Beginning in February, Bellarmine University presents a series of free programs about the experiences veterans cope with in transitioning from military to college and into the workforce.
The “Warrior to Scholar to Leader” seminar consists of three veteran-mediated panel discussions. Student veterans will share personal insights into the issues veterans encounter when leaving active service.
The series, which is free and open to the public, is presented in conjunction with the Bellarmine Student Veterans’ Association and Athena’s Sisters, a Louisville-based organization for military women. Each event includes a question and answer session.
“We are excited about this unique program where the audience gets to listen in on our conversation,” said senior Neil Goldstein, president of the Bellarmine Student Veterans’ Association. “Our aim is for this series to promote better understanding in the community, while at the same time, hoping our experience can guide other veterans as they transition to school and civilian life.”
The first session, “Transitioning from Military to University,” seeks to prepare veterans for the challenges of moving from active service into the classroom. Student veteran panelists will discuss the issues, surprises and difficulties they encountered entering college. Traditional students and faculty are also invited to attend this session, to learn more about the unique challenges student veterans face. This session is Saturday, February 20, 2016, from noon to 2 p.m. in Clayton Hall #234 [campus map]. A box lunch will be served.
The second session, “Women Veterans’ Transition Experiences,” will be moderated by Lindsay Gargotto, founder of Athena’s Sisters and the 2014 Kentucky Veteran of the Year. A panel of women veterans will discuss their transition from military to civilian life. This session is Friday, March 11, at 6 p.m. in Allen Hall Room 460A. Snacks will be served.
The final session, “Skills Veterans Bring to the Workplace,” will feature a panel discussion on the benefits, challenges and skills their military time provided. They will describe the skills they gained during their military service as a valuable commodity that can be put to use as a student and, later, as an employee. This session is Thursday, April 14, at 6 p.m. in the George G. Brown Center’s Frazier Hall. Snacks will be served.