After two years’ worth of dialogue with the university, Bradley’s student veterans have finally secured a space in the Heitz Hall lounge.
“The lounge was widely underused by the residents of Heitz Hall last year,” Assistant Director of Orientation and Advisement Gregory Haines said. “With it being such a nice space, we decided to repurpose it for specific groups of students on campus who could benefit from the particular resources a lounge like that could provide.”
Haines said veteran students were a “catalyst” for the lounge, although he emphasized it’s not only for veterans.
“The lounge has been established as a shared area that is being primarily marketed to transitioning students, commuter students and our veteran population,” President of Student Veterans Support Services Dan Smith said. “It’s not an exclusive lounge, but it’s specifically marketed towards those students and they get priority when they reserve the space.”
Smith said the Heitz lounge was chosen for a multitude of reasons.
“A lot of other options were considered, but I felt Heitz was the best one,” Smith said. “It is a very user-friendly space that has access for people with disabilities. The lounge’s close proximity to Haines’ office, which often services veteran students, is another bonus.”
Haines said the lounge is not at an “end point” and changes are being planned.
“We’re looking to secure microwaves, coffee pots and other food-oriented appliances for the lounge,” Haines said. “Most commuting students, a category which transfers and veterans usually fall under, don’t have meal plans, and so the lounge can be a space for them to bring their food and escape the hustle and bustle of lunch hour.”
Smith said veteran students are very grateful for the lounge.
“It’s a welcoming environment for the veterans, especially with the military plaques on the walls,” Smith said. “They really deeply appreciate the university taking the first step to making the college a more veteran friendly institution. It shows the veterans that they’re welcome and that they have a place to go.”
Smith was very dedicated to the project during the process, according to Haines.
“Dan Smith was pivotal in this lounge project and so I think he deserves a lot of kudos and recognition,” Haines said. “To me, the lounge is emblematic of what determined students can accomplish.”
