Remodel transforms WNC Veterans Resource Center into home away from home for student vets
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Tue, 06/13/2023 - 7:22am
Event Date:
June 14, 2023 - 4:30pm
Veterans may never want to leave the newly remodeled Veterans Resource Center at Western Nevada College.
Thanks to NV Energy Foundation’s generous donation to Western Nevada College Foundation and the fundraising efforts of Carson City Chamber’s 2023 Leadership Institute, the college’s Veterans Resource Center has transformed into a home-away-from home for the college’s veterans with many new amenities and technology.
“I want to personally thank each and every person from the bottom of my heart for their contributions to the Veterans Resource Center remodel,” said WNC Veterans Resource Center Coordinator John Jacobson. “This is truly a blessing to the veterans and their families and will accommodate them in many ways while they pursue their educational pathway here at Western Nevada College.”
To recognize the generosity of the donors and unveil the new Veterans Resource Center to the college and community, a grand opening and ribbon-cutting event is planned for 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, in Cedar Building 300. The community is invited to attend the family friendly event. Refreshments will be provided and there will be games for children.
“There were so many people who made this transformation possible, starting with NV Energy Foundation, for their generous donations toward the VRC refresh, as well aa the Veterans Club here at WNC,” Jacobson said. “The Carson City Chamber Leadership Class of 2023, for their time and efforts to fundraise and coordinate the changes, and finally, all of the State of Nevada Veteran organizations from Nevada Department of Veteran Services to the independently operated organizations that supported us through this transformation and support our veterans here in Nevada.”
NV Energy Foundation donated $25,000 to support the renovation of the Veterans Resource Center and provide outreach, training materials, workshops, events, and Veterans Club activities. Its thoughtful donation covered the purchases of new furniture, a new cabinet, an Apple computer, iPad and new flag poles.
The Carson City Chamber Leadership Institute Class of 2023 also became involved when they chose the VRC’s renovation as its class project and set out collecting donations and presenting a fundraising event (‘80s Dance Party).
These fundraising efforts provided the VRC with a new smart TV, new height-adjusting desks and chairs, laptop computers, a conference table and chairs, a small entertainment center, new game systems, a new recliner, artwork and fresh paint to complete refurbishing the rooms.
Jacobson said the remodel gives the veteran students a balance of education and entertainment resources.
“The VRC now has its very own quiet study space with three desks that are adjustable for sitting or standing and, most importantly, accommodate wheelchairs,” he said. “The desks are also equipped with computers, one Mac and two PCs, for their use.
Other resources include a 65-inch TV with an Xbox and PlayStation to help them decompress from the stressors of college and, most importantly, a snack bar stocked with food and beverages so they never go hungry.”
The fundraising campaign also enabled the VRC to purchase a BBQ, outdoor folding tables, coolers, food warmers, a cornhole game set and canopy for Veterans Club events and activities.
Cherrice Dotson, a WNC employee, veteran and Carson City Leadership 2023 member who created the mural, said the project is a way to honor WNC’s student veterans for their military service.
“The refurbished VRC will become a comfortable place to connect with like-minded individuals and develop camaraderie with fellow student Veterans. As well as a quiet place to study with access to computers and technology or a place to relax and take a break from studying,” she said. “The improved VRC space, along with WNC providing resources and support, will better ensure our student Veterans succeed in their academic goals and life.”
Jacobson works with representatives of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America and the American Legion to ensure that the personal and educational needs of WNC student veterans are met.
“We make it a one-stop shop for them. The VRC will make it happen to increase the success of our student veterans,” Jacobson said.
The event will also include a raffle prize drawing. Purchase tickets for $20 each or six for $100, or make a donation by contacting Cherrice at 775-720-1903 or email ccleadership2023@gmail.com.
To learn more about the VRC and what it does for veteran students, contact Jacobson at john.jacobson@wnc.edu or 775-445-3301.
