Chancellor Frenk shared this message with the Bruin community.
Dear Bruin Community:
On Wednesday, Nov. 11, we will observe Veterans Day to honor all who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and recognize their service and sacrifices. It is a day to reflect on the values they uphold and express our gratitude for their contributions. It is also a time to honor the family members and loved ones who have supported them along the way.
Here at UCLA, Veterans and military-connected individuals are an important part of our community, bringing unique lived experience, leadership and a commitment to service to our campus. This week, we invite Bruin Veterans, active-duty servicemembers, ROTC students and military family members to join us for our annual Veteran Appreciation Lunch. For more information, please contact EventRSVP@specialevents.ucla.edu.
Just as Veterans have served through their military service, UCLA is committed to supporting them and their families. Through our land-lease partnership with the VA in West Los Angeles, our work across the Greater Los Angeles region and our programs on the main campus, we are building a network of support that helps Veterans and their families find connection, care and community.
Our Veteran Resource Center assists student Veterans and military-connected students develop community and support throughout their time on campus. In collaboration with several university offices, including the Registrar’s Office, Financial Aid, Student Financial Services, and academic departments, the Veteran Resource Center certifies and processes state and federal Veteran education and employment benefits for a population of more than 1,200 Veteran and military-connected students. Through career development programs, graduate Veterans and military-connected students mentor undergraduates as they prepare for graduate school and consider their next steps after UCLA. The center also supports academic success through peer tutoring and departmental office hours in partnership with the Center for Accessible Education. Beyond the classroom, it fosters connection and service through community engagement and volunteer opportunities, including UCLA Volunteer Day at the Los Angeles National Cemetery and the Memorial Day Flag Pickup.
Through Veterans Initiatives & Partnerships (VIP), UCLA continues to strengthen its relationship with the VA and advance shared goals that support Veteran health and well-being. The UCLA School of Law Veterans Legal Clinic provides free legal assistance to Veterans, including help with disability benefits and housing-related matters. The UCLA Veteran Family Wellbeing Center supports Veterans and their family members through resilience programs, workshops and connections to additional resources. The UCLA/VA Center of Excellence for Training and Research in Veteran Resilience and Recovery advances research and training to improve services for Veterans, including those experiencing homelessness and behavioral health challenges. In addition, UCLA Health Operation Mend provides specialized medical, surgical and psychological care for eligible post-9/11 Veterans and service members, including treatment for traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress.
UCLA is also expanding educational and career opportunities for Veterans. Through partnerships with VIP and UCLA Extension, programs such as Veteran Job Education and Training (VetJET) have provided Veterans with access to certificate programs that support their education and career goals. The UCLA Anderson School of Management’s Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans provides specialized training in entrepreneurship and small-business management, along with mentorship to help participants develop and grow their ventures.
UCLA Athletics supports the Veteran community through appreciation events, complimentary admission to UCLA baseball games for Veterans and active-duty service members, and scholarships for children and grandchildren of Veteran families to attend summer sports camps. UCLA also supports Veteran well-being through recreation and service partnerships, offering activities ranging from kayaking to climbing. These opportunities reflect our commitment to supporting Veterans in many aspects of their lives and strengthening their connections with the broader community.
Veterans bring diverse backgrounds and experiences to UCLA, united by a commitment to service and something greater than themselves. Their example reminds us of the lasting impact of service, leadership and purpose.
We are One UCLA.
Julio Frenk
Chancellor