College recognizes veterans’ needs

Recently, Glendale Community College celebrated the opening of their new Veteran Services Center. The college recognized the need for their student veterans to have their own space to congregate and work through their unique situations.

Glendale Community College celebrates the Grand Opening of their Veteran Services Center.

At the Nov. 10 Grand Opening, the college celebrated with a ceremony, open house and refreshments. Those taking part in the ribbon cutting ceremony included Bill Vandenbosch, TriWest Healthcare Alliance and member of GCC’s President’s Council; Chuck Hale, GCC North enrollment adviser; Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rory L. Wicks, 56th Fighter Wing, Luke Air Force Base; Chuck Pierce, coordinator of the Veteran Services Center; Vice President of Student Affairs Alberto Sanchez; Phil Hanson, President’s Circle and Arizona Veterans Services Advisory Commission; Vice President of Academic Affairs Ronald Natale; and Luke Webster, GCC student veteran.

The reception area to the GCC Veteran Services Center.

 The 1,300 square foot building makes use of every inch of space.  A reception area greets those entering the center. Kiosks opposite the reception area let student veterans sign up for class or search for veterans’ information online.

“We’re proud of it,” says Jeff Overly, GCC Work Study student and Air Force veteran. We offer the whole package in a one-stop-shop for veterans.

Kiosks across from the reception area let student veterans sign up for classes or go online for information.

Veterans or their families come to the center to participate in Skype communication with deployed friends and family members. The center also contains a large conference room for meetings and classes with a white board and a projection system. 

Jeff Overly demonstrates the Skype capabilities in the center's conference room.

A lounge, a room to meet and study and restrooms round out the center’s one-stop theme.

Student veterans can relax or study in the lounge.

A separate room allows student veterans to study or work on computer presentations.

Pierce says, this one-stop-shop creates a place for everyone to come together.

Photos by Janice Semmel