Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D., Clark State President, signs a Statement of Support with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, with John McCance, ESGR chair.
Clark State College celebrates veterans, active-duty service members and military families this Veterans Day and throughout the year by providing support and paths to education, career advancement and lifelong opportunity.
“Each Veterans Day, the nation pauses to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who have worn the uniform in defense of our freedoms,” said Amanda Everingham, Clark State veteran and military specialist. “At Clark State, that spirit of gratitude extends beyond a single day. It’s reflected year-round in the college’s commitment to helping military-affiliated students achieve their educational and professional goals.
“We proudly carry Ohio’s Collegiate Purple Star designation, recognizing that we do everything we can support military-affiliated students and families,” continued Everingham. “This distinction reflects our ongoing efforts to provide dedicated support through priority registration, academic and career advising, and assistance with maximizing military education benefits.”
Each year, approximately 350 veterans, active-duty service members and military family members representing every branch of the Armed Forces choose Clark State. By combining their GI Bill and other education benefits with Clark State’s affordable tuition and flexible learning options, they can accelerate toward credentials or degrees that lead to high-demand careers. Active duty, reserve, Ohio National Guard and their spouses also receive a 50 percent reduced tuition rate.
Support for military-affiliated students begins the moment they connect with Clark State’s Veteran Services Office, located in the Student Academic Support Center on the Springfield main campus, 570 E. Leffel Lane.
“Our goal is to provide individualized guidance that helps veterans receive college credit for their military experience and connect their education to future career goals,” said Everingham. “We take pride in helping our service members and their families successfully transition to college.”
Clark State will honor veterans and active-duty service members during its Veteran Appreciation Ceremony at 9 a.m. on Nov. 10 at the Springfield Main Campus Veteran’s Memorial outside the Sara T. Landess Technology and Learning Center. The Springfield High School Junior ROTC will Present the Colors, a military ceremony that honors the American, Ohio and military flags and give thanks to those who have served in the military. Following the JROTC, Anthony Reed, admissions and career services specialist at Clark State College, will sing the National Anthem, followed by remarks from Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D., Clark State president, and Greg Lavender, an Army veteran and a Clark State emergency medical services student.
Veterans and basketball fans alike are then invited to cheer on the Clark State Eagles as they take on UC Clermont on Nov. 12 during Veterans Appreciation Games, which includes recognition of veterans in attendance. Admission is free to both games, with the women’s game beginning at 5:30 p.m. and the men’s game at 7:30 p.m.
Throughout the week, veterans may also stop by the Veterans Lounge in Rhodes Hall at the Clark State Springfield campus to receive a free meal voucher from Fresh Abilities, the on-campus restaurant. In addition, the Springfield campus will also host a veterans book display; an exhibit of military uniforms; a World War II art display George Withers, a magazine, book and newspaper illustrator; and a Veterans Recognition Wall honoring Clark State faculty, staff and students.
Clark State has also signed a Statement of Support with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, reinforcing its commitment to the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. The partnership emphasizes Clark State’s dedication to advocating for military employees, recognizing their leadership and skills and supporting workforce rights. Currently 35 military affiliated employees work at the college.
In addition, VIQTORY has awarded Clark State Military Friendly Gold Status and named the college a top 10 Military Spouse Friendly school among the nation’s community colleges. The college is also Ohio’s first institution designated as a Purple Heart Campus and partners with the Community College of the Air Force to offer online courses that meet the associate degree requirements in applied science, as well as My Career Advancement Account scholarships to eligible military spouses.
“Veterans bring unmatched leadership, discipline and life experience into our classrooms,” said Blondin. “Our responsibility is to honor that service by ensuring they have every resource and opportunity to achieve success in their next chapter.”