A snapshot of who we served, how students engaged, and what they told us about their experience. Who Makes Up Our Community This spring, the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign continued to be home to a diverse and growing military‑connected community. Students represented multiple service pathways and identities, each bringing unique strengths and lived experiences to […]
The Chez Veterans Center closed out the academic year with an evening that felt equal parts celebration, reunion, and reflection. On Friday, May 15, 2026, students, families, alumni, and campus partners gathered at the Center for an event that showcased the heart of the military‑connected community at Illinois. From the moment guests arrived, the center […]
For Andres Gomez, an Astronomy and Data Science student and member of the Illinois Air National Guard, the journey at Illinois has been one of growth, independence, and exploration. During his time on campus, Andres discovered just how capable he is of navigating life on his own terms. Learning to take initiative and make decisions […]
Garrett Anderson’s recognition at the 2026 College of Applied Health Sciences Award Ceremony feels like a celebration of everything he has poured into the Chez Veterans Center since its earliest days. His warmth, energy, and unwavering commitment to military‑connected students have shaped a community where people feel seen, valued, and supported. As an Army Veteran, […]
As a United States Marine Corps Veteran pursuing a graduate degree in Education Policy, Organization & Leadership at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Kevin Lundeen discovered just how much he was capable of achieving both academically and professionally. Throughout his time at Illinois, Kevin discovered that he learns best when academic theory is directly connected […]
When Koumae Adams joined the Chez Veterans Center as an intern for the Spring 2026 semester, she brought with her a lifetime of connection to the military community. Growing up in a Navy family meant moving often, attending school on base, and building friendships with others who shared similar experiences. That background made the CVC […]
Dear Chez Veterans Center Students and Friends, It is with deep sadness that we share the news that our fellow student and valued member of the Chez Veterans Center community, John Goeken, passed away on May 2 as a result of a tragic accident. John was pursuing his dream of becoming an electrical engineer here […]
For Mayra G. Ortega, a Nursing student and member of the Illinois Army National Guard, her journey at Illinois has been anything but linear. What began in Spring 2021 as a History major quickly evolved into a path shaped by real-world experience, resilience, and determination. After stepping away from school during the pandemic to work […]
April is nationally recognized as the Month of the Military Child, a time to honor the experiences of military‑connected dependents and acknowledge the ways military service shapes family life. At Illinois, dependents make up a large and vibrant part of our military‑connected community. Their needs may differ from those of Veterans and current service members, […]
As a Aaliyah Zhu completes her Master of Science in Management at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, her journey reflects resilience, reinvention, and the power of community through major life transitions. During her time at Illinois, Aaliyah learned just how capable she is of persisting through change and uncertainty. After completing a medical board process […]