Saint Xavier University Named 'Military Friendly' School

CHICAGO, IL — Saint Xavier University has been named a 2020-2021 Military Friendly School by Military Friendly, an organization whose standard measures, investigates and identifies institutions whose commitment to serving the military and veteran community creates sustainable and meaningful opportunities for them.

Saint Xavier is committed to serving veterans and assisting with their transition to college. Students are provided with resources to help them achieve their educational goals and offers a supportive faith community where students of all faith traditions and those professing no faith tradition can explore and discuss questions of life, meaning, truth, compassion, service, human dignity and the common good.

"This designation is meaningful because it's demonstrative of the significant work we do with our veteran students," said Gricelda Gonzalez, veteran compliance officer for Saint Xavier University. "Since the standards are raised each year, we work to continually improve what we are doing for our veteran students to meet their needs."

The SXU Student Veteran Alliance (SVA) advocates and assists SXU student veterans and their families by promoting camaraderie through community outreach and social support and by committing to academic and professional success. SVA instills an immediate peer connection by reaching out to prospective student veterans and inviting them to campus for a personalized visit which includes information about benefits and the admission process. SVA holds regular meetings and hosts events, including bake sales, toy drives and an annual veterans' breakfast on Veterans Day, for SXU student veterans, as well as all supporters of veterans. SXU is also a proud participant of the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program, which helps to fund qualified student veterans' tuition expenses.

Rick Bretzer, president of SVA, nursing major and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, said: "I chose Saint Xavier for its excellent nursing program and close convenience. I couldn't believe how great the veteran program was here. The administration and faculty have been warm and welcoming to my fellow veterans and me. SVA has created wonderful opportunities to talk to other veterans, form peer groups and provide a relaxing, close-knit environment. I know that SXU has assisted with my future success through their commitment to veterans."

In 2018, SXU’s Student Veterans Alliance broke ground near Lake Marion for a Veterans Memorial site, which serves to honor and acknowledge those who have served the United States in both periods of war and peace. The university student-run radio station WXAV 88.3FM was awarded for its critically acclaimed series "Veteran Matters," a radio production based on interviews with veterans of different wars, comparing and contrasting their experiences of military service.

SXU is grateful for the many contributions of its student veterans, from their sacrifices to their scholastic successes.