On the 8th day of giving, offer support to a vet, military service member

As Arizona State University gears up to win the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl, Dec. 29, in San Francisco, the university is taking the opportunity to offer suggestions for 12 Days of Giving in order to make a big difference this season and celebrate the university’s outreach role in the community.

Day 8
Offer support to a veteran or military service member.

The university greatly appreciates and honors those who have served in defense of our country. ASU’s Pat Tillman Veterans Center is a way to give back to our military by offering support to ASU’s student veteran and active military population.

Arizona State University has been named a “Military Friendly School for 2013” by G.I. Jobs magazine for four consecutive years. The list honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools that are leaders in providing educational support benefits and paths to success to military veterans.

ASU also has been named one of the top 10 universities for veterans in 2011 by Military Times Edge magazine.

The 1,739 colleges, universities and trade schools on this year’s list exhibit leading practices in the recruitment and retention of students with military experience.  

"ASU and the Pat Tillman Veterans Center remain committed to continued development of programs and policies to support veterans and their families,” said Steven Borden, director of the Pat Tillman Veterans Center.

In 2011 the university opened the Pat Tillman Veterans Center on the Tempe campus to connect veterans with academic and support service, as well as assist with certifying educational benefits.

Additionally, ASU was chosen as a University Partner for the 2012-2013 academic year in support of the Tillman Military Scholars program, which provides scholarships for active and veteran service members as well as their spouses.

In 2008 the Pat Tillman Foundation established the Tillman Military Scholars program, dedicated to supporting educational opportunities for service members and their families by filling the financial gaps in the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. The Tillman Military Scholars program covers not only direct study-related expenses such as tuition and fees, but also other needs, including housing and child care.

Veteran enrollment has risen to 1,727 students in 2012.  There are currently 2,323 students at ASU who are receiving educational benefits, doubling the number since fall of 2009.

For more information on ASU's programs and services for veteran students, visit students.asu.edu/military or call Christian Rauschenbach, program manager for ASU Veterans Services, at 480-965-3115.