The Veteran

December 2024 Newsletter

Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024

PSU's Day of Giving is right around the corner, and this year it's a month-long fundraiser to support students across campus, including the VRC's Hardship Fund.

Because of donors amazing generosity, we were able to provide small grants to 12 student Veterans last year.  Your support made a real difference for student Veterans facing unexpected challenges, and we can’t thank you enough. This year, we’re hoping you’ll help us do it again!

Our goal is to raise $2,400+ to support student Veterans in need. If we meet our goal, we’ll be able to step up for at least 10 Veterans who might otherwise go without support. 

Every dollar makes an impact, and your kindness shows our Veteran students they’re not alone.

4:30 - 7:30 PM | December 4th, 2024

We are super excited to invite you to join the VRC for an engaging training and discussion on preventing Veteran suicide. The training is open to all students, faculty, and staff and will be worth 3 CEU’s for mental health professionals and potentially extra credit for students who coordinate with their professors!

Snacks/dinner will be provided, hurrah!

The Returning Veteran Project, Lines for Life, and SHAC will be conducting the training, on topics including factors that positively or negatively impact mental health, how to have conversations with Veterans about suicide, assessment and safety planning, and the road map to healing and integrating after "coming home.”   

We hope you'll join us in learning about these important topics!

VetsWork is a career development internship program for military veterans interested in the natural resources management, public lands, and environment sector.

VetsWork participants are placed at local, state, and federal land management agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), where they provide project support while learning about various career paths.

2:30 - 3:30 PM | December 11th, 2024

Want to get involved with the Veteran community at PSU? Become a VRC Advisory Board Member! The board meets to help advise, recommend actions, and vote on matters related to the VRC and those we serve. All PSU community members are welcome!

Along with becoming a voting board member, the VRC Advisory board will also be holding elections for chaired positions, including President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Communications Officer this November!

Come take a break in the VRC Mind Spa, the best cozy spot on campus to recharge! With the warm glow of vitamin D lights, a super comfy massage chair, and plenty of greenery, it's the perfect place to relax and reset.

9:00 - 11:30 AM | Every Wednesday

Join us every Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM for Coffee Talk at the VRC! Come enjoy free hot coffee, some snacks, and the chance to relax with other students and Veterans. Whether you're looking to chat, make new friends, or just take a break, we'd love see you there!

The PSU McNair Scholars Program works with undergraduates who are first-generation and low-income, or are under-represented that want to pursue graduate or doctoral studies. McNair scholars conduct research under the supervision of faculty mentors and become competitive candidates for doctoral programs. 

From December 23rd to January 3rd, the VRC will be following an updated holiday schedule. The VRC space will be physically open from 10 AM - 3 PM on Mondays and Thursdays during this time period. On Tuesdays & Fridays, the physical center will be closed, but we will be available remotely via our Zoom front desk, discord, phone, and/or email. Contact us now!

The VRC and the entirety of PSU will be closed on 2/25/2024 and 01/01/2025 in observance of federal holidays.