The Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services (ADVS) recognized GateWay Community College as an Arizona Veteran Supportive Campus recently at the state capitol. Gov. Doug Ducey also proclaimed No
vember, Arizona Student Veteran Month, in honor of the veterans continuing their education.
Manny Dallago, GateWay Community College Veteran Services Coordinator, received a plaque for the college’s commitment to the needs of veterans, service members and their families.
“We’re a little more unique than other colleges,” says Dallago. “We provide more than just advisement for veteran education benefits. We provide other services like employment and that’s a key piece. I have a strong tie with a lot of the veteran communities, as well as employers who are looking to hire veterans.”
“All of us are veterans,” says Dallago, of the Veterans Services staff. “I think there’s an immediate connection when it comes to rapport, so some barriers are already broken down. We have staff and faculty that are navigators. We have the right information at the right time. And I think that’s important.”
GateWay Community College was also recognized as a 2017 Military Friendly School for providing the best opportunities and support for military service members and spouses.
Dallago says these college distinctions are based on certain criteria and the services the school provides.
“There certainly has to be a Veterans club, which we have,” Dallago says. “And there has to be some type of network that supports the veterans such as a peer mentor group. We also provide a Veteran Center where students can come to connect or just relax with fellow veteran students.”
“The college offers these resources and other programs as well,” Dallago says. “We have a great Veterans/LPN Bridge program. It’s very specific to veterans. That’s a key piece that really sets us apart even from the other colleges. The students are able to use their previous medical background and it knocks out one of the three blocks in their program.”
Dallago says these designations are not just given to every school and these distinctions set GateWay Community College apart, especially for brand new students researching schools.
GateWay Community College serves nearly 400 veterans, including active duty, veterans, spouses and dependents. For information about GateWay Community College’s Veterans Services, call (602) 286-8076 or email veterans@gatewaycc.edu.