Hub for student veterans hosting grand reopening

Someone sitting at a table reaching into a backpack in the WSU Veterans Center.
The new center includes designated offices for half a dozen staff as well as an adjacent space featuring comfortable seating, lockers for storage, and a snack and coffee bar.

The hub for student veterans on the Pullman campus has undergone a significant renovation and is being unveiled today.

The Pullman Office of the Veterans & Military Affiliated Student Services Center, or VMASS, supports hundreds of students based on the campus and upwards of 1,300 students across the WSU system. A combination of new and renovated space gives these students refreshed spaces to work and study as well as a homey environment where they can relax or attend events hosted by student clubs.

“The students who’ve seen the space already are really happy and excited,” Penny Martinez, manager of veterans and military affiliated students, said. “With this renovation project, they are seeing themselves and their contributions to the campus community being recognized.”

“With this renovation project, they are seeing themselves and their contributions to the campus community being recognized.”

Penny Martinez, manager of veterans and military affiliated students
Washington State University

The space is scheduled to be officially unveiled at noon Monday, Jan. 23, and all members of the WSU community are invited to attend. Food, drink and cake will be provided following opening remarks from Elizabeth Chilton, chancellor of the WSU Pullman campus as well as provost and executive vice president.

The new center includes designated offices for half a dozen staff as well as an adjacent space featuring comfortable seating, lockers for storage, and a snack and coffee bar. Outside the office is a work-study space complete with sit-stand desks and booths that have been buzzing with studying students since they were installed.

The WSU Veterans & Military Affiliated Student Center and Office on the Pullman campus is located in room 120BA in the Holland Library, accessible through Terrell Library. 

Empty couches in the WSU Veterans Center.
The newly renovated center provides students spaces to work and study as well as a homey environment where they can relax or attend events hosted by student clubs.

Martinez and her team at the center serve as a one-stop shop for students using military benefits as well as those still affiliated that have questions about things like insurance. Center staff help students ensure eligibility for tuition assistance and waivers as well as making sure WSU remains in compliance with its federal and state partners. The renovation project was supported in part by revenue generated from services and activities fees as well as contributions from former WSU Board of Regents member Scott Carson and Facilities Services.

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