UH Hilo opens resource center for veterans; primary focus on support, connection, and services
The new center is a place for veterans and their families to network, connect, and get support through campus and community-connected services.
The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo opens a new Veteran Student Services Resource Center this week offering veterans and their families support, connection, and services.
The project is in partnership with Hawaiʻi Community College and will be located in the UH Hilo Student Services Center, room E232. The new veterans center is a place for veterans and their families to network, connect, and get support through campus and community-connected services.
“This is one way to better serve the veteran population in Hilo,” says Lei Kapono, interim vice chancellor for students affairs. “We currently average a little over 100 students at UH Hilo and similarly at Hawaiʻi Community College that are receiving veteran benefits and anticipate that this center will help current students that have not yet accessed their benefits as well as help prospective students navigate higher education processes.”
Kapono says staff at the center will assist with the process of accessing veteran education benefits through the Office of the Registrar.
The Registered Independent Student Organization, Hawaiʻi Island Veterans Club, is coordinating a calendar of events that includes social events, community events, professional development events for current and prospective students. The schedule focuses on veterans by nurturing fellowship, connection, and a sense of belonging through peer support.
Susan Shirachi, UH Hilo director of disability and access services, will oversee the new veterans center.
Open House
An open house will be held at the new veteran center’s offices on Tuesday, Sept 30, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Guest speakers are Bonnie D. Irwin, UH Hilo Chancellor; Susan Kazama, Hawaiʻi CC Chancellor; Josh Sze, Hawaiʻi Island Veterans Club organizer and Navy veteran; Ben Fuata, Commander for VFW, UH Alum; Christopher Frueh, UH Hilo Psychology Professor; Clifford Victorine, representing the Hawaiʻi County Office of the Mayor; and Ililani Foree, representing the Office of the Governor.
For more information about the UH Hilo Veteran Student Services Resource Center, contact the Office of the Registrar.
