The Spring 2025 Kickoff Event at the Chez Veterans Center was an amazing way to start a new semester! The event was energetic and welcoming, and military-connected students from diverse backgrounds were able to come together. Over a delicious spread of Rosati’s pasta, chicken, and salad, the students, faculty, and staff gathered to share experiences, connect, and discuss the upcoming semester.

The event featured brief introductory speeches from key faculty members who explained their unique roles at the Center. Each speaker emphasized their dedication to supporting military-connected students through topics such as: career counseling, academic guidance, and personal support. The Center’s team discussed the strengths that military-connected students bring to the University of Illinois’ campus and how the team is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where these students can thrive.

Beyond these speeches, this event provided students with an opportunity to reconnect with old friends and meet new faces, which built a sense of camaraderie that will endure throughout the semester and beyond. It also served as a reminder of the various resources available at the Center, mental health services to interview prep, all personalized to support the specific needs of active-duty service members, Veterans, and their families.

As the semester progresses, the Chez Veterans Center remains a vital community for military-connected students, offering a space where they can find the resources and support needed to succeed both academically and personally.

Article written by: Baileigh Hannah