Adrian College Offers Full Scholarship To Disabled Veteran posted 6/19/08
College now accepting applications for ‘Operation Education’

ADRIAN, Mich. – Adrian College is proud to announce it is now accepting applications for its newest scholarship program benefiting disabled American veterans. The College is welcoming all applications for the fall 2008 semester.

The program, which is called ‘Operation Education’, will offer a disabled American veteran, who was injured during combat in Afghanistan or Iraq post Sept. 11, 2001, a full scholarship toward earning his or her college degree.

This scholarship will be given to a deserving veteran each year. The scholarship will accompany each student throughout their education at the College until they graduate.

Operation Education comes to the College as a blueprint from the University of Idaho. The University of Idaho is the founder of the scholarship and officially launched it in July 2006. This is the only program of its kind in the country at this time and Adrian College is the first college or university to offer it in the state of Michigan.

In a letter from University of Idaho President Timothy White, he asked Adrian College President Jeffrey Docking to join in their efforts of assisting disabled American veterans in earning a college education. President Docking graciously accepted and is delighted that the College has been given an opportunity to help these individuals.

“The young men and women who risk their lives each day in Iraq and Afghanistan are heroes to all of us,” says Docking. “All Americans, regardless of whether they support these wars or not, share in the responsibility in helping these men and women further their education once they return home.”

The program is designed to help those who return from combat to adjust to civilian life. Many veterans’ plans will change now that they are returning with permanent injuries. By offering these heroes a free college education, they will not only be able to adjust to civilian life, but they will now be able to provide for their families.

Steven McGee, Senior Vice Commander of the Disabled American Veterans in Adrian, supports the program and its goals to help in the adjustment process.

“I believe the program that Adrian College is offering to a disabled veteran is the greatest opportunity to continue their education and to give them the ability to contribute [to society] and still be productive beyond their military service,” says McGee.

Veterans do receive education benefits through the GI Bill, however, it does not fully cover the total cost of college. The Operation Education Scholarship Program is designed to provide the extra support, specifically financially, that is typically needed beyond that provided by the Veterans Administration and GI Bill benefits.

“The College will ask the Veterans Administration to provide us with one to two candidates each year,” says Docking. “Adrian College will provide them with the services they need – housing, books, food, and other academic support requirements – to earn a four-year undergraduate degree free of charge.”

The College is working closely with local veterans in Adrian and throughout Lenawee County. Their assistance in spreading the word to prospective students is imperative to making this program a success.

Local veterans are enthusiastic and very supportive of the College’s quest to help these young men and women. Chuck Deming, Post Adjutant of the Wm. C. Stark Post 97 American Legion in Adrian could not be happier with the news.

“We at American Legion Post 97 are very excited about Adrian College's program to provide scholarships to veterans wounded in fighting the war on terrorism,” says Deming. “This will give much needed assistance to an individual to go along with their GI Bill benefits. We would like to thank the College for their efforts in this endeavor and appreciate being included in their ‘circle of resources’.”

McGee agrees, adding his hopes for other schools to follow in Adrian College’s footsteps.

“I would hope that with Adrian College taking the lead in our community other colleges would consider doing the same,” says McGee. “Even a community college could give a disabled veteran a chance to better their life through higher education.”

The College will offer the fundamentals: books, housing, meals, a laptop and school supplies, as well as physical and emotional support. If the soldier has a spouse or family, they too will be provided for through the College’s benefits.

An Operation Education scholarship is tailor-made to fit the needs of the recipient. Adrian College will work closely with the student and the local community to ensure the recipient’s physical needs are met. For example, if the student needs to travel to the VA Hospital in Ann Arbor to receive treatment, the College will take care of the transportation.

“The motto of Operation Education, ‘You have served us; now let us serve you, with a college degree,’ is consistent with our Christian heritage and our campus ethos,” says Docking. “We look forward to receiving our first veteran in the fall semester of 2008.”

The College is strongly encouraging returning disabled veterans with an aspiration to continue their education to apply. Interested applicants should contact Mallory Frailing in the Office of Admissions at 517-265-5161 ext. 4326 or via e-mail at mfrailing@adrian.edu.