Montco Community College Student, Veteran Speaks At White House

A Montgomery County Community College student and military veteran spoke on an education panel Tuesday at the White House in Washington, D.C.

William Keller, a former U.S. Army Sergeant, spoke at the U.S. Department of Education sponsored event entitled "Sustaining the Momentum for Innovation in Higher Education: Increasing Equity and Strengthening Quality."

More than 200 education leaders attended the event.

“I’ve had a great experience at Montgomery County Community College,” said Keller, a resident of Collegeville. “The College has a Veterans Resource Center — a designated place for veterans, where we can meet with the coordinator of Veterans Services for assistance with benefits and get to know other veterans. I think all colleges should have similar resource centers for veterans.”

MCCC has been recognized as a "Military Friendly School" for seven years running. It's also the only community college in Pennsylvania to make Military Times' list of the nation's 25 best two-year colleges for vets.

“We are proud that The White House invited Bill to represent the College and student veterans around the country this week,” said Kevin Pollock, MCCC’s president. “As veterans enter college after serving our country, higher education institutions need to return their service by giving them the support and resources they need to succeed.”

The event asked the panelists to describe their educational experiences and the changes they would like to see within the education system.

Keller is majoring in business management. He served in Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2010-11, in the Army Reserves for eight years, and the National Guard for six.

Image courtesy Montgomery County Community College.