We have made it our mission to support veterans, active military and reserves, and military spouses and dependents. The Peter Secchia Military and Veterans Resource Center is the focal point of that commitment.
Through it, military students like you will find the resources, programming, and community you need to achieve your academic, career, and life goals.
3rd Annual Hug a G.I. Day is here!
Hug a GI is an event to bring the GVSU community together to honor our veterans. Photos that you have submitted will be placed throughout campus and in the community, sharing the opportunity for others to give a virtual hug - through words of encouragement and support.
Your photos will be visible on both the Valley and City campuses to receive virtual "hugs". We will collect responses and display them in April!
The deadline to submit photos is February 27th!
2025 Student Veteran Orientation
2025 Waddle of Honor Graduation Ceremony
Laker Vets attending the Student Veterans of America National Conference.
Flags placed on campus for Memorial Day.
Certification Information and Contacts
GI Bill® and Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Certification
Our Registrar's Office certifies GI Bill® enrollment to the VA and can assist with related information.
The following individuals have been designated as primary contacts based on last names. For example, if your last name is Smith, you would contact Kurt Ritter.
You are encouraged to seek assistance from anyone else if your assigned certifying official is not available.
|
Last Name |
Certifying Official |
|---|---|
|
A - C |
Sophia Bruno [email protected] |
|
D-J |
Kaitlin Penney [email protected] |
|
K-M |
Elle Hilley [email protected] |
|
N-R |
Sam Krepel [email protected] |
|
S-Z |
Kurt Ritter [email protected] |
Veteran Readiness and Employment (formerly Voc Rehab) Enrollment Certification | Chapter 31 | Federal and State (MINGSTAP) Military Tuition Assistance Programs
Paul Dillon
Join Our Community
Join Laker Vets
Laker Vets at Grand Valley is one of over 1,400 Student Veteran of America chapters from around the nation. Our chapter is here to support student veterans, military, and dependents in their success on campus and in the classroom. We are an inclusive organization, and as such we welcome anybody wanting to make a positive difference for our community! You do not have to be a veteran to be a member.
Upcoming Events
VA VITAL Staff on Campus
Thursday, February 12, 2026
10:00
a.m.
- 2:00
p.m.
Veteran's Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL) is VA's approach to reaching out to Student Veterans to help facilitate the transition from Servicemember to Student. VITAL staff can help Veterans navigate the VA and outside resources, coordinate care
Valentine's Day Bake Sale!
Thursday, February 12, 2026
11:00
a.m.
The Laker Vets are hosting a bake sale! Bring some Valentine's Day goodies (individually wrapped please) and help raise money for future Laker Vet events!
Coffee & Camaraderie
Thursday, February 26, 2026
9:00
a.m.
- 11:00
a.m.
A time to connect with the military-affiliated community at GVSU while enjoying free coffee and donuts.
VA VITAL Staff on Campus
Thursday, February 26, 2026
10:00
a.m.
- 2:00
p.m.
Veteran's Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL) is VA's approach to reaching out to Student Veterans to help facilitate the transition from Servicemember to Student. VITAL staff can help Veterans navigate the VA and outside resources, coordinate care
VA VITAL Staff on Campus
Thursday, March 5, 2026
10:00
a.m.
- 2:00
p.m.
Veteran's Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL) is VA's approach to reaching out to Student Veterans to help facilitate the transition from Servicemember to Student. VITAL staff can help Veterans navigate the VA and outside resources, coordinate care
Visit Our Lounge Spaces
Open 9 - 5 on Weekdays / After hours and weekends accessible with GVSU student ID
Russel H. Kirkhof Center
Room 0072
1 Campus Drive
Allendale, MI 49401
Daniel and Pamela DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health
Room 110
333 Michigan Street N.E.
Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3314