UD Awarded a $2,000 American Legion of Iowa Foundation Grant
Oct 8, 2020 | University Relations staff
DUBUQUE, Iowa – University of Dubuque received a $2,000 grant from the American Legion of Iowa Foundation for scholarships to assist veterans and their family members. Two scholarships at $1,000 each will be awarded to UD students this fall who are also veterans.
“We are grateful to the American Legion of Iowa Foundation for their continued support of our student veterans. The grant will be used to assist student veterans and their family members with financial need to pursue and complete their education goals. The funds could be used toward housing, a meal plan, or other tuition and fee costs. By assisting veterans and their families, we are repaying our debt to these patriots and in return allowing them to continue to serve their communities, state, and country,” said Rick Ernst (CSM, USA, Ret), director of UD’s Sgt. Jeffrey B. Dodge Veterans Center and veterans admission and assistance coordinator.
Leonard Ernst, with the American Legion of Iowa Foundation, presented the grant check in Blades Hall on campus to Josh Langas, a senior computer information systems major at UD who is a veteran.
The scholarships recognize students for their academic achievement and rewards them for their dedication to their country and commitment to higher education.
UD’s commitment to the nation’s service members and veterans dates back to World War II with the Navy’s V5/V12 programs and continues to present day. The University provides one-on-one counseling during the admission process specifically as it relates to veterans, has a veteran support group for those studying on campus, and has a vibrant U.S. Army ROTC Eagle Detachment. In addition, the Sgt. Jeffrey B. Dodge Veterans Center provides veterans a seamless transition from military life to civilian college life and has computers, study rooms, a kitchen, and a lounge area with a pool table and gaming systems.
The American Legion of Iowa Foundation was incorporated Nov. 29, 1978, as the charitable entity of the Iowa Department of the American Legion. The foundation has contributed over $1.4 million in support of veterans’ assistance, educational programs, patriotic endeavors, and children and youth programs.
