Mayra Ortega’s journey from Chicago’s vibrant neighborhoods to nursing clinicals and military drills on the Urbana campus is nothing short of inspiring. A proud first-generation college student, Mayra enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard at just 17 years old. As a 68W Combat Medic, she has spent her entire military career in an MP […]
Article written by: Baileigh Hannah Meet Garrett Anderson! Originally from Olive Branch, Illinois, and raised in Bellflower, Garrett brings a deep sense of dedication and lived experience to his work with military-connected students. Currently a student at Parkland College majoring in Criminal Justice, Garrett previously earned his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Illinois State […]
This spring, we’re proud to celebrate Emily Watson, a graduating senior in social work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Over the past several semesters, Emily has made a lasting impact through her work with the Chez Veterans Center, where she has served as a dedicated work study student and advocate for military-connected individuals. Emily’s […]
For partners Matthew and Sophia Thery, the Chez Veterans Center was more than just a resource—it was a cornerstone of their journey at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Sophia, a 2023 graduate, and Matthew, set to graduate in 2025, both found a sense of belonging and support that extended beyond academics. “The Chez provided a […]
Meet Lucas Papadopoulos—a Navy Veteran, proud Illini, and a student paving his way from service to a future in public health. Originally from Lisle, Illinois, Lucas served in the United States Navy from 2016 to 2020 as a Petty Officer 2nd Class, working as an Aviation Maintenance Administrationman (AZ). He completed two deployments to the […]
Meet Alex Thurston, a proud military-connected student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who is turning inspiration into action—one experiment at a time. Alex is currently studying chemistry, a path sparked by an incredible AP Chemistry teacher at University High School who first introduced him to the wonders of the lab. That early exposure lit […]
In honor of the Month of the Military Child, we shine a spotlight on Grace Best, a driven and compassionate individual who embodies the resilience and strength of military children. Grace’s story reflects her deep connection to the military community, her dedication to helping others, and her future aspirations to make a difference. Grace is […]
Cloie Widell, a 2024 graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, found more than just a place to study at the Chez Veterans Center—she found a community that shaped her senior year. As a member of the Illinois National Guard and an Interdisciplinary Health Sciences major, Cloie initially struggled to find her footing on campus. […]
Article Written By: Baileigh Hannah Meet Sam, a senior at the University of Illinois who is originally from the Bay Area in California. He is pursuing a degree in Community Health, and his journey to higher education has been shaped by his time in the Air Force. With a background in medical laboratory technology, Sam’s […]
Article Written by: Baileigh Hannah Meet Joe Bateman, a proud U.S. Air Force Veteran and 2019 graduate. When reflecting on his time at the Chez Veterans Center, he says, “The Chez Veterans Center not only provided me with the tools necessary to successfully graduate, but may have also saved my life. I am thankful for […]