The Veterans Center at Eastern Connecticut State University has provided resources to military personnel on campus for more than 15 years, according to a May 5 announcement.
The center serves as an important support system for students who use military-connected education benefits, helping them navigate academic life while maintaining ties to the armed forces. Angela Bazin, director of wellness education outreach and veteran care, said, “While I am not a veteran myself, I come from a proud military family. Being the first full-time staff member to oversee the VETS Center and serve our veteran students and their families is something I am very proud of.”
Bazin said that each semester about 100 students use either their own or a family member’s education benefit. “A little more than half of those students are commuter students,” she said. The center organizes regular events such as an annual open house in September, a Veterans Day ceremony in November, monthly socials, game nights, off-campus programs, and occasional therapy dog visits. Bazin added that building community is central: “We have an annual VETS Center open house in September and a Veterans Day ceremony every November. We also have a social each month, frequent game nights, off-campus programs, and therapy dogs on occasion.”
The center collaborates with local organizations like the Willimantic veterans center and the American Legion to share information about community events and job fairs for veterans. “I have worked hard to make connections with our local veterans center in Willimantic and the American Legion,” Bazin said.“We share a lot of information about community events and military‑friendly job fairs.”
Army National Guard Recruiter Yuriy Matviyenka is available on campus as another resource for those interested in serving while studying. Matviyenka said he attended school while serving in the National Guard: “I went to school while I was in the National Guard and graduated debt-free,” he said. He explained that service commitments allow flexibility: “You serve one weekend a month, two weeks in the summer, and the rest of the time you do whatever you want.” Matviyenka also noted increased interest due to rising tuition costs since 2024: “Students don’t know how to afford their tuition fees… we offer 100% free college tuition to any state school.” He encourages recruits toward fields like engineering or intelligence.
According to Matviyenka,“College students usually have some kind of plan for where they want to go in life. That’s why I prefer recruiting on campuses,” he said.
Eastern Connecticut State University houses several academic departments including its Department of Environmental Earth Science which highlights geosciences’ relevance through research into ancient climates as well as educational programming according to its official website.
