Evangel University’s Student Veterans Association recently received a national charter from the Student Veterans of America (SVA), which may pave the way for more scholarship and leadership opportunities.
Donald Clapper, president of Evangel’s Student Veterans Association, says he applied for the charter to ensure the organization is able to carry out its mission long after he leaves school.
“I graduate in May, and I wanted to set this up where it can succeed. I think having these extra benefits can help attract veterans.”
Clapper is a senior business major. He served three years in the U.S. Army as a nuclear, biological and chemical specialist.
SVA assists military veterans in higher education. Its scholarships are sponsored by various corporations around the nation, such as Google and NBC Universal.
Walt Disney and BP America each award $10,000 scholarships to student veterans enrolled in a program related to science, technology, engineering or mathematics.
“I’m sure the ones down there for Walt Disney and BP are scholarships they’re handing out for certain criteria areas. They want people who can be put into position for jobs once they graduate.”
The national organization offers other programs such as leadership training, grants and assists local education institutions in establishing veteran centers on their respective campuses.
Clapper applied for the national charter with the help of retired Army Chaplain Shawn Moreland, who serves as the sponsor for the Student Veterans Association at Evangel.
“We’ve talked about this for quite some time,” Clapper said. “He pulled it up and printed it out and handed it to me. I got online, checked it out, filled out the application and sent it in.”
Evangel’s facility aims to ensure the school’s veterans are aware of eligible benefits and resources for academic success, as well as to help build camaraderie experienced while in the military.
“Sometimes, you know, we just like to get together with our own groups and talk and visit, and discuss things that people understand,” said Clapper.
For more information about scholarships offered and how veterans can apply, visit the SVA websitehere.