Ohio University's Student Veterans of America (SVA) Chapter/Club offers a friendly environment of diverse and dynamic individuals who share many of the same struggles, excitement, and pride of returning to formal education for professional and personal development after completing our country’s call to service. SVA membership is open to Ohio University student Veterans, current members of the Ohio National Guard, Reservists, ROTC Cadets, and Spouses/Dependents of Veterans.
Connect & Get Involved
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OHIO's Veterans Success Program
S.E.R.V.E. is Ohio University's peer-led outreach program that engages our student Veteran community to provide evaluations of current programs and resources, offer feedback for improvement, and contribute new ideas to facilitate academic and career success, personal growth, and a fulfilling university experience. Our VALOR squads are here to assist you!
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Support OUr Student Veterans
The Veterans Services Fund supports our Veteran and military-connected students in various ways, including the operation of our Veterans Lounge; programming/events that promote community, friendship and awareness; and by providing assistance to veterans whose benefits have been exhausted due to degree change, longer program requirements or a variety of other reasons. Consider making a charitable gift to OUr Veterans Services Fund today!
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Annual Veterans Suicide Awareness and Prevention Campaign (#STOP17)
The Ohio University Veterans Center's annual #STOP17 Veterans Suicide Awareness and Prevention Campaign is held each November in Baker University Center’s 3rd Floor Atrium. The campaign challenges students, faculty, staff, and members of the Athens and university communities to complete 17 repetitions of an exercise of their choice in honor of the 17 veterans lost to suicide each day. Participants who complete the challenge receive a free “Bobcats Support Veterans” #STOP17 t-shirt. Hosted and sponsored by the Ohio University Veterans Center and Student Veterans of America, the event has grown into one of the university’s largest Veterans Week initiatives, with more than 1,100 t-shirts distributed in a single day each year.
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Polar Bear Plunge
Annual event hosted by the Albany VFW Post 9893, at Lake Snowden in Albany Ohio, benefiting the Beacon School and the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
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Veterans Day
Annual Veterans Day parade hosted by Ohio University and the city of Athens.
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Heroes Helping Heroes
Each year, Ohio University’s Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter partners with the Athens County VA Clinic and the Athens County Veterans Service Office to identify local veteran families in need of support during the holiday season. Through the generous support of community organizations such as the VFW, American Legion, AMVETS, and Elks, SVA is able to fulfill holiday wish lists for both parents and children, helping make Christmas more memorable for these families. Student veterans play an active role throughout the initiative by shopping for gifts, wrapping presents, and personally delivering them to families prior to the holiday season.
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Athens Area Stand Down
The Athens Area Stand Down is held the first Friday of October every year at the Athens County Fair Grounds. The event helps homeless and near homeless people by getting them through the winter months. Open to Veterans and non-Veteran.
Disclaimer: It is not the intent of Ohio University to imply an endorsement by any service branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.