Grand Valley honors veterans, dedicates new space for students

All Michigan public universities, including Grand Valley State University, have announced that they have all agreed to provide in-state tuition to veterans.

This announcement comes as universities across the state mark Veterans Day, and the sacrifices veterans make for the United States.  

Grand Valley celebrated by hosting a breakfast that included remarks by President Thomas J. Haas to 80 students, faculty and staff members who are active military members or veterans. Congressman Bill Huizenga, Rep. Robert VerHeulen and Rep. Roger Victory all spoke about the importance of providing in-state tuition for veterans.

“Providing in-state tuition to veterans and making sure all have access to affordable and quality higher education is the right thing to do,” said Haas, a retired captain in the U.S. Coast Guard. “Our veterans sacrifice for our way of life and possess skills and attributes employers want. Grand Valley is proud to support these men and women in any way we can.”

The new Student Veterans Lounge, located on the second floor of the Kirkhof Center, was dedicated. It will serve as a gathering space for the more than 500 Grand Valley students who are active military members or veterans.

Country artist Michael Peterson performed a song at the breakfast and his wife, Jill Chambers, a military veteran, spoke to the audience about her experiences.  

Grand Valley also provides in-state tuition for active military members who are stationed in Michigan. The university is a member of the Consortium of Michigan Veteran Educators, a statewide network of two-year and four-year institutions that works to support military members and veterans and ensure access to resources that can lead to employment.

For more information about Grand Valley’s Student Veterans Network, visit www.gvsu.edu/veterans.