STC leads the way in veteran support

South Texas College took center stage by hosting, for the first time, the most recent Rio Grande Valley Veterans Coalition meeting, giving veterans from across the region the opportunity to explore the extensive educational resources and benefits available to them and their families at STC.

An initiative created by Tropical Texas Behavioral Health, this organization brings together a diverse range of veteran-serving groups, including STC, to create new opportunities to connect, build meaningful relationships and support one another.

“We take pride in being an inclusive institution where everyone has a place to succeed, and our veterans are no exception,” said STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D. “Without our veterans, we wouldn’t be here. We are profoundly grateful for your service and committed to expanding the opportunities we provide. You have dedicated yourselves to our country and now we are dedicated to helping you achieve all your aspirations.”

Retired Sergeant Major Clifford Lovejoy, veteran mentor and 9/11 survivor, expressed his gratitude to STC for setting the standard in veteran support within higher education.

“I spent 39 years in the U.S. Army and 17 years working for the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. I know what excellence looks like, and this is it,” he said. “This has been one of the best meetings we’ve had because STC’s leadership has demonstrated their commitment to progress. It’s clear that STC is fully dedicated to providing any assistance possible and is truly bringing their A-game. STC is setting the standard for what veteran support should look like in the RGV.”

The event, attended by STC faculty and staff who are also veterans, featured a special presentation on apprenticeship grant opportunities at STC, as well as a Suicide Prevention Awareness Month presentation by clinical psychologist Dr. Rodolfo Quintana.

For Carol Ramirez, STC alumna and administrative assistant for the Division of Social & Behavioral Sciences, who served six years in the U.S. Navy, this was her first opportunity to network and connect with fellow veterans.

“STC provides great support for students in general, but the opportunities for veterans are especially evident,” she said. “When we enlist, we’re told our time in the armed forces will give us a step ahead of others, and that’s truly reflected at STC. I have found both recognition and support as a student and now as an employee.”

Recently, for the third consecutive year, STC received the ‘Gold’ recognition from the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) through the Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award (VEERA), a prestigious honor awarded to institutions that demonstrate outstanding commitment to veteran education and services.

“We’ve made it our mission to grow our community within the college—among faculty, staff, and students—while building partnerships like the RGV Veterans Coalition to encourage more veterans to pursue education,” said Javier Cardenas, Veterans Affairs outreach and certifying official at STC. “When I first came the college as a student, I appreciated how the veteran’s office guided me through every step. I believe that’s what sets us apart, our personal approach. We take the time to explain, listen and provide support beyond financial assistance.”

STC’s Veterans Affairs Office assists with benefits, enrollment and support, offering dedicated study spaces at multiple campuses, known as ‘The Foxhole.’ The college also helps veterans apply for educational benefits, including up to 150 hours of tuition exemption through the Hazlewood Act for veterans and their dependents.

As of fall 2024, over 800 veterans are utilizing education benefits across STC campuses.

For more information on veterans’ services at STC visit www.southtexascollege.edu/veterans/