Creating an expansive culture and safe space of understanding, acceptance, and success for veterans, active military, reservists, dependents, and those whose support them is the mission of the Greg and Sandra Weisenstein Veterans Center at West Chester University.
An additional goal of the veterans center is to facilitate communication among the campus offices to provide students with a coordinated system of support and a meaningful transition from the military to West Chester University.
The Greg and Sandra Weisenstein Veterans Center Lounge offers the following specific elements:
- Meet WCU military-veteran students
- Accessing GI Bill benefits
- Free coffee and Snack Shack
- Print-copy-scan for free
- Computer stations
- Quiet study space
- Big screen TV
- Playstation 3 with games and a PS 4
In 2016, this center was rededicated to its current name in honor of, and during the retiring year of, Greg Weisenstein, who became the president of the university in 2009. He played a leading role in establishing the veterans center as a way to assist the current and former members of the armed forces as they transition back to civilian life.
The university president always stated that veterans and their families have sacrificed so much for their country and one of the best things that the university can do is to develop programs that will help the veterans transition back to civilian life. He was lauded for his tireless support for the veterans center and its mission, and for enrolling a record number of veterans.
During his tenure, programs for returning military veterans grew considerably. The number of ROTC members increased, as well as the number of veterans who attended the university. He also arranged for scholarships for both ROTC students and returning veterans.
During December 2022, at the Veterans Center, Col. Joseph Kirlin, Pennsylvania Department Commander of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Military Order of World Wars (MOWW), presented the Bronze Patrick Henry award to Vince DeMarro ’90, M’99, the university’s VA School certifying official and a retired U.S. Marine Corps veteran. The award recognizes the university’s status as a Gold Designated Military Friendly University 2021-2022 as well as for service to veterans.
MOWW is a patriotic, nonpartisan, Veterans Service Organization dedicated to promoting local patriotism, civic responsibility, public service, and leadership. There are 77 chapters organized into 10 geographic regions throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These chapters serve veterans, youth, first responders, and others in their communities via education, recognition, public speakers, and community support outreach programs.
