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Hunter Celebrates Veterans Day By Opening a New Student Veteran Resource Center

Hunter Celebrates Veterans Day By Opening a New Student Veteran Resource Center

Student veterans John Gutierrez and Shannone Cesar, Dean of Students Eija Ayravainen, President Jennifer J. Raab

President Jennifer J. Raab celebrated Veterans Day 2014 with a ribbon cutting at Hunter's new Student Veteran Resource Center (SVRC) in C118 North. The SVRC's move provides student veterans with a large, comfortable, computer-equipped space for relaxing, socializing or catching up on work.

Hunter's reputation for academic excellence and affordability draws many veterans. Low tuition enables the great majority to pay for their education with veterans' benefits, and because GI benefit checks often arrive late, the College allows matriculated veterans to pay at any time during the semester. Veterans are also eligible for priority registration, which gives them first pick of the classes they want at the times best for them - a major advantage for older students with families and jobs.

Colby Grace '15, an anthropology major, sculptor and National Guard veteran, is especially appreciative of the support he's received from Alex Rosero, who runs Hunter College Student Veteran Services, and Aliya Frazier, a Veteran Services staff member.

"They've been fantastic from day one, when I wandered into Alex Rosero's office and he answered all my questions," said Grace, a resident of Sunnyside, Queens. "I get calls from them all the time asking if I'd like to attend meetings and events. And because I'm all over the place, working a number of different jobs, it's wonderful that they take the time to reach out to me."

Grace, who will receive a BA and MA in anthropology when he graduates next spring, hopes to begin a career in forensics at a medical examiner's office. Meanwhile, he has a commission with Long Island MacArthur Airport to sculpt a statue of General Douglas MacArthur. He is also a recipient of the CUNY Veterans' Academic Excellence Award, which requires a GPA above 3.5.

Another recipient of the CUNY award is Stephanie Curley '15, a U.S. Army veteran. After serving as an ammunitions sergeant in Korea and Fort Knox, KY, Curley began her undergraduate studies at the College of Staten Island. She hopes to work in TV production and transferred to Hunter after learning of its outstanding media studies program.

"Alex Rosero has been great," she said, noting that he made her move to Hunter "an easy transition." Curley also has high praise for the Hunter faculty. "My teachers are very engaging," she said. "I'm very happy that I chose to go to this school."

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