Eugene Bernard, right, in the San Jacinto College South Campus. (Photo courtesy of San Jacinto College)
Alix says the warmth of the office staff, along with their patience and willingness to help him succeed, has benefited him immeasurably.
“The folks at the veterans center were so inviting,” says Alix, who sustained trauma while serving in Iraq and retired as a master sergeant in 2009. “They allowed me to ease into the college experience and also provided a safe place to study, do research and ask questions.
“I was having memory issues but they were patient with me. That gave me the confidence that I needed to thrive in the college environment,” he adds. “They never get tired of you asking the same question over and over again. I have had questions about things other college students might find simple, like printing.”
San Jacinto College opened its three Centers of Excellence for Veteran Student Success two years ago as part of its strategy for the recruitment and retention of veterans. The Houston-area community college that operates three campuses counts more than 1,400 veterans among its students.
Alix says the existence of a veterans center where he can fraternize with other students who are former or active military has been helpful and provides a safe haven for him on campus.
Recruiting vets
