Drexel University to Launch Week-long Program for Military Veterans on Campus

PHILADELPHIA (Nov. 5, 2009) Drexel University will host a weeklong series of events Nov. 9 - 13 to recognize and support U.S. military veterans as part of its Veterans Week observance. The cross-campus effort will educate incoming veterans on the services available to ensure a smooth transition from military to university life.

"We are proud to be able to give back to those who have sacrificed so much to serve their country," Provost Mark Greenberg said.

Drexel, like many colleges and universities, has seen increased enrollment of veteran students as a result of the new Yellow Ribbon program. Along with its $2 million commitment under Yellow Ribbon to provide free education to an unlimited number of qualified military veterans, the University formed a task force of academic and student life experts to support veterans on campus and in the classroom. The task force’s role is to address veterans’ personal and academic needs and to create opportunities for their life experiences to help educate current, non-military, Drexel students.

The University will open its new Veteran Student Services Office to offer veterans a central resource for University services on Nov. 10. The Office will address the unique needs of the influx of veterans at Drexel.

Highlights:

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for new Veteran Student Services Office
When: Nov. 10, 10 a.m.
Where: Room 215, Creese Student Center, Chestnut Street between 32nd and 33rd Streets
What: Members of the University’s veteran’s task force will cut the ribbon at the new veterans services center. The Office’s director retired from the U.S. Air Force after 21 years of service and deployments to Saudi Arabia, Bosnia and Iraq.

Reception for enrolled veterans, faculty and staff
When: Nov. 11, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Where: Paul Peck Alumni Building, 32nd and Market Streets
What: Currently enrolled veterans will have a chance to meet faculty and staff at an informal reception.

Wrapping care packages for troops in Iraq
When: Nov. 13, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Main Building’s Great Court, 3141 Chestnut Street
What: Drexel fraternity and sorority members will prepare supply packages to be sent to service members in Iraq.

In Yellow Ribbon, a partnership between the federal government and Drexel, the University will match the government`s contribution to the cost of an education allowing eligible veterans to attend Drexel with no out of pocket expenses. The federal government will pay up to the highest in-state school tuition, any remaining cost will be covered between the government and the University offering eligible service persons a free education.

Unlike other institutions participating in the Yellow Ribbon program, Drexel is among a small group of universities with no cap on the number of veterans who may enroll. The University`s contribution allows an unlimited amount of veterans who meet government and University admissions requirements to receive a completely free education across all of the University`s full- and part time undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional programs, both on campus and online.

###

News Media Contact:
Noah Cohen, Office of University Relations
215-895-2705, 267-228-5599 (cell) or

noah.cohen@drexel.edu