–By Diana DeJesus–
There are about 200 veterans attending NJCU, but the Student Veterans Organization of New Jersey City University is inactive due to lack of participation.
When the Student Veterans Organization was active, veterans met twice per month throughout the year. The organization helped ease the transition from military to civilian life. Veterans could share their experiences, and form a community within the larger NJCU community.
Elaine Gargiulo, Coordinator of Veterans Benefits said, “In the past, the organization has held fundraisers for charity, sent packages to troops overseas, organized social events, and assisted other veterans on campus, as well as help to educate the campus community about the needs of veterans.”
Veterans are currently participating in events and hosting discussions on campus, but they gather in smaller groups. In March, for Women’s History Month, a group of female veterans are paneling a discussion about Women in the Military. Veterans would be able to better support such events, if they knew each other and had a network to pass the events along through.
A very polite and clean-cut, veteran student named Brian De Feliz, Marine Corps 2008-2014, and Graphic Design major, spoke to the Gothic Times about his experience at NJCU:
“I don’t know a single veteran on campus, except for those in the Veterans Affairs Office. It’s strange that there are so many diverse faces and groups here, but as a veteran, I feel alone.”
The organization may be lacking in participation because veterans are unaware that one is wanted or ever existed. After the founder and previous member graduated, the organization fizzled out.
Gargiulo hopes that the Student Veterans Organization will start running again. If veterans request it, it can happen. “Eventually the right group will want to resurrect it.”
The Student Veterans Organization would be a place for “veterans, current military personnel (active duty, reservists, Guard) and dependents (spouses & children),” said Gargiulo.
The organization would also be open to those on campus who are interested in learning more about veterans and the goals of the organization.
If you are a veteran looking to meet other student veterans on campus, contact Elaine Gargiulo, Coordinator of Veterans Benefits at 201-200-2157 or [email protected].
