EIU Honored w/Excellence in Education Award for Work w/Veterans

Going above and beyond basic veterans’ services while fostering a veteran-friendly atmosphere, Eastern Illinois University (EIU) has been chosen as the Fall 2012 recipient of the
Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education, the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) announced today.

“On behalf of Governor Pat Quinn, we salute the professional and constructive efforts of Eastern Illinois University to support its student veterans,” said IDVA Director Erica Borggren. “Creating programs and policies that assist veterans entering or returning to higher education is one of our top priorities and EIU has those great programs. Their leadership demonstrates this commitment to helping veterans, and is a great model for others to follow. They are making lasting and tangible commitments to helping veterans overcome challenges in education.”

Among many outstanding attributes, EIU was recognized for its:

•Veterans Transition Workshop, specifically designed to support and enhance the college
experience of student veterans, enabling them to receive focused guidance pertaining to transitional matters, study techniques, time management skills, and on-campus opportunities;

•Administrative, programmatic and financial aid policies that support and accommodate student veterans who enter active military service or military training during the course of an academic term, thereby enabling them to make up academic work without penalty;

•Veterans Service Office that is an invaluable resource to the student veteran population on
campus, providing a host of specialized services to service members, veterans and their families that address critical needs in the veteran community.

IDVA presented the award during a ceremony today with EIU students, faculty and staff at the
Charleston-based university. Previous winners include College of DuPage, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Northern Illinois University, and Western Illinois University. The Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education is presented in the spring and fall of each school year.

Governor’s Award nominations are now being accepted for the Spring 2013 term. Illinois colleges or universities that contribute to the betterment of our student veterans and their families are eligible. The nominated school must be a licensed, degree-granting school in the state of Illinois.

For more information, including nomination materials, please visit the Governor's Award homepage at www.veterans.illinois.gov.