Niagara University, once again demonstrating its commitment to being a “veteran friendly” campus, cut the ribbon on a newly renovated Veterans Lounge in DePaul Hall on the university’s Lewiston campus on Thursday, June 6. The ribbon cutting was held on the 75th anniversary of D-Day.
“Niagara University has a long and proud history with the United States Armed Forces, and today we extend that legacy for the men and women who have so bravely defended the freedoms so important to our country,” said the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., president of Niagara University. “It is our mission to serve our students to ensure their success on campus and in their chosen career. By providing our veteran students with a place to meet, study, and relax while they are on campus, they are better able to achieve academic success at Niagara University.”
The new lounge features computers, work stations, and a meeting area for students to use as needed while at Niagara. It also has a TV lounge, new furniture, a microwave, popcorn machine, and other amenities that students can use when taking a break from their academic work.
“The completion of the lounge is just another step in Niagara University’s commitment to improving the campus experience for our student-veterans,” said Robert Healy, director of veteran services. “We continue to be grateful for the service of the men and women who have given of themselves to make our freedoms a reality, and we will continue to help them achieve their goals as they transition into civilian life.”
Last month, Niagara University was recognized as the best in New York state and number 2 in the country for “Best Education Programs for Veterans,” according to the higher education insights firm College Factual. This is the second year in a row that Niagara is the top school in the Empire State for veterans studying education. Niagara is also ranked as one of the country’s top 10 small private schools for American military veterans and their families, according to 2018-2019 rankings from Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs, STEM Jobs, and Military Spouse – and Niagara University was also ranked as a Best for Veterans by U.S. News and World Report.
Niagara University has a long history of honoring and supporting military students, veterans, and their families. The Catholic and Vincentian university supports a U.S. Army ROTC program, which placed third in the nation on the National Accessions Outcome Metrics List in 2017, and participates in the Department of Veterans Affairs GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program, a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008.
Military alumni of Niagara include two Medal of Honor recipients, Gen. William Donovan and Lt. John Bobo, and a humanitarian nominated for sainthood, Father Nelson Baker.
For more information about Niagara University’s efforts to assist American veterans, please call 716.286.8341 or visit www.niagara.edu/veterans