Already recognized among the country’s top 10 small private schools for American military veterans and their families, Niagara University will be making major upgrades to its Veterans Lounge to better serve the needs of veteran students on campus.

The new lounge, which will be located in DePaul Hall, will have computers, computer work stations and a meeting area for students to use as needed while at Niagara. It will also feature a TV lounge, new furniture, a microwave, popcorn machine and other amenities for students to take a break from their academic work.  

“The addition 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 veterans’ services. “We are 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 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. Niagara ranked in the top 10 for private colleges and universities with less than 10,000 students, the same designation it carried in 2017.

In December of last year, Niagara University was the only institution of higher education from Western New York to appear on College Choice’s rankings of the “50 Best Colleges for Veterans in 2017.”

People smiling at a press conference

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.

To contribute to the Veterans Lounge project, please visit https://support.niagara.edu/donate and choose "Other - write-in" in the "Fund" drop-down menu.