In July, the Chez Veterans Center hosted a congressional field hearing to address the growing challenges rural veterans face when trying to access VA health care. Lawmakers, advocates, and veterans shared solutions—from expanding broadband and telehealth services to improving outreach and transportation access. With nearly one-third of VA users living in rural areas, the hearing […]
The Chez Veterans Center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has seen a 25.89% increase in military-connected student engagement in the first year of implementing a more personalized, case management-driven approach. With a renewed focus on individualized support, the center is connecting with students on a deeper level—helping them navigate both academic and personal challenges. […]
After 10 impactful years of supporting student Veterans and military-connected students, the Chez Veterans Center celebrated its anniversary with a visit from the Chez family, who helped make the center a reality through Ron Chez’s generous lead gift. Though Ron could not attend, his family proudly witnessed how his legacy has transformed lives through education, […]
Two former University of Illinois graduate students, PSYONIC CEO Aadeel Akhtar and retired Army Sgt. Garrett Anderson, were featured on ‘Shark Tank’, following a successful crowdfunding campaign surpassing $1 million. Akhtar’s lifelong dream of building bionic limbs led to the creation of PSYONIC in 2015, with Anderson, who lost his right forearm in Iraq, becoming […]
A Bachelor of Social Work intern working with Ingrid Wheeler, overseeing Behavioral Health Services at the Chez Veterans Center, collaborated with fellow Army Dependent, Ailayna Gaffney from the University Primary School. Together, they coordinated the Center’s first field trip for second and third-grade students from the primary school to the Chez Veterans Center. Coming from […]
Chez Veterans Center’s Director, Andrew Bender, spoke with Jeff Snyder from BRNAM Broadcast Retirement Network about going to college as a Military Veteran. Watch the interview by clicking here.
Dr. Brent Blackwell’s remarkable journey encompasses a transition from a frugal upbringing outside Chicago to esteemed accomplishments in the medical field. Joining the military at 17 year old, he sought direction and challenge, eventually serving as an Army Ranger combat medic in Afghanistan. His experiences there ignited a passion for medicine, leading him to the […]
The Chez Veterans Center serves as leaders in supporting our military-connected through higher education. While our building not only exceeds ADA standards, we also support potential and current students with researching military-friendly colleges, engaging in campus life for better integration, utilizing military benefits, and converting military experience into college credits. Read the full article by […]
Explore the powerful, untold stories of veterans through their art! An insightful article sheds light on an exhibit at the Chez Veterans Center, showcasing masks created by veterans as a means of healing from PTSD. These masks unveil the silent struggles behind the brave faces of those who served. Join the journey into the unique […]
Discover the rich history and impactful insights shared at the sixth annual Veterans Day celebration hosted by the Chez Veterans Center and the University ROTC at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The event featured a poignant speech by Samuel Skinner, an Army veteran and University alum, addressing the often-overlooked gratitude owed to veterans. Gain […]