Veterans transitioning to college and workforce focus of free Bellarmine seminars

First session Feb. 20

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Feb. 4, 2016) — Bellarmine University has scheduled three free workshops about the experiences veterans cope with while transitioning from military to college and into the workforce.

During the “Warrior to Scholar to Leader” seminar sudent veterans will share personal insights into the issues veterans encounter when leaving active service

The series, which is open to the public, is presented in conjunction with the Bellarmine Student Veterans’ Association and Athena’s Sisters, a Louisville-based organization for military women. Each event includes a question and answer session.

“We are excited about this unique program where the audience gets to listen in on our conversation,” said senior Neil Goldstein, president of the Bellarmine Student Veterans’ Association. “Our aim is for this series to promote better understanding in the community, while at the same time, hoping our experience can guide other veterans as they transition to school and civilian life.”

The first session, “Transitioning from Military to University,” seeks to prepare veterans for the challenges of moving from active service into the classroom. Student veteran panelists will discuss the issues, surprises and difficulties they encountered entering college. Traditional students and faculty are also invited to attend this session, to learn more about the unique challenges student veterans face. The session is from noon to 2 p.m. on Feb. 20 in Clayton Hall No. 234. A box lunch will be served.

The second session, “Women Veterans’ Transition Experiences,” will be moderated by Lindsay Gargotto, founder of Athena’s Sisters and the 2014 Kentucky Veteran of the Year. A panel of women veterans will discuss their transition from military to civilian life. This session is at 6 p.m. on March 11, at 6 p.m. in Allen Hall Room 460A. Snacks will be served.

The final session, “Skills Veterans Bring to the Workplace,” will feature a panel discussion on the benefits, challenges and skills their military time provided. They will describe the skills they gained during their military service as a valuable commodity that can be put to use as a student and, later, as an employee. This session is at 6 p.m. on April 14 in the George G. Brown Center’s Frazier Hall. Snacks will be served.

To register for any of the sessions visit http://www.bellarmine.edu/veterans/seminars/.