70th Anniversary grant Spotlights - Great Falls

   The University of Providence in Great Falls recently reopened its Veterans’ Student Center in Sullivan Hall following a complete renovation of the space.

   The university received a $7,000 grant in August from the Town Pump Charitable Foundation to help fund the refurbishment. The new Veterans’ Student Center now has a more welcoming environment for active and retired military to gather and study.

   “As the coordinator of University-Military Relations, it was truly my honor to work on this endeavor,” said Dr. Deanna Koepke, who also is an associate professor of sociology at the university. “We owe thanks to the Town Pump Charitable Foundation for the grant, Chet Pietrykowski and the Physical Plant for their hard work on the project, and Southwest Contracting for giving us a discount on the new furniture.”

   “It is our hope that the refreshed space will welcome veterans and military family members for years to come,” she added. “It will make a huge difference for our campus.”

   Located minutes away from Malmstrom Air Force Base, the University of Providence finds value in supporting active military and veterans by offering educational and financial aid opportunities, accepting military benefits, and establishing a renewed space to gather, Koepke added.

   “The Veterans’ Center is a space designated for use by our veteran students and military family members,” she said. “It provides them with the opportunity to be surrounded by others who understand what the military members and their families have sacrificed due to their service. Having the center allows UP to demonstrate how much we value their presence on campus and in the classroom, and how much we appreciate their service to our country.”

   The Veterans’ Student Center enjoyed its grand reopening Nov. 10 in conjunction with Veterans Day that weekend.