黑料大事 was recognized at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus yesterday as one of the recipients of the prestigious 鈥淓xcellence in Programming鈥� Awards during the 2024 Military Connected Student Symposium. Presented by Ohio Department of Education Chancellor Mike Duffey on behalf of the Inter-University Council of Ohio (IUC) and the National Veterans Leadership Foundation (NVLF), this highly selective award recognizes institutions for their outstanding support of veterans and military-connected students. Each year, only two institutions of each type in Ohio receive this distinction, highlighting JCU鈥檚 deep commitment to serving those who have served.
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鈥淭his award is a reflection of the intentional work we鈥檝e done to create a welcoming and supportive environment for our veteran students,鈥� said John Paul Robinson, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at JCU. 鈥淚n just one year, we have built comprehensive programs that have made a measurable impact on retention and student success.鈥�
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The award recognizes the exceptional contributions of Robinson and Toneo Gulley 鈥�26, Coordinator for Veteran Student Services, whose efforts have significantly enhanced the campus experience for veterans and military-connected students. It also builds upon JCU鈥檚 2024 designation as a Collegiate Purple Star campus by the Ohio Department of Education, a recognition of the University鈥檚 dedication to supporting students with military backgrounds.
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Over the past year, JCU has introduced several initiatives to ensure veteran students thrive academically, socially, and professionally, including:
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- Constructing a Veteran and Military-Connected Student Lounge in the D.J. Lombardo Student Center to provide a dedicated space for community-building and resources. 听
- Joining the Salute National Honor Society, which offers outstanding veteran students additional scholarship opportunities, academic recognition, and peer connections. 听
- Establishing a Veteran Graduation Recognition Ceremony, where graduating veterans are individually honored and presented with cords. 听
- Conducting an annual faculty and staff training on best practices for supporting veterans and military-connected students. 听
- Creating a veteran-specific meal plan, ensuring free access to on-campus dining for veteran students. 听
- Joining the Work-Study Allowance Program as a VA-approved work-study site, allowing veteran students to obtain campus jobs to help fund their education.
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鈥淥ur commitment to veteran and military-connected students goes beyond recognition鈥攚e are continuously working to enhance the student experience and ensure their success,鈥� said Naomi Sigg, Vice President of Student Experience and Campus Belonging at JCU. 鈥淭his award reaffirms that our efforts are making a real difference, and we will continue to build on this momentum.鈥�
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Other institutions receiving the 鈥淓xcellence in Programming鈥� Award this year include Kent State University, Wright State University, Bowling Green State University & University of Toledo (joint award), Marion Technical College, Columbus State Community College, Ashland University, and Xavier University.