful,” he said. “I highly recommend Schoolcraft College for any veterans.”

Filed Under: News, Schoolcraft Spotlight Tagged With: Military, Navy, Schoolcraft College, VA, Veterans, Veterans Resource Center

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