Center for Vets earns gold-status again

By Abby Cowels
Associate Editor

For 10 years now, The LCC Center of Veteran and Family Support (CVFS) has been named a “gold-level” friendly service.

The gold-level designation is made by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, as a part of the Michigan Veteran-Friendly Schools Program that was initiated 10 years ago.

“‘Military Times Magazine” does a Best for Vets survey every year,” said Kyle Jakob, coordinator for the LCC CVFS. (It) takes a look at the college, or program, to see how well you’re supporting the veterans.

“It tends to be mostly universities, so for a community college to be on that (list) is huge. We’re proud to have that status, just be able to provide that validation for students.”

In the Military Times, readers will find that LCC is consistently named one of Michigan’s best community colleges.

“Students enjoy unsurpassed instruction, beautiful facilities, cutting-edge technology and comprehensive support services to help them succeed,” according to the website.

“It’s a big deal,” said Andrew Cosgrove, the director of the LCC CVFS. “It verifies that this is why we do this and this is why we exist. We are striving to be the best, and we are always looking to improve every year.”

Added Cosgrove: “The ultimate goal is that our veterans are receiving an education, so they can move on to their next goals in life. Many transfer to universities and some go right into their new careers. Many veterans have certain skill sets they can build careers from; they just need a guiding hand. LCC can provide that assistance moving forward, and (as they are) stepping back into the civilian world.”

Ferris State University transfer student Courtney Kemp raved about the services provided by the LCC CVFS and, specifically, Cosgrove.

“Andrew was actually the person I reached out to first when I was trying to make contact with the office at LCC,” Kemp said. “He helped me greatly. He got everything going in the right direction to start taking classes. Two weeks, jumped through a couple hoops, and they made it happen.”

The CVFS staff is keen on seeing its students succeed, which means supporting their health as well.

“Some vets find themselves struggling,” Jakob said. “We want to connect them with our resources to make that time in their life, or transition, a little bit easier.”

The CVFS inspires comraderies and communication, not only in the office, but from student to student.  

“I find myself finding a veteran in my class every semester,” Kemp said. “I make sure to keep poking them, making sure they are staying on track and getting what they deserve out of this. It makes me motivated.”

LCC operates as a more inclusive and safe space for individuals with a military background, thanks to the dedication of the CVFS.

“I love finding like-minded individuals and finding camaraderie,” said Yobani Enriquez, a business major. “(It is nice) having the support to push you into the right direction and encouraging you to take advantage of all of the benefits offered to you.”