The University of Georgia’s Student Veterans Resource Center (SVRC) has marked a year of significant growth and success, celebrating increased enrollment, notable achievements, and the recognition of student veterans and their families.
Since July 2021, the student veteran population at UGA has surged by an impressive 76 percent. The SVRC now supports 370 students across the Athens campus and extended locations, including Buckhead. This growth coincides with an increasing cost of living, highlighting the critical need for financial aid and support services for these students.
Responding to this need, donor support for military-focused scholarships and grants has expanded considerably. Thanks to the generosity of over 30 donors, the SVRC awarded an outstanding $450,000 in scholarships and grants throughout 2024.
“These figures are truly remarkable, and we have immense gratitude,” stated Jon Segars, Director of the SVRC. “In just a few short years, our scholarship and grant funding has tripled, enabling us to provide crucial support to a significantly larger number of student veterans each semester.” Segars, as the UGA Student Veterans Resource Center Director, plays a pivotal role in this expansion, advocating for and leading the center’s initiatives.
The Fall 2024 Veterans Scholarship Ceremony on November 7th at the Tate Student Center Grand Hall was a testament to this growth, welcoming over 250 students, families, and donors. A record-breaking 206 veterans received scholarships and grants this semester, totaling $260,000 in awards.
Among the pressing needs addressed by these funds are rising living costs. Food scholarships alone reached $15,000, reflecting the financial challenges faced by many student veterans. A significant concern remains the lack of adequate housing allowances for a large portion of this population, with over 30 percent not receiving full GI Bill benefits and another eight percent receiving only partial support.
Beyond financial assistance, the SVRC ensured veterans were honored throughout November. A poignant tradition saw students place 700 American flags in the UGA Memorial Garden, located behind the Miller Learning Center. This annual flag placement commemorates the nearly 700,000 veterans residing in Georgia, connecting the student veterans’ experience to the broader veteran community. The Miller Learning Center, serving as a central point on campus, provides a meaningful location for this tribute.
Further celebrating their service, 120 students contributed military photos to the Veterans Appreciation art display in the Tate Student Center main lobby. Student veterans and their families also enjoyed additional events, activities, and donor acknowledgements throughout the month.
Under the direction of Jon Segars, a retired Army officer, the UGA Student Veteran Resource Center has been a vital resource for over a decade. Supported by Assistant Director Mandy Levi and dedicated VA Work Study students, the SVRC team is committed to providing personalized services and programs. Their primary goals are to facilitate a smooth transition to university life, enhance the UGA experience for veterans, and prepare them for successful careers.
For further details about the SVRC, available opportunities for student veterans, and ways to contribute, please visit https://svrc.uga.edu/.
