Grand opening for Veterans’ Sanctuary Program set Sept. 30

A grand opening ceremony for Idaho State University’s Veterans’ Sanctuary program will take place at 11 a.m. Sept. 30 in the Atrium of the Rendezvous Complex.

“The Veterans’ Sanctuary is a unique program that offers a comprehensive and unequaled system of support to our nation’s finest as they transition from military to campus life,” said Casey Santee, ISU Veterans recruiter/counselor. “Our mission is simple: first-class service for those who have served their country.”

 The event will feature remarks by ISU President Arthur C. Vailas, ISU Armed Forces Veterans Club President Dustin Mortimer, and by program co-founders Lynn Roberts and Scott Turner. The event will feature music by the ISU music department and refreshments.

The Sanctuary includes a team of dedicated representatives, some of whom are veterans themselves. The team has a veterans’ coordinator to assist with the GI Bill educational benefits and a campus liaison to facilitate contacts within ISU’s various departments and programs as well as in the greater Pocatello community.

The program features cohort general education classes for veterans taught by faculty members who are veterans. There are plans to create cohort housing and a “learning community” on campus for unmarried veterans. The dormitory-style areas will have on-site tutoring available. Married student housing is available for veterans.

In addition, an Armed Forces Veterans Club, which began at ISU’s Idaho Falls campus last semester, has since expanded to Pocatello.

The program will partner with local businesses to provide scholarships to veteran who exhaust their benefits before obtaining degrees.

“Of course, this is just the beginning for the exciting endeavor,” Santee said. “Please join us to kick off what promises to be a flagship program at Idaho State University.”

For more information, contact the program at (208) 282-4298 or visit www.isu.edu/veterans.