I graduated from Rutgers University – Camden in 2011. I still look back and can remember the important role Mr. Fred Davis, Office of Veterans Affairs, and the Rutgers student Veterans Association played in my college experience at Rutgers.
The transition from military to college life can feel overwhelming and challenging. While there was an adjustment to my new lifestyle as I entered Rutgers University – Camden, Fred Davis and his team made my transition feel seamless. Occasionally there could be issues with the VA regarding education benefits, enrolling, making sure payments were received for my classes, etc., but any issue I had was quickly resolved with the assistance of Mr. Davis and the Veterans Affairs office.
The Veterans lounge was another great resource I used frequently during my time at Rutgers University - Camden. This was a place to relax, study, and reach out/connect with fellow Veterans. Leaving the military and no longer having the constant camaraderie you are familiar with can be difficult. In the Veterans lounge I found those feelings of Camaraderie again within the other student Veterans who were going through similar situations and the transition to college life.
The constant support and encouragement Fred Davis gave to each Veteran student was far beyond his job description. A dedicated Veteran advocate, Mr. Davis was constantly introducing fellow Veterans to one another, planning group social activities, establishing/maintaining the Veteran lounge, coordinating fundraising events for the Jeremy Kane Scholarship Fund, assisting students in future employment opportunities, and encouraging overall growth of each Veteran on campus.
I can’t express enough gratitude for Fred Davis and the Office of Veterans Affairs at Rutgers – Camden. The dedication and overall determination to form a deeply committed Veterans Affairs office for all incoming student Veterans at Rutgers University – Camden was admirable. I will forever be thankful for Mr. Fred Davis and the Rutgers University – Camden office of Veterans Affairs and the experience they bestowed upon me during my time at Rutgers University – Camden.
Erin M. Lloyd (US Navy)