The Veteran and Military connected lounge is a space located on the lower level of the Spalding University Library in room 022. The Lounge is for military-connected students and faculty, which may include those who are on active duty, guard, reserve, veterans, and families (spouses/children) of these individuals.
We spoke with Amanda Glynn, doctoral student at the School of Professional Psychology, who helped get the space up and running.
How did the space come to be? What’s the story behind its inception?
I wanted to create the space after my own experiences in transitioning from active duty. As for many veterans, transitioning out of the military can be very difficult, especially when moving to an area that does not have an established military community. I wanted to create a space for veterans and military-connected individuals to find that community, as well as have a central location to come to when they may need help with the logistical or emotional aspects of being a military student.
What makes this space special and unique to Spalding?
At Spalding, this is our only direct avenue for military students to foster connection to other military students, as well as find helpful resources relevant to being a military student.
What amenities are included?
The lounge provides couches, gaming systems, a refrigerator, snacks, used textbooks (primarily from the School of Professional Psychology), a printer, computer, whiteboard, and an attached restroom.
There are also various office supplies, resources listed for support, a Spalding policy regarding military students, and my contact information if needed, as I also serve as the Student Veterans of America (SVA) president for the Spalding University Chapter.
Is there anything else we should know regarding this lounge?
The Vet’s Lounge is not only a space to connect but also serves as a form of advocacy for military students at Spalding. Misconceptions about the military in general are quite common.
For any student or faculty that wants to learn, this space represents a focal point of education on the military and the uniqueness of a military student. It is also a space for military-connected students to make their needs or issues known so that we can advocate for those needs. For example, this group contributed to the development of a military student policy at Spalding, as well as a needs-based financial support scholarship.
To learn more about the benefits available to veterans, Visit our VA Education Benefits page to learn more.