Chez Veterans Center

06/19/2026

Juneteenth ✨
Celebrating freedom, resilience, and the continued pursuit of equality. Today we honor history, culture, and the voices that continue to inspire change. We will be closed! ❤️💛💚

The Chez Veterans Center is closed today in observance of Juneteenth.

06/13/2026

🎓 Graduate Highlight: Class of 2026

Meet Kevin Lundeen — a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran whose graduate journey in Education Policy, Organization & Leadership showed just how much he could achieve by connecting academic theory with real‑world practice. His path reflects resilience, purpose, and a commitment to leading learning and development work with impact.

Full story: https://chezveteranscenter.ahs.illinois.edu/blog/from-service-to-scholarship-kevin-lundeens-journey-in-learning-and-leadership/

06/08/2026

We were excited to host Koumae, a social work intern and military‑connected dependent, at the Chez Veterans Center this Spring semester.

Her creativity and care shaped self‑care workshops, community‑building activities, and outreach that supported the wellbeing of our military‑connected students. We’re grateful for the heart she brought to our community.

Read her full story ⬇️

When Koumae Adams joined the Chez Veterans Center as an intern for the Spring 2026 semester, she brought with her a lifetime of connection to the military community. Growing up in a Navy family meant…

06/06/2026

🎓 Graduate Highlight: Class of 2026

Meet Mayra Ortega — a student whose path to nursing was built through persistence, purpose, and a deep commitment to caring for others.

Full story: https://chezveteranscenter.ahs.illinois.edu/blog/built-through-persistence-mayra-ortegas-path-to-nursing/

05/30/2026

🎓 Graduate Highlight: Class of 2026

Meet Aaliyah Zhu — a student whose Illinois journey reflects transformation, purpose, and the power of finding community along the way.

Full story: https://chezveteranscenter.ahs.illinois.edu/blog/from-transition-to-transformation-aaliyah-zhus-illinois-journey/

05/27/2026

So excited to share that Garrett Anderson was honored with the 2026 Staff Excellence Award at the College of Applied Health Sciences! Garrett has been a cornerstone of the Chez Veterans Center from the beginning, bringing unmatched compassion, energy, and dedication to supporting military‑connected students.
His impact is felt by students, colleagues, alumni, and the entire Champaign‑Urbana community.

Read more about his recognition and the story behind this well‑deserved award:
https://chezveteranscenter.ahs.illinois.edu/blog/garrett-anderson-recognized-at-the-2026-ahs-awards/

05/25/2026

Memorial Day 🇺🇸
Today we honor and remember the brave service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Their courage and dedication will never be forgotten.
❤️🤍💙

The Chez Veterans Center is closed today in observance of Memorial Day.

05/23/2026

🎓 Graduate Highlight: Class of 2026

Meet Abisay — a student whose path through Illinois shows what it means to learn, lead, and build community.

Full feature: https://chezveteranscenter.ahs.illinois.edu/blog/from-veteran-to-kenough-abisay-salgados-path-through-illinois/

05/22/2026

Honoring the strength, sacrifice, and service of all who keep our nation moving across the seas. ⚓️🇺🇸 Happy National Maritime Day from the Chez Veterans Center!

05/20/2026

🎉 We’re proud to share that the Chez Veterans Center (CVC) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is part of a program recognized by Forbes as one of the Best Online Master’s Programs for Military Service Members!

This recognition highlights UIUC’s commitment to research excellence and, more importantly, to supporting military-connected students through mentorship, academic and career guidance, and transition support.

We’re honored to be part of a community that continues to show up for those who have served. 🇺🇸

🔗 Read more: https://chezveteranscenter.ahs.illinois.edu/blog/cvc-supports-national-recognition-in-forbes-best-online-masters-programs/