Center for Military Student Support
Pacific Lutheran University has historically provided veterans and their families with support, both during and following their time in service to our country.
The Center for Military Support seeks to uplift our veterans and military-affiliated students by providing resources and care during your academic journey at PLU through a holistic support system.
For the 2024-2025 academic year, we will have four staff members serving who have specific roles in health, resource navigation, advising, and accommodations working in the Center for Military Support. We hope to see you there.
Additional Locations for Veteran Support On-Campus
Wellbeing Services and Resources
Their focus is to promote holistic wellbeing across various facets of your student experience. Whether it’s mental and physical health, academic support, or basic needs, the WSR dedicated team is by your side by providing resources and care.
Center for Diversity, Justice, and Sustainability:
A community space located in Anderson University Center. It is focused on diversity, justice, and sustainability (DJS) and minoritized identity support & engagement. The Center consists of offices where you can find amazing staff, the DJS Lounge (where you can hang out or study), the DJS Classroom (across from the Lute Locker – where you can study), and the Cave.
The Center for Student Success:
Meet with an advisor or just hang out in a talking-allowed space in the library with plenty of whiteboards for brainstorming all your best project ideas.
History of Military Support at PLU
- 2020 – COVID-19 causes unprecedented changes in higher education and classes move 100% online
- 2021 – University establishes the Assistant Director for Military Student Support position to run the Center for Military Support, and hires Alanna Rathkopf to fulfill the duties and responsibilities assigned to that position.
- 2021 – University returns to on-campus activities and classes!
- 2022 – Center for Military Student Support expands and relocates to Anderson University Center.
- 2023 – Center for Military Student Support joins Wellbeing Services and Resources
- More history to come!
- 2010 – The first Vet Corps Navigator position founded by Michael Farnum and housed in the Diversity Center. PLU Student Veterans Association founded by Alyssa Mehl. PLU becomes Washington Department of Veterans Affairs “Partners for Veteran Supportive Campuses.”
- 2012 – Diversity Center hires Nicole Juliano as the Programs Coordinator. As part of her duties, Juliano helps oversee support of veteran students.
- 2013 – University establishes Director for Military Outreach position, and hires Michael Farnum to fulfill the duties and responsibilities assigned to the position. Kridler Lounge opens space to allow for military-affiliated student usage.
- 2017-2018 – University opens Center for Military Support, located in Room 107, Hauge Administration Building. This location acts as the primary office for the Director of Military Outreach, an office space for the Vet Corps Navigator, and finally as a lounge/meeting space for military-affiliated students.
- 2018 – Military-affiliated websites created. Sites make navigation easier for students, faculty, staff members and community partners.
- 2001-2002 – PLU becomes host school for ROTC and the Lute Battalion is exclusive to PLU.
- 1986-1987 – PLU begins to offer Army ROTC program separate from the previously affiliated institutions. Now in partnership with Seattle University.
- 1996 – PLU establishes Veterans Affairs Coordinator position and hires Neshell Chabot to fulfill the role. As the VA coordinator, Chabot provides support for assigned regions in areas related to certification of enrollments for students receiving MGIB and VA Vocational Rehabilitation benefits. Assists staff and faculty with inquiries about the student records for these students.
- 1979 – AFROTC program held at UPS in conjunction with UPS, PLU, St Martins, Ft. Steilacoom, and TCC. There are two-year and four-year programs available.
- 1945-1946 – GIs return from World War II. Campus military-affiliated population pose for photograph on the steps of Harstad Hall and also in a World War II Willys Jeep.
- 1946 – PLU welcomes Veterans Administration Training Officers to host weekly meetings to assist veterans with issues obtaining benefits.
- 1959 – PLU has a Veteran’s Club. Members include: Row 1: J. Armstong, C. Standifer, P. Benson, Mr. Farmer, advisor; W. Lennon, J. Baughman, D. Vaughn, D. Roberts. Row 2: B. Freeman, L. Robinson, D. Hollingsworth, E. Mellum, R. Kuper, G. Vine, K. Olsen, L. Schoenberg, F. Squires, E. Katz.
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