A Tradition of Service: SIUE Continues to Champion Veterans and Military Families

A Tradition of Service: SIUE Continues to Champion Veterans and Military Families

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville continues to strengthen its commitment to those who have served the nation by earning the 2026-2027 Military Friendly School and Military Friendly Spouse School designations.

The recognitions highlight SIUE's dedication to creating an environment where veterans, active-duty service members, military-connected students and military spouses have the support they need to achieve their educational and career goals.

Currently, nearly 900 veteran and military connected students, about 7% of SIUE's student population, call the University home. Through the Office of Military and Veteran Services, students receive personalized guidance as they navigate VA education benefits, military tuition assistance and the transition from military service to college life.

For Daniel McAlpine, director of Military and Veteran Services and a retired United States Navy Chief Petty Officer, the designations reflect the University's ongoing commitment to those who have served.

"These recognitions reflect SIUE's ongoing commitment to creating a veteran-friendly campus where military-connected students and their families have the resources and support they need to be successful," said McAlpine. "Our office works one-on-one with students to help them navigate their educational benefits while connecting them with campus resources, peer support, and community partners that contribute to their academic and personal success."

The Military Friendly Spouse School designation further recognizes SIUE's efforts to support military spouses, acknowledging the unique challenges they often face as they balance education, career aspirations and the demands of military life.

Beyond assisting students with benefits and enrollment, Military and Veteran Services provides individualized support throughout each student's academic journey, helping military-connected students build community, access campus resources and successfully transition into civilian and university life.

The latest recognitions underscore SIUE's longstanding commitment to honoring the service and sacrifices of military families by providing opportunities that foster academic achievement, personal growth and long-term success.

As SIUE continues to expand resources for military-connected students and their families, these national recognitions reaffirm the University's mission of ensuring that those who have served, and the loved ones who support them find a welcoming campus community and the tools they need to thrive.