IRSC Celebrates Opening of Veterans Center of Excellence with January 21 Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

January 5, 2022 Suzanne Seldes

PORT ST. LUCIE, FL—Less than one year after receiving a $449,966 grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Indian River State College (IRSC) will mark the opening of a new Veterans Center of Excellence (VCE) on its Pruitt Campus, 500 N.W. California Blvd. in Port St. Lucie, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The festivities take place on Friday, January 21, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. and features remarks from Major General (U.S. Marine Corps, Ret.) James “Hammer” Hartsell, Executive Director, Florida Veterans Affairs. Tours of the VCE will follow.

IRSC Celebrates Opening of VCE January 21

“In 2021, IRSC was one of only 16 higher education institutions nationwide selected by the U.S. Department of Education to establish a Veterans Center of Excellence, and we take that responsibility very seriously,” states IRSC President Dr. Timothy Moore. “Our new VCE expands our capacity to deliver a wide range of support to our local veterans, and it confirms our sincere commitment to our veteran population throughout the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee.”

Building D on the Pruitt Campus is dedicated to the IRSC VCE, which provides enhanced wrap-around support for student veterans through additional academic, financial, physical and social support services. A project director, advising staff and part-time tutors support these efforts. The site will house the Indian River State College Veterans Center of Excellence Wall of Honor, a permanent recognition of veterans made possible by founding sponsor SouthState Bank. George Haley, SouthState Bank Regional President for Martin and St. Lucie counties, will provide ceremonial remarks.

For more information on IRSC Military and Veterans Services or the Veterans Center of Excellence, call 772-462-7443 or email veterans-info@irsc.edu.