Tucked away in a corner suite on the Student Center Building’s sixth floor, the Student Veteran Resource Center is not highly visible to passersby.

But for Wayne State’s more than 600 military veteran students, the center’s resources speak volumes about the academic success made possible through the Office of Military and Veterans Academic Excellence (OMVAE).

Through OMVAE’s efforts, veterans receive academic advising, tutoring, mentoring and assistance completing the daunting paperwork required to access federal veteran education benefits.

Patrick Hannah, Student Veteran Resource Center manager, WSU alum and Marine Corps veteran, was instrumental in creating the Student Veterans Organization (SVO) and the resource center. Hannah says the center, which averages daily visits by 30 to 60 students, was designed to provide a “friendly environment that helps veterans making the transition from uniform to student.”

The transition continues as the student-driven SVO — known for its community service involvement — spearheads several projects ranging from food drives, an adopt-a-family program, Christmas card programs for veterans, and an ongoing clothing drive to support veterans in need. The VA estimates that more than 300,000 veterans are homeless on any given night.

For more information about OMVAE visit omveb.wayne.edu.

Salute to the Armed Forces

The Wayne State University Alumni Association, Office of Military and Veteran’s Academic Excellence and the School of Social Work will host a Salute to the Armed Forces tailgate at 10 a.m.  Saturday, Nov. 9, prior to the Warriors football game. Students get in free with a valid Onecard. Adult tickets are $8, children 6-12 are $3, 5 and under are free. Enjoy children’s activities, food trucks and performances from WSU cheerleaders and the WSU Marching Band. Download the event flyer for more information.