In honor of Veterans Day, we are featuring several of our veteran students and alumni throughout the week, and highlighting the School's longstanding support of military veterans, dating back to 1947 and the creation of GS.
After spending a decade homeless, Elegance Bratton enlisted in the Marine Corps at 25, where he became a combat filmmaker. Eventually, he enrolled at Columbia GS, graduating with a degree in African-American studies.
Bratton returned to GS for an exclusive screening of his semi-autobiographical and critically acclaimed debut feature The Inspection, sharing his GS story and filmmaking insights with the Columbia community.
In partnership with national nonprofit Warrior-Scholar Project (WSP), Columbia has hosted six WSP Boot Camps, gateway programs for veterans transitioning to higher education.
"This was one of the best decisions I’ve made for getting myself ready for higher education and bettering myself as an individual," said participant Alexandria Durrant, an active duty service member in the Navy. "I wish that every military personnel wanting to go to college, active duty or veteran, knew about this amazing opportunity!”
Some 700 student veterans are currently enrolled at the University, thanks to a quarter century of bold leadership on a historically activist campus. Around 400 of these students are undergraduates in GS, thanks to the leadership of Peter J. Awn, former dean of GS and current vice dean Curtis Rodgers, who engaged directly with veterans to create a space for them in the undergraduate community.
Several veteran students from GS and beyond share their stories and the way Columbia and GS have transformed in the past 20 years to support veterans in an academic environment.
SUPPORT AN IVY LEAGUE EDUCATION FOR VETERAN STUDENTS
The School of General Studies is a proud participant in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Yellow Ribbon Program. The scope of benefits provided by the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and the Yellow Ribbon Program make a Columbia education accessible to eligible veterans, regardless of socioeconomic status.
NYC Veterans Day Parade
Monday, November 11
For the sixteenth year in a row, the School of General Studies is a major sponsor in the Veterans Day Parade. As a part of GS's sponsorship, all Columbia student and alumni veterans—as well as all GS students and alumni—are invited to participate by riding on or walking beside the parade float.
Learn More and Register
Undergraduate Student Veteran Community Hours
Thurs., Nov. 14, 1 - 4 p.m.
Room 205, Kent Hall
The Undergraduate Student Veteran Community hours provide a dedicated opportunity for all undergraduate student veterans to connect with valuable resources within the community, including mentors, peers, classmates, and more.
Veteran and Military-Connected Student Appreciation Lunch
Fri., Nov. 15, 12 - 2 p.m.
Marlow Bistro, 1018 Amsterdam Ave
GS student veterans and allies are invited to enjoy a free lunch and beverage ticket with GS staff and students at this event sponsored by the Office of the Dean of Students and Student Life to show appreciation for those who served.
When high school was over, Sam wasn’t ready for college, and decided to enlist in the Marines. After boot camp and combat training, she studied Arabic before being deployed throughout the Middle East, where she was a translator and taught self-defense classes to local women. After eight years serving her country, Sam made the challenging transition back to the civilian world and connected with a Columbia veteran alum before making the decision to apply to the School of General Studies. With its strong camaraderie, large population of military veterans, and veteran-dedicated support groups, it was clear that GS was the right place for her.
Columbia GS Student Kennedy Targosz Dances in Olivia Rodrigo’s “stupid song” Music Video
Columbia GS student and New York City Ballet dancer Kennedy Targosz shares what it was like performing alongside Olivia Rodrigo in the music video for the singer’s latest single, “stupid song.”
Alumna Josephine O’Brien ‘26GS Named an Inaugural Lafayette Fellow
The Sciences Po-Columbia Dual BA graduate is one of 30 fellows for the French Embassy’s first cohort.
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