Military personnel, soldiers and veterans are being welcomed to Lewis University with arms wide-open. Lewis is recognized as a military-friendly school, and ranks in the top 15 percent of all colleges, universities and trade-schools nationwide that fit in this category, according to “G.I. Jobs” magazine.
“I think very positive of this,” said President Br. James Gaffney, FSC. “For one, this will be one of the largest initiatives by the federal government since World War II. And second, it is both fair and very appropriate to invest in those women and men who risked their lives, or currently are, for their sake and their family’s sake, that they have the opportunity for good, quality education.”
Lewis offers beneficial services for members currently serving in the military, as well as veterans, seeking to attend universities to obtain a higher education. Academic advisors and Financial Aid services are dedicated to assist returning students.
Eligible veterans of educational benefits can obtain tuition deferments through programs offered at Lewis, such as The Yellow Ribbon Program, Post 9/11 G.I. Bill (Chapter 33), Montgomery G.I. Bill-Active Duty (Chapter 30), Montgomery G.I. Bill- Reserve Duty (Chapter 1606), Reserve Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 1607), Survivors and Dependants Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 35) and Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31). Lewis has over 100 approved education programs for veterans.
Online courses are also appropriate for members of the military serving around the globe. Master’s programs in Public Safety Administration, Information Security, Organizational Leadership and Nursing are offered entirely online. Students will have access to the library and tuition payments through the Lewis Web site, as well.
According to Gaffney, a fourth of graduate and undergraduate students attend private universities since the federal government does not only provide funding to public schools, it gives the students a wonderful opportunity to attend a private university.
“With our mission, it is very appropriate that we educate military, military veterans and all ROTC,” Gaffney said.
Lt. Col. Anderson said he is “very grateful” for the military-friendly environment at Lewis. “It shows real commitment to ROTC cadets enrolled and their future.”
“Lewis is a wonderful setting for women and men who were in the military or about to be in it, like ROTC,” stated Gaffney. “And why not in a place like Lewis, where it’s educating the whole person? Not just their mind, but their character and their spirituality.”
For any questions regarding veterans’ programs, contact the Veteran’s certifying official, Rhonda Pilgrim, at (815) 836- 5343 or pilgrirh@lewisu.edu.
Nicole Zwartz
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