MONMOUTH, Ore. – Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) awarded grants totaling $800,000 to expand campus veteran resource centers and enhance services for student veterans at Oregon’s public universities and community colleges. Western Oregon University’s Veterans Resource Center was a recipient of this grant for the amount of $53,899.
These centers play a crucial role in helping veterans transition from military service to college life and pursue their educational and career goals.
The purpose of the Campus Veteran Resource Center Grant Program is to strengthen existing campus resources by funding innovative and impactful projects that improve the lives of student veterans and support their success.
A record 19 of Oregon’s 24 eligible public universities and community colleges applied for grants during this cycle, reflecting a broad commitment to serving student veterans across the state. All 19 institutions that applied received a portion of the available funds.
This level of participation demonstrates the strong, continued partnership between ODVA and Oregon’s higher education community in ensuring that veterans have access to the tools and support they need to thrive.
Awardees include Blue Mountain Community College, Central Oregon Community College, Chemeketa Community College, Clackamas Community College, Columbia Gorge Community College, Eastern Oregon University, Klamath Community College, Lane Community College, Linn-Benton Community College, Mt. Hood Community College, Oregon Institute of Technology, Oregon State University, Portland Community College, Portland State University, Rogue Community College, Southern Oregon University, Southwestern Oregon Community College, University of Oregon, and Western Oregon University.
“This award strengthens our ability to support student veterans at critical moments. Emergency aid funding helps students remain enrolled during times of financial hardship, while enhancements to the Veterans Resource Center improve access, privacy, and daily usability,” said Logan Doerfler, director of the Veterans Resource Center at Western Oregon University. “Together, these investments reinforce WOU’s commitment to Veteran success.”
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About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.