Early Bird

University honored for support of student vets

Learn how MSU Denver has cultivated a strong partnership with the nation’s oldest VFW organization.

By Lindsey Coulter

January 8, 2019

Each year, VFW Post 1 recognizes Veteran Service Organizations and community partners for their contributions to the veteran community. Post 1, the first and oldest Veterans of Foreign Wars post in the nation, this year honored Metropolitan State University of Denver for its longstanding commitment to helping student veterans and active-military students thrive at its Founders Banquet on Dec. 2.

“A lot of thought went into our decision to choose MSU Denver for the Community Partner of the Year Award,” said Michael Mitchel, foundation director and former commander of VFW Post 1. “It was because of the relationship that exists between our two organizations, how well MSU Denver treats veterans and everything the University does to serve the veteran community and their families.”

“We are excited about this award because it acknowledges our service locally to the Denver and Colorado military community,” said Lauren Sullivan, director of Veteran and Military Student Services.

Recognizing the unique transition hurdles and retention barriers that student vets and active-military students encounter, Veteran and Military Student Services helps students from enrollment through graduation to connect with services and maximize education benefits. For example, the office recently opened a free closet for students not able to afford proper interview attire, and staff are expanding the peer-mentorship program and efforts to establish endowed scholarships.

“MSU Denver is always striving to increase and improve our support of our student veterans,” Sullivan said. “We also partner a lot with different organizations.”

For example, the office is a member of the United Veterans Committee, the Colorado Advisory Council on Military Education and the National Association of Veteran Program Administrators, and has partnered with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Volunteers of America, Team Rubicon and more. These partnerships have earned MSU Denver the Military Times’ 2018 Best Colleges award, Military Advanced Education and Transition Top Colleges and Universities Award for 2018 and Military Friendly School Silver status.

Learn more about Veteran and Military Student Services and how you can help support student vets and active-military students.