Student Veterans Association Welcomes New Era

By Abbey Gingras

Miami University journalism student

At the Student Veterans Association (SVA) meeting on Friday, April 14, a close knit group of Miamians gathered to usher in a new set of leaders and go over goals for the upcoming year.

Phil Carr, one of the original members of SVA, handed off his presidency to Roy Keil and introduced the new executive board for the 2017-2018 school year.

What began just a few years ago between Carr and faculty adviser Janet Mallen has rapidly expanded to one of the largest organizations at Miami, spanning across all campuses.

According to Mallen, there are 273 student veterans at Miami, including those on active duty or in the Guard or Reserves. On the Hub, Miami's student organization website, SVA has registered 130 of these students.

SVA acts as a network for veterans on campus, connecting students and faculty to one another and making Miami seem smaller and more friendly.

"It's amazing to see people from so many stages of life together because of SVA," Mallen says.

Before the creation of SVA, there was no group on campus designed to connect veterans and active duty military members. Because these students face unique challenges from the traditional college student, a support system was a needed addition to Miami.

"There are a wide range of ages and life experiences here," Mallen says. "Some people have children. There are more than just 18-22 year olds at Miami."

The number of veterans on college campuses across the country is increasing, thanks in part to the G.I. Bill which provides financial assistance to servicemen, veterans and their dependents. Between 2000 and 2012, over 900,000 veterans and service members received educational support. Veterans make up about 4 percent of the national undergraduate population.

As SVA grows and establishes a stronger presence on campus, the group has plenty of plans for the future. Carr hopes to see a veteran's center on campus by next fall and a greater connection between the branch campuses.

Seventy-five veterans from SVA will be graduating this May, each receiving a red, white and blue cord to distinguish them from their peers.

Photo: Outgoing president Phil Carr presents a copy of the SVA bylaws to a graduating member of the organization. --Photo by Abbey Gingras