AVONDALE, Arizona – September 26, 2013 – The increasing population of returning military has many businesses and colleges across our nation providing opportunities for these brave men and women to return to civilian life, and helping them to rebuild careers.
In September 2013, Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) celebrated the Grand Opening of its new Veterans Center to a crowd of honored guests, including city and district officials, community leaders, veterans, faculty, staff and students. Keynote speaker, Paul Smiley, President of Sonoran Technology and Professional Services, located in Goodyear, Arizona, spoke of the critical importance this center served for the West Valley and urged local business leaders to support the new center.
EMCC, one of the ten Maricopa Community Colleges, has always been committed to assisting military personnel, veterans and their dependents with their college and career goals. In the past couple of years, the increase in this population made it evident to campus administrators that the Veterans Center needed to be expanded not only in square footage, but in services and personnel.
“Our population of veteran students continues to grow here at EMCC and the vision of the administration has grown along with it,” said Dr. Ernie Lara, President of EMCC, who is a military veteran and serves on the board of directors of Luke Air Force Base Honorary Commanders Program.
The provide comprehensive, "one-stop" service to Veterans seeking academic support including assistance with class registration, degree planning, financial benefit requests, registering for classes, tuition deferment options, providing book deferment, and many additional services necessary to support overall educational success, including counseling and disability services.
“The process of returning to civilian life and starting college can often be very overwhelming, especially the financial aid options,” said Nancy Fisher, EMCC Coordinator of Veterans Services. “It is our sincere desire that this space will provide answers, direction and a welcome home atmosphere for veterans.”