VCI Grant to Support Renovations to Veterans Center in Libermann Hall

Student Veterans Association (SVA) chapter members at Duquesne will return to a newly renovated Veterans Center when the fall semester begins thanks to grant money provided by the Student Veterans of America’s nationwide Vet Center Initiative (VCI).

The VCI, which is sponsored by The Home Depot Foundation, was developed specifically to support veteran centers on college campuses. Duquesne’s SVA chapter has received a nearly $7,000 award in the form of gift cards through the VCI to support the renovations to its center, which is located in Room 702 of Libermann Hall.

Renovations to the Veterans Center will include new cabinets and countertops as part of a computer workstation; a new microwave, coffee maker and refrigerator; and a mounted TV with computer connectivity to allow for video conferencing.

“Student veterans have unique experiences that can sometimes leave them disconnected with other students, but with the renovated Vets Center, student veterans can study or relax with others who have served their country and share a similar mindset,” said student veteran Andy Conte, a senior international relations major who served in the Marine Corps from 2006-2014.

Duquesne’s chapter was one of just 50 SVA campus communities to be awarded VCI funding.

“I’m so happy for and proud of our student veterans who have embraced their space in such a positive way,” said Don Accamando, director of military and veteran students at Duquesne University. “The award of this grant will put the finishing touches on this chapter of their story and open a new chapter in terms of the success of Duquesne student veterans for years to come.”