MANSFIELD, PA— The Student Veterans of America 
chapter at Mansfield University has received a grant from Student Veterans of America (SVA) and The Home Depot Foundation. The grant of more than $6,000 will be used to furnish and stock the new Veterans Center in Alumni Hall.
“The center allows for a veteran specific area to decompress and study as well as a location to hold meetings and host guest speakers and workshop speakers,” SVA Chapter Treasurer Cecil Cooper said.
“We’ve seen how vet centers can be the linchpin for veterans working toward graduation and we’re grateful to be able to offer our SVA chapters resources like the Vet Center Initiative thanks to partners like The Home Depot Foundation,” said Jared Lyon, president and CEO of SVA.
SVA and The Home Depot Foundation launched the Vet Center Initiative in 2014 as part of SVA’s mission to provide veterans with the resources, support, and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education and following graduation. By the end of 2016, 111 campuses in 40 states will have earned more than $970,000 benefiting more than 53,600 student veterans.
“The Vet Center Initiative is a natural extension of our nationwide efforts to improve the homes and lives of our military veterans and their families. We see these grants as an investment in our nation’s future,” Heather Prill, senior manager of National Partnerships and Atlanta Hometown Giving, The Home Depot Foundation, said. “Vet centers offer a home base on campus where student veterans can bond over similar experiences, learn from each other, and support one another through the challenges of college life. With a veteran center, these student veterans can chart an easier path towards graduation and continue to be tomorrow’s leaders.”
For information on veterans services and benefits at MU, go to mansfield.edu/military-veterans/