First ‘Coffee with Vet’ a success
Jan 2, 2019
For Isaac Yaronczyk the decision to start classes at Enterprise State Community College was a no-brainer. “Most definitely,” the third-generation military veteran said.
Yaronczyk was among those attending the inaugural “Coffee with a Veteran” hosted by Enterprise State Community College Dec. 19.
“We have so many programs for our veterans and their families and it’s our job to communicate what those programs are,” said Enterprise State Community College President Matt Rodgers as he explained the purpose of the veteran-focused information event planned to be held on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:30 a.m.
“We are privileged to serve those who have served us,” is how Rodgers described his thoughts to those attending the event held in the campus multipurpose room in the student center. “And I can’t think of a better place to do it than right here at the doorstep of Fort Rucker.”
ESCC Veterans’ Affairs and Student Financial Aide Coordinator Stephen Adcock agreed. “We are really excited about some of the things that we have on our plate for veterans for next year,” he said.
Adcock said a new student organization comprised of military veteran students will meet in January and a Veterans Resource Center is set to open in the Spring of 2019. “It will provide a place, an opportunity for our veteran students to connect with each other,” he said. “It is for like-minded individuals who are facing some of the same issues, some of the same challenges.”
ESCC has been named a military friendly institution for the past five years, Adcock said, adding that 21 percent of the student body is military or military family-member related.
In 2017, the college served nearly 300 veterans and family members, he added. “In short we hold ourselves to a high standard when it comes to serving you and your families.”
“Most definitely veteran friendly,” is how Yaronczyk called his experience attending ESCC. The Enterprise High School Class of 2009 graduate served in the military for five years and decided to return to college after returning to civilian life. “Every single teacher I’ve been in contact with has been very helpful so it has helped getting me being back in the routine of going to school,” Yaronczyk said. “Enterprise State has been wonderful for me as a veteran.
“It’s an absolutely wonderful institution for veterans in the area,” the business administration major added. “I’m going to transfer to Troy University and I feel confident that by the time I get to Troy I will be very prepared for the process of furthering my education.”
“We are ramping up our efforts to help veterans and their family members. You are our heroes,” Rodgers told the veterans attending the inaugural event. “Our military veterans and their families are certainly to be celebrated every day and we certainly want to do that at Enterprise State.”