From Public Affairs 7 November 2008
BERKELEY — As the nation and the campus observe Veterans' Day on Tuesday, Nov. 11, UC Berkeley's student veterans, many of whom are back from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, are getting a well-deserved day off from their studies. More than 150 veterans are attending UC Berkeley this fall majoring in everything from engineering and languages to philosophy and peace and conflict studies.
"The number of veterans at UC Berkeley increased this year, and we're likely to see that number grow," said Ron Williams, campus coordinator of Re-entry Student and Veterans Programs and Services. The campus offers veterans customized outreach and orientation programs, guidance with financial aid, and a new class that addresses their unique concerns.
"Veterans bring leadership, maturity and life skills that make for highly successful students,'' said Chancellor Robert J. Birgeneau, who has supported federal legislation to expand educational benefits for returning veterans. "We honor their service by helping them to build a better future for themselves as well as for our nation."