The University of Olivet is committed to supporting veteran, military and dependent students, recognizing and honoring them for their service to our country. Veterans are valuable assets to the Olivet community, bringing diversity, determination to succeed and a wide range of skills and life experiences to the College.
Ashley Swisher, the president of the Veterans Advocate Group, said, “Our mission is to be an advocate for veterans and dependents (those who did not directly serve in the military but have either a parent or spouse who has served) while promoting and supporting the concerns our veteran and dependent students may have.” The group was established in 2012 and is open to anyone. Veterans and dependents are added to the group automatically.
“We want students to be aware that you do not have to be a veteran or dependent to become a member of the group,” Ashley added. “You simply have to have an interest in advocating for veterans and their families.” The group helps veterans find tailored scholarships and job opportunities, hosts events and provides custom support when needed. They are also reaching out to military bases and hospitals for volunteer and community service options.
Among support services and resources for veterans, OC offers the Veterans Scholarship equal to 50% of tuition and renewable over four years. This scholarship is available to veterans with qualifying days of active duty service or who are currently on active duty. Veterans with required days of active duty service or who are currently on active duty including members of the National Guard or any recognized branch of the U.S. military reserve unit who qualify for VA education benefits and/or military education assistance eligibility are eligible to apply. In addition, spouses and legal dependents that provide proof of military dependency are eligible to apply for this scholarship.
“The University of Olivet’s student-veterans are a grateful reminder of the personal sacrifices made to protect our freedom,” said Leslie Sullivan, registrar and VA certifying official. “Collectively, we are dedicated to providing continued resources to build advocacy and understanding for our student-veterans. Through the support of faculty and staff, we know the value student-veterans bring to The University of Olivet, and we encourage all to take time to listen to their stories of courage and say, ‘Thank you for your service!’”
In addition, The University of Olivet is recognized as both a 2019-20 Gold-Level Veteran-Friendly School by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency and a 2020-21 Top 10 Gold-Level Military Friendly® School by Victory Media. Learn more about military and veteran student options here.
Contact the The University of Olivet Office of Admissions at 800-456-7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu for more information.
This feature was written by senior Leah Miller, marketing and communications student intern. She is a writing and history double major and a music minor, a field commander of the Marching Comets and a member of the Alpha Lambda Epsilon Literary Society. After college, she aspires to use her writing to educate people about different cultures and work to normalize embracing differences, potentially in a field related to intercultural relations.
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