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Pocono News Section
Yellow Ribbon Program at Susquehanna University
Yellow Ribbon Program at Susquehanna University - Monday, September 21, 2009 at 5:45PM EST
Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Monday, Sep 21, 2009 @ 05:45pm EDT
Selinsgrove, Snyder County-
Returning war veterans in central Pennsylvania have a new opportunity to take advantage of higher education.
Susquehanna University is now taking part in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Veterans around Selinsgrove believe the program is a valuable opportunity for current soldiers returning from war.
Selinsgrove V. F.W. Quartermaster Harold Aucker said, "I think it's great these young guys coming home can get a good four-year education. Because we all know today, without a sheepskin, it's hard to get a job."
The program- part of the post 9/11 G. I. Bill- helps fund tuition for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Participating universities also match a portion of that funding.
Aucker noted, "I'm glad to see Susquehanna and some of the other colleges getting into this program and showing their support for the returning veterans."
Susquehanna University Vice-President of Enrollment Management Debbie Stieffel said, "I think it's just one of the things we could do to show our gratitude for what they have given to the rest of us."
University officials believe adding veterans to the campus will create a whole new dynamic.
Steiffel explained, "You know, when you have a veteran in the classroom, the conversation's going to be a little bit different. And we want our students to experience more diversity."
Susquehanna will accept as many as 100 qualifying veterans each year through the Yellow Ribbon Program on a first-come, first-served basis.
To enroll, a veteran must have completed 36 months of service after September 10th, 2001- or have been honorably discharged due to a combat-related disability.
The veteran can also choose to pass the benefit on to a dependent.
Selinsgrove American Legion Commander Ron Cowan added, "It's so important because our nation needs strong, smart young people to carry us on in the future. And these young veterans are good, hard-working people and they deserve every opportunity they can get."
Dozens of colleges and universities around the state are participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program. To see the full list, check out the . | | |
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