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AUGUSTA — The University of Maine at Augusta recently held a grand opening celebration for its new Veterans Academic Center on the Augusta campus, 46 University Drive. The new center is located in Room 41 of the Katz Library.
The prior veterans lounge had been located on the second floor of the Randall Student Center. The new VAC will provide additional space for UMA’s veteran student population. The VAC will serve as a place to take online exams, write and print papers, and study.
Additionally, the center was designed in a thoughtful manner with an eye toward improving accessibility for those using the space. Color schemes and LED lighting provide a more conducive environment for those with the invisible wounds of war, such as traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. Touch-screen computers and other technology upgrades are part of the new design.
Most importantly, the VAC will continue to provide a safe environment and place for fellow veterans to seek and lend support to each other and interact with the UMA Office of Military and Veterans’ Services staff.
The celebration included remarks by UMA president, Rebecca M. Wyke; University of Maine System Chancellor James H. Page; and Amy Line, director of Military and Veterans Services.
Special guests included retired Capt. Robert G. Fuller Jr., JAGC, USNR, and board member of the Windover Foundation, which provided grant funding for the renovations, and Randall Liberty, Maine State Prison warden, combat veteran and 1998 UMA alumnus. Chaplain Andrew L. Gibson, colonel and senior Army chaplain, provided the benediction.
UMA has a rich tradition of supporting military and veteran students, committed to educating and providing opportunities to veterans, service members and families. As such, UMA has earned it the following designations for 2017:
* Military Friendly School (seventh year)
* Military Times Best for Vets Colleges (fifth year)
* Military Advanced Education & Transition Top School (seventh year)
* U.S. News & World Report 30th Best Online Bachelor’s Degree for Veterans
