Columbus Student Veteran Organization receives grant

The Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University has awarded a $2,000 grant to the Student Veteran and Military Club of Columbus, which will use the money to assist and support student service members and veterans on campus.

The award was one of seven grants awarded through Operation Diploma, a Military Family Research Institute (MFRI) initiative launched through a $5.8 million gift from Lilly Endowment Inc. Operation Diploma empowers Indiana’s higher education institutions and Student Veterans Organizations to better serve student service members, veterans entering college for the first time, and those re-entering college after extended service or deployment.

The Student Veteran and Military Club of Columbus includes students from the Purdue’s College of Technology, IUPUC and Ivy Tech Community College, all in Columubs. The students support each other, other student veterans and their families through various projects.

“We are mindful of all those who supported us, so we want to help others,” said Jim Wolfe, president of the SVMA. “We support the USO at Camp Atterbury, and thanks to a donation from IUPUC, we installed 12 computer desks at there.” SVMA will use the Operation Diploma grant to enhance their position on the campus and build on their earlier successes on projects.

“I am very pleased with what these students have accomplished,” said Jack Head, assistant director of Purdue College of Technology location in Columbus. “With the assistance of the MFRI, Operation Diploma and this grant, the students will continue to build a strong support organization that will help new students feel more comfortable as they transition from military life to civilian and college life.”

Read the full news release.