Just days before the Nov. 11 Veterans Day national holiday, which honors those who have served the nation in uniform, UCF hosted its third annual Veterans Services Extravaganza on Wednesday, providing an opportunity for student veterans to obtain information about the resources available to them.
This year's event, part of Veterans Remembrance Week, was hosted by Jim Middlekauff – assistant university registrar, and head of the Veterans Academic Resource Center.
It was held inside of Ferrell Common's main auditorium, with tables setup in the back for participants to walk around and obtain information. The front of the auditorium contained chairs to sit and listen to the guest speakers.
There are an estimated 800 student veterans at UCF, and an additional 500 registered as dependents.
"Our goal is to create awareness of all of the services available to our student vets," said Middlekauff.
He and his staff processed a total number of 1,330 applicants for veteran's benefits this fall, a significantly greater number from last year's total. When asked for the prior year's total, Middlekauff could not advise. However, he said that each year the number of students receiving benefits increases.
According to the VARC, the annual Veterans Services Extravaganza plays a significant role in the successful outreach to UCF's veteran population by consolidating a number of resources into a single information session.
While attendance this year was modest, those who came were appreciative.
"I'm very grateful for this event, but am little disappointed at the number of student vets that actually came," said Brian Bussuvanno, 26, a student veteran.
He said that he received an advertisement and wanted to know more.
"I got a lot of valuable information, and I'm sure other veterans would have benefited too."
This year's event yielded a smaller crowd in comparison to 2009 and 2010. The actual number of participants remains unknown.
"The size of this year's crowd was a surprise, considering the amount of advertising we put into it," Middlekauff said.
Despite the relatively low turnout Wednesday, Antoinette Durden, program assistant for Student Disabilities Services, said this year's event was worthwhile.
"I think it's very important that it continues so that the opportunity for veterans is there," she said.
The three-hour extravaganza was open to the entire university, and included refreshments and door prizes. One lucky grand prize winner received a HP Inkjet Printer, courtesy of UCF.
Several organizations participated in this year's event including: the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Darkhorse, Orlando VA Medical Center, and the U.S. Navy.
Also, representatives from UCF's own Health Center, Library, Financial Aid Office, Police department, Student Disabilities Services, Counseling Center, Career Services, Recreational and Wellness Center, Victim Services, and Academic Resource Center were present.
In addition, guest speakers included Benita Jackson, Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom New Dawn program coordinator, and Glen Beth with the Vocational Rehab Center.
Plans for next year's extravaganza are already in sight. VARC hopes to reach more veterans through its services.
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