Located in Room 106 of Bernardine Hall, the Alvernia University Veterans Center is a comfortable place for veteran students to bond, study, socialize, and share experiences. It offers laptops, a phone charging station, dedicated printer, TV lounge area, and a variety of school supplies to those who need them. The center also encourages participation in veteran organizations and outreach programs designed to enlighten the Alvernia campus community about veteran culture and history, and to raise awareness across the region about issues surrounding vets and their families.


The center is also the hub for Alvernia's Veterans Success Team, which is composed of Veterans Center Coordinator Bret Krotee, Veterans Center Advocate Brian Johnson, alumni and faculty advisors. The team is available to assist veteran students with a variety of questions or matters encountered while studying at Alvernia.
 

Join Us

We invite the entire Alvernia Campus Community to enjoy and make use of the Veterans Center, which strives to raise awareness of what is endured and accomplished by those who serve our country. There are no membership fees or dues. The organization aims to provide anyone with ties to or an interest in the military with the resources, support and advocacy necessary to succeed in higher education and industry. To participate or learn more, email Bret Krotee at bret.krotee@alvernia.edu. We look forward to meeting you!
 

Student Life

Veterans Center
Open house held for newly renovated Veterans Center
Following the opening of the refurbished center in Bernardine Hall, the university announced it earned a national endorsement in military support from Colleges of Distinction (COD).
Read More
Learn More
Those who run Alvernia's Veterans Center, and those who utilize it, discuss the benefits in this video.

 

Distinguished Graduation Pins

We are proud of our student veteran graduates and want to honor their many achievements. Therefore, just prior to a graduation ceremony, all graduating veterans receive a Veterans Center pin to wear with their attire during the ceremony. Please email us at veterans.center@alvernia.edu for more information and to make arrangements to receive your pin.
 

Learn About Veteran Education Benefits

As a proud Military-Friendly School, Alvernia is dedicated to helping students utilize one of the many financial aid programs available to help veterans afford a college education.


For online guidance, our Veterans Benefits webpage is a good starting point, but the Veterans Center is a good place to talk to the Veteran Success Team about special VA benefits offered to veteran students, such as the Post 9/11-G.I. Bill and Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31) programs.


Another online resource is Alvernia's Financial Aid TV (FATV), which can be helpful in learning all the opportunities for tuition assistance offered to those who have served. Click the button below to see videos tailored to veteran students, or to search the library on other financial aid topics.

Success Stories

Terrence Watts
Marine Corps Sergeant Thrives As Adult Student
Terrence Watts received the highly coveted Saint Ignatius Award at the university's 2022 Honors Convocation Ceremony.
Read More
David Ruppert '21
Marine supports, inspires fellow veteran students
David Ruppert faced some challenges while transitioning from his military career to university life. But once he found his footing, he reached out to help others.
Read More
Abby Eby | Nursing | 2011
Army Lieutenant earns Doctor of Nursing Practice
Abby Eby’s successful defense of her scholarly project earned her the distinction.
Read More

 

Recognitions

Alvernia’s dedication to military personnel and their families has always been the priority, partnering with students for success when returning or beginning their educational journey. This effort has been recognized by the following military affiliations, affirming our dedication to veterans.

  • Yellow Ribbon Program - Alvernia is a proud participant of the Yellow Ribbon Program and partners to provide tuition assistance to veterans and their families.
     
  • Military-Friendly School - This is Alvernia's 10th consecutive year achieving military-friendly status. This prestigious award is based upon student retention, graduation and job placement, as well as continued good standing with partnered federal programs.
     
  • Military Support - Colleges of Distinction awarded Alvernia University with its military-support badge, honoring the high level of support active military and veteran students receive as part of their educational journey.
     
  • Voter Friendly Campus - Participation and ongoing efforts focused on voter education and registration resulted in Alvernia's award as a Voter Friendly Campus from Fair Election Center's Campus Vote Project and Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education.