Northeastern Illinois University to open new Veterans Services Center

An invitation-only ribbon cutting ceremony will be held Monday, Oct. 6, 2025

CHICAGO, Oct. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Northeastern Illinois University is pleased to announce the opening of a new Veterans Service Center, which will be housed on the University's Main Campus.

The Veterans Services Center will be a hub for active duty members of the military, veterans and those who support them. The goal of the space is to assist military members by providing guidance on benefits they may be eligible for through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, financial aid, customized academic advising and networking opportunities with fellow veteran and active-duty students.

"The new Veterans Services Center will serve as a welcoming, purpose-driven space that empowers student veterans with the resources, guidance, and community they need to thrive academically and pursue meaningful careers." Northeastern Illinois University President Katrina E. Bell-Jordan said.

The Veterans Services Center is funded in part through a $145,000 federal grant provided through the Congressional Directed Spending program — thanks to the support of U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth — and Northeastern's President's Fund.

"This federal grant is provided through the Congressional Directed Spending (CDS) program," Sen. Duckworth said. "This allows members of Congress to request direct funding for projects that benefit their communities. Northeastern helps veterans apply for federal and Illinois veteran benefits, which include Illinois Veterans Grant (IVG), Illinois National Guard Grant (ING), MIA/POW Scholarship and Illinois ROTC Scholarship (tuition waiver)."

The Veterans Services Center will provide assistance to both currently enrolled veterans and their dependents, as well as prospective veterans interested in furthering their education at Northeastern. It will connect veterans with resources both at the University and externally to help them navigate their college career.

"We are excited to bring the Veterans Services Center to life to support members of the Northeastern community who have given so much to our country," Executive Director of Facilities Management Josh Sumner said. "We hope that this space will provide a comforting and useful meeting space for these vital members of our community."

EVENT DETAILS

EXPECTED SPEAKERS: 

• Northeastern Illinois University President Katrina E. Bell-Jordan
• Northeastern Illinois University Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs R. Shayne Cofer
• Northeastern Illinois University Registrar Rahshida Walker
• Northeastern Illinois University Board of Trustees Chair J. Todd Phillips
• Alderman Gilbert Villegas, 36th Ward, City of Chicago

ABOUT NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY

Northeastern Illinois University  offers more than 40 undergraduate degree and certificate programs and more than 50 graduate degree, certificate, licensure and endorsement programs. The Main Campus is located on 67 acres in an attractive residential area on the Northwest Side of Chicago. Founded in 1867, Northeastern is a Minority-Serving Institution and the longest-standing four-year public Hispanic-Serving Institution in the Midwest. The University has additional Chicagoland locations, including the Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies, El Centro, and the University Center of Lake County.

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SOURCE Northeastern Illinois University