University of Iowa focuses on serving student veterans

9/5/2013 3:00:26 PM

Click Image to view larger

The University of Iowa recently reaffirmed its commitment to student veterans by making improvements to its Military and Veteran Student Services office.

According to the Press-Citizen, the University updated the office with a new paint job, eight new computers, new furniture and a television.

"You are part of us," said University President Sally Mason during a ceremony unveiling the upgrades. "You are very much part of the fabric of this great university. Veterans are not a group that needs help. They're a group of high energy, intelligence and independence."

The office was created in 2006 and currently serves approximately 500 University of Iowa students who self-identify as veterans. Additionally, 300 staff and faculty members at the university also identify as veterans.

Speaking to the Press-Citizen, Michael Considine, a junior at the university and president of its Veterans Association, said that it's important for student veterans to have services devoted to them, as it can be difficult to transition back to college life after service in the military.

"I can't imagine what it would be like to be out of academia for four, six, 20 years and try to get back in," Considine said. "So that's why this space is so important."

Contact The Federal Savings Bank, a veteran owned financial institution, to explore VA home loan eligibility and current VA mortgage rates.