Page 76 - Life in Naples November 2018

HODGES WELCOMES VETERANS

by Teresa M. Araque

aking the transition from military life, to
civilian life, and then academic life, poses its
own challenges for veteran students. At Hodges
M University, there is the Dr. Peter Thomas
Veterans Services Center (VSC) on the Naples and Fort Myers
campuses. It’s a place for them to relax, to socialize with fellow
student veterans, and a one-stop place to learn about additional
resources for them and their families.
The center was named for Peter Thomas, who served in the
U.S. Army during World War II and fought in five European
campaigns. His awards include five battle stars, the Bronze Star
and the Purple Heart. He and his wife, Stella, settled in Naples in
1966 and he continued his passion for supporting veterans, and an
illustrious career as an award-winning narrator.
“The Veteran Services has been paramount to me, as I was able
to discuss questions relating to the GI Bill benefits that I am using
Leticia Pizarro Padilla, manager, veterans services at Hodges University,
to attend Hodges,” said Phuc “Sean” Tran, US Army, Operation
assists a Hodges student veteran in the Dr. Peter Thomas veterans services
Enduring Freedom. “They were very helpful in providing me
center. The Naples and Fort Myers campuses each have a center designed
guidance and advice as a new student and even now as an about to
specifically to assist military veterans make that transition from military
be graduate in the making.”
to civilian to academic life. Hodges University, a Yellow Ribbon Program
Tran will graduate with his Bachelor’s in cyber security and participant and military friendly school, also offers veteran students tuition
computer forensics in 2019. discounts. Photo courtesy Hodges University.
Hodges University has been named among the Military
Times’ BEST colleges for 2018, and is designated as a military
friendly school.
“There truly are a lot of adjustments that you make once you and participates in The Yellow Ribbon Program, which allows
leave military service and return to civilian life,” said Leticia Pizarro qualifying veteran students who reached the top of the Veteran
Padilla, manager, Veterans Services at Hodges University, and who Administration’s cap of tuition and fees, to receive up to $6,000 in
was a staff sergeant in the New York State Army Guard. “We work additional tuition and fees assistance for the academic year.
with our veteran students to answer their education questions, and “Our mission is to provide a place where we support our
we can refer them to community resources. Throughout the year military veterans, service members and their families so they can
we also have events on campus and in the community, and now we reach their academic and career goals,” said Pizarro Padilla.
have designated parking on both campuses to thank and honor our “The VSC is a taste of that military camaraderie that all
veteran students for their service.” of us veterans came to know and love without realizing how
In fact, Hodges University is hosting a Veterans Resource definitively special this culture was, and how much it could
Fair and Family Fun Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, be missed in the hustle and bustle of the civilian world,” said
November 17 on the Naples campus. The event, sponsored by Jessica Dang, US Army, studying to earn her MBA. “Supporting
Wounded Warriors of Collier County, is free and open to the veterans shows the community that Hodges cares about those
public. Local Collier County employers and organizations who serve and protect our great nation, and that Hodges is now
will be available to provide information. Additionally, families doing its part to serve veterans and the community by having
can enjoy a variety of fun activities, including bounce houses, a military-friendly environment in which military personnel,
therapy horses, armored vehicle displays and food vendors. veterans, their children and spouses can be supported in their
Hodges University also offers veteran students tuition discounts transition to their new roles in civilian society.”

76 Life in Naples | November 2018