Media Advisory: SF State opens "VETS Corner" -- new student veterans center
SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 5, 2012 -- SF State will celebrate the opening of a new student veterans center on campus on Friday, Nov. 9. Known as the VETS Corner, the facility will provide student veterans with a place to socialize and connect with other vets, and also include a quiet study room with computer workstations. Furnishings and equipment for the new space were funded with donations from PG&E and HomeAid Northern California.
Members of the media are invited to attend the event, which will include a display of yellow ribbons in the University's Garden of Remembrance, a military color guard, the singing of the National Anthem, speeches and opportunities to interview student veterans.
Named one of the nation's top military-friendly schools by G.I. Jobs Magazine, SF State has expanded its support for military veterans in recent years. Two years ago, the campus opened a Veterans Services Center providing pre-admissions counseling, assistance with benefits, academic planning and career counseling. The University has established a new veterans scholarship named in honor of House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi.
WHAT: Official opening of student veterans center -- Excellent photo/filming opportunity
The event begins in the Garden of Remembrance (details below), where there will be a display of yellow ribbons, a military color guard, singing of the National Anthem and speeches. Proceedings will then move inside to the adjacent building, Burk Hall, for a ribbon cutting and reception in the VETS Corner. At the reception, there will be a display of items used by students during deployments, such as gas masks and helmets, and a "Wall of Heroes" showing photos of past and present student veterans at SF State.
WHEN: 11 a.m. – 12 noon, Friday, Nov. 9
WHO:
- Student veterans. Remarks by John Sonza, president of the VETS@SFSU student organization
- Elected officials including Congresswoman Jackie Speier
- Representatives from donor organizations: PG&E, Sentinels for Freedom and HomeAid Northern California
- University President Les Wong
WHERE:
Garden of Remembrance (located between Burk Hall and Fine Arts Building), San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Ave. Ribbon cutting and reception takes place in Burk Hall 153-155.
MEDIA RSVP AND PARKING:
Contact Elaine Bible in University Communications at (415) 338-1665 or ebible@sfsu.edu
SF State is the only master's level public university serving the counties of San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin. The university enrolls nearly 30,000 students each year. With nationally acclaimed programs in a range of fields -- from creative writing, cinema and biology to history, broadcast and electronic communications arts, theatre arts and ethnic studies -- the University's more than 212,000 graduates have contributed to the economic cultural and civic fabric of San Francisco and beyond.
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