UGA student veterans share personal impact of donors’ generosity
Stories of hope and endurance shed light on how University of Georgia donors truly make a difference in student veterans lives through endowed scholarships and gifts awarded by the UGA Student Veterans Resource Center (SVRC).
Thirty percent of military-affiliated students at UGA do not have education benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; an additional eight percent receive only partial benefits. With an average age of 34, UGA student veterans face more than just the traditional challenges of college. They are juggling commitments from family and career, to long commutes and child-care. Essentials like paying for food, housing and transportation are among their top concerns with the rising cost of living.
Allen Espinal, a fourth-year computer science major, served five years in the Navy as a cryptologic maintenance technician and is set to graduate this year. Espinal shares his appreciation for SVRC donors, “I was relying heavily on my monthly VA student allowance to cover all my expenses since I had to take classes during the work day. It didn’t come close to meeting needs, so receiving a scholarship helped ease my financial stress. Because of SVRC donor support, I could focus on school without constantly worrying about money. I’m so very thankful.”
On April 29, the SVRC held its 12th annual Honor Cord and Scholarship Ceremony to a crowd of over 260 attendees. Veterans, families, friends and donors poured into the Tate Student Center Grand Hall to take part in this academic and military tradition. UGA President Jere Morehead presented red, white and blue honor cords to 50 student veterans set to graduate in 2025, pausing to thank each one and pose for photos. A record 113 student veterans will earn their diplomas this calendar year.
Associate Dean of Students Barrett Malone said, “The incredible generosity of our donors has opened doors to success for UGA’s student veterans, providing access to vital resources and opportunities that might have otherwise been out of reach. What makes the scholarship ceremony truly special is the chance for students to personally connect with donors and share how these gifts have transformed their lives.”
Noell Phillips.
“Attending an institution that walks the walk is something I find worth bragging to others about. The scholarships that I have been blessed to receive here at UGA have relieved some of my financial burdens from commuting to Georgia, school supplies, and purchasing materials outside of the classroom, which have introduced me to additional tools that will benefit my career,” said Noell Phillips. A Marine Corps veteran, Noell served 8 years as a construction wireman and is set to graduate with a master’s in learning, leadership & organizational development.
Student veterans earned more than $400,000 in endowed scholarships and awards made possible through the unwavering support of 35 donors, including $100,000 from the UGA Foundation. Donors give from the heart in ways that continue to change the lives of UGA veterans. Endowed scholarships with the SVRC are based on everything from a loved ones’ branch of service or academic major to simply a proven need through meetings with Director and retired Army veteran, Jon Segars.
Shakine Hardaway served five years in the active Army and later the Army National Guard as a logistics specialist. He will graduate this year with a bachelor’s degree in computer science.
“The student veteran scholarships have benefited my life by giving me some financial leeway to purchase technology and other supplies needed for school. I noticed early on that technology was not a want but actually a need, a requirement, especially for these higher-level mathematical classes. So,” Hardaway continues, “‘the scholarships have really been a lifeline.”
Conner Nolan is an international affairs major with a double minor in English and history. She served five years in the Marine Corps where she was an intelligence analyst. “I received a scholarship through the SVRC and shortly after, I found out that I got accepted to study abroad at the University of Oxford this fall. The donor funds will help me achieve that dream without worry of paying for necessities and set me up for future success,” said Nolan.
Connor Nolan navigate UGA together.
Since 2013, The SVRC, with the help of the entire UGA family, has responded to the unique needs of our military veterans and service members with wrap around support. While many institutions serve these special students, the University of Georgia sets the standard by which excellence is measured.
For more information on the Student Veterans Resource Center visit their website here. If you are interested in supporting UGA student veterans financially, learn more here about our student veterans and the mission of the SVRC.