Student Veterans: A Vibrant Part of Our Campus Community Created by: Denise Y. Rodak Coordinator of Veteran and Military Resources Montclair State University

Flag Raising/Lioness (co-sponsored with the Women’s Center) As part of Women’s History Month, Lioness, a critically acclaimed documentary focusing on female combat veterans, was shown. Following the film, the audience had a chance to hear from female student veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Stress Relief Through the Creative Arts (co-sponsored with Health Promotion and Counseling and Psychological Services) Veteran and military students gathered in the Drop-In Center to flex their creative muscles, while at the same time relieving stress before exams.

Welcome Back from Spring Break BBQ Together with the Muslim Student Association, the MSU Student Veterans Association, the groups hosted a free BBQ for the campus community.

2011 Relay for Life The Montclair State Student Veterans Association volunteers provided security for the 2011 Relay for Life Event. The volunteers staffed the Student Center Quad for over 12 hours, saving event organizers thousands of dollars in security expenses.

Inaugural STOMP the Violence Fun Run (co-sponsored with Campus Recreation) Over 30 veteran/military students, friends, and family kicked off the University's STOP the Violence Program with a three mile fun run. Those participating in the STOMP the Violence Fun Run and the afternoon activities helped to raise over $1,000 for the Newark-based G.I. Go Fund.

Graduation Thirteen veteran/military students earned undergraduate degrees in May Four students graduated with high honors. Student Awards/Accolades Four students were inducted into national/international honor societies Two students were awarded scholarships for post graduate study One student is performing research supported by the NSF Two students received departmental awards

GNED 100 for Veteran and Military Students This fall, veteran and military students were given the opportunity to take a section of GNED 100 specifically geared toward service members. The course covers the topics required as part of the Adult Academic Success Seminar curriculum, but with a specific focus on meeting the transitional needs of the veteran/military population.

Veteran and Military Student Meet and Greet Events Each semester the Office of Veteran and Military Resources welcomes new and returning veteran/military students back to campus with a Meet and Greet. Key campus partners are invited to talk about their areas and the services they provide. Examples of these include: Veteran Certification Counseling and Psychological Services University Health Center Career Services and Cooperative Education Dean of Students Office Center for Academic Development and Assessment Disability Resource Center Montclair State Student Veterans Association

Constitution Day Each year, the Office of Veteran and Military participates in Constitution Day. In 2010 members of the SVA guarded the National 9/11 Flag and in 2011 we welcomed Eric Greitens, founder of the Mission Continues, to campus.

Third Annual Veteran and Military Student Recognition Week Monday Flag Raising Ceremony Screening of Lioness Tuesday Coming Out In Support of Our Troops Care Packages and Pizza with the LGBT Center Wednesday Providing Shepherds for Soldiers: A History of the Military Chaplaincy Lioness Panel Discussion Thursday Student Veterans Visit the Park Street Academy Friday Remembrance Day National Role Call with William Paterson University

Historical Survey of U.S. Military Chaplaincy: A Catholic Perspective Presented by: Reverend Mark Francis O'Malley, a priest of the Archdiocese of Newark and Assistant, Professor of Church History at Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology

Remembrance Day National Role Call On Veterans Day 2011 we joined our neighbors at William Paterson University for the Remembrance Day National Role Call. The event closed the 2011 Veteran and Military Student Recognition Week.

Montclair State Student Veteran Association The Student Government Association’s newest Class II organization on campus.