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 at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and was expected to graduate in Spring 2027. Before coming to Illinois, John proudly served our country in the United States Marine Corps rising to the rank of Corporal. He completed three deployments across two wars and earned two Purple Hearts for wounds received during his service. His commitment, resilience, and sense of purpose were evident in everything he did.
John was deeply engaged in the Veteran and military-connected student community. He generously dedicated his time and energy to improving the experience of others, including his work contributing to student Veteran recruitment and retention efforts by identifying resources and best practices from peer institutions. His passion for supporting fellow Veterans and their families was genuine and impactful.
Above all, John was a devoted father to his two young children, a loving husband to his wife, Phoebe, and a cherished son, brother, uncle, and friend. His loss is deeply felt across our community.
As we grieve together, we also commit ourselves to honoring John’s legacy through continued care for one another. The Chez Veterans Center is here to support you, and we can help connect students with counseling, mental health, and family support services during this difficult time. If you would like information on ways to support Phoebe and John’s family, please feel free to reach out directly.
Thank you for looking out for one another as we navigate this loss together.
With deepest sympathy,
Chez Veterans Center Team
FACULTY & STAFF SUPPORT RESOURCES
Faculty/Staff Assistance and Well-Being Services (FSAWS)
Faculty/Staff Assistance and Well-Being Services enhances the emotional health, performance, and well-being of individuals and organizational units at the University of Illinois by providing employee assistance services that facilitate individual and family growth, productive work environments, and overall organizational health.
After-Hours Crisis Support Services
Faculty/Staff Assistance and Well-Being Services (FSAWS) collaborate with Rosecrance Central Illinois to provide staff with support after traditional work hours and on weekends. Help can be accessed through the Crisis Line at (217) 244-7739 or (217) 359-4141. For crisis services during business hours, a counselor can be reached through FSAWS office at (217) 244-5312. Crisis Support is always available.
STUDENT SUPPORT RESOURCES
Chez Veterans Center
2908 W. Nevada
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday by appointment
Phone: 217-300-5186
chezveteranscenter.ahs.illinois.edu
Counseling Center
2nd Floor, Turner Student Services Building
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday, Tuesday and Friday
8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday
Phone: 217-333-3704
counselingcenter.illinois.edu
McKinley Health Center, Mental Health Unit
313 McKinley Health Center
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
Phone: 217-333-2700
TalkCampus
TalkCampus provides students with free, online peer-to-peer mental health support that’s available 24/7 through their computer or phone. Students may sign up by creating an account with their Illinois email address. If students have questions, they should call the Counseling Center at 217-333-3704 during business hours.
talkcampus.com
After-Hours Psychological Emergencies and Other Critical Problems
The Counseling Center and McKinley Health Center collaborate with Rosecrance Central Illinois to provide students with Psychological Emergency Services, which are available 24 hours per day, 365 days a year, and focus on problems that need to be addressed immediately (e.g., serious illness, death in the family, severe anxiety, suicidal crisis).
For a consultation with a mental health professional after office hours, students should call the Crisis Line at 815-720-4953. The student, together with a mental health professional, will strategize the best way to make certain help is received.
For immediate life-safety issues, always call 911.