Gavilan College
Grand Opening for Veterans ’ Resource Center
Members of the public , military veterans , and staff and students of Gavilan College gathered in early November for the Grand Opening of the Gavilan College Veterans ’ Resource Center . The Keynote Speaker was Secretary of the California Department of Veterans Affairs , General Peter J . Gravett [ retired ] Attendees took tours of the center , enjoyed light refreshments , a ribboncutting by the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce , and recognition for founders of the center . Participating in the event were the Gilroy VFW Color Guard and the Patriot Guard Riders . The event was sponsored by the Gavilan College Associated Student Body and Gavilan College Faculty Association .
The Veterans Resource Center ( VRC ) provides one-stop access to the resources and services student veterans need . It is staffed by student veterans whose goal is to help other veterans manage the transition from military service to the academic setting . The VRC is a place for veterans to connect with one another , learn about available campus services , and to provide a welcome and familiar environment for incoming veteran students .
According to Gavilan College President Steve Kinsella , himself a veteran of the United States Marine Corps , “ These veterans have unique experiences and skills that can be enhanced through a quality college education . They are entering a new phase in their lives and , while challenging , opportunities are once again boundless for this group of students . We support them as they have supported us .”
The VRC provides access to the following services :
• Financial Aid Information
• VA Benefits and Certification Help
• Veteran Mentors and Academic Tutoring
• Readjustment Counseling
• Scholarship Information
• Peer-to-peer Student Support
• Mental Health Counseling
• Veterans Club Information
• Disability Rating Assistance
Sponsors of the Gavilan College Veterans ’ Resource Center include : Gilroy VFW Post 6309 , Gilroy Rotary , Carmel Doll and Toy Group , and American Legion Post No . 217
For more information about services for veterans at Gavilan College , go to : www . gavilan . edu / veterans / http :// www . gavilan . edu / veterans / or call 408-848-4787 .
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