Ribbon cutting for KU’s newest center for military-affiliated students set for March 9

LAWRENCE — A new center serving University of Kansas students with ties to the military will celebrate its opening and renaming with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 9.

The Student Veteran Center will also be renamed as the Lt. Gen. William K. Jones Military-Affiliated Student Center. The space is located at 345 Summerfield Hall.

The nearly 3,000-square-foot center is named for Jones, a KU alumnus who graduated in 1937. He was a highly decorated Marine Corps veteran, serving for 33 years – including in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

“We’re honored to name this center for such a distinguished KU alumnus and veteran,” said April Blackmon Strange, the center’s director. “The center is at the heart of our initiatives, and we want it to be a place where our military-affiliated students can feel welcome and at home at KU.”

The space serves as a centralized resource, offering a variety of services, advocacy and resources for KU’s 1,100-plus military-affiliated students throughout their time at KU, including:

• Pre-admissions guidance and assistance.
• Assistance with VA education benefits questions and paperwork.
• A lounge with computers and televisions to relax, study and meet others with military backgrounds.
• Quiet tutoring and study space for individuals and groups.
• Meeting and conference rooms for reserving.
• A break room with refrigerator, microwave and free coffee/hot tea.
• Free printing, copying and scanning services for school and VA-related work.
• A Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs representative to assist with VA- and military-related questions.

The KU Student Veterans of America (SVA), a KU student-led organization dedicated to bringing KU’s military-affiliated students together through networking and philanthropy, is housed in the center as well.

 “We’re excited to have both a home office for the SVA and a quiet, comfortable space for student veterans,” said JR Cadwallader, KU SVA president and Marine Corps veteran. “This center is important to bring like-minded people together for camaraderie and support – something we miss once we leave the service.”

The center is open to discharged and retired veterans; active duty, National Guard and Reserve service members; spouses and dependents of veterans; ROTC cadets; and Gold Star family members.