SF State establishes scholarship for veterans in honor of Leader Nancy Pelosi

SAN FRANCISCO, February 29, 2012 -- San Francisco State University has established a scholarship for student veterans, named in honor of House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi. The Nancy Pelosi Scholarship Program for National Service honors Pelosi's 25 years of service in the U.S. Congress.

University President Robert A. Corrigan announced the scholarship on Feb. 28 at a reception on Capitol Hill attended by Pelosi.

"Leader Pelosi is one of Congress' strongest advocates of veterans," Corrigan said. "SF State shares her commitment to them and is proud to welcome veterans on campus. This scholarship, named in her honor, will help those deserving students to stay in school, graduate, and go on to good careers."  

During her time as Speaker of the House, Pelosi championed the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which provides financial support for veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars to earn college degrees. She has also championed the VOW to Hire Heroes Act and the Veterans Job Corps. A longtime friend and supporter of SF State, Pelosi visited the campus in 2010 to meet with student veterans.

The Pelosi Scholarship Program for National Service will supplement existing GI bill benefits. The first awards are planned for fall 2012.

"This support could touch a lot of lives in a positive way," said SF State Veterans Services Coordinator Rogelio Manaois. "Some student veterans don't have all their education costs covered because the G.I. bill benefits are pro-rated depending on your length of active duty after 9/11. This means some of our vets are looking for funding to make up the shortfall and allow them to complete their degrees."

The scholarship adds to a range of SF State's support for veterans. They receive priority class registration and the University recently opened the Veterans Services Center, which offers pre-admissions counseling, assistance with benefits, academic planning and career counseling.

There are currently 430 veterans and 330 veterans' dependents enrolled at SF State.

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 and graduates about 8,000 annually. With nationally acclaimed programs in a range of fields -- from creative writing, cinema and biology to history, broadcast and electronic communication arts, theatre arts and ethnic studies -- the University’s more than 205,000 graduates have contributed to the economic, cultural and civic fabric of San Francisco and beyond.

For previous stories about veterans at SF State, see the following:

Speaker Pelosi visits veterans on campus: http://www.sfsu.edu/~news/2010/fall/10.html

Campus opens veterans services center: http://www.sfsu.edu/~news/2010/fall/39.html

Veterans Services Center celebrates success: http://www.sfsu.edu/~news/2011/fall/30.html