National Park College (NPC) hosted a formal dedication of the Bob Luciew Veterans
Services Center Thursday. The Hot Springs World Class High School Color Guard presented
the colors and NPC student Sarah Fitzsimmons, a veteran-dependent student, sang the
national anthem.
NPC has 136 veterans or dependents of veterans enrolled this semester. NPC Dean of
Students, John Tucker said the Veterans Center offers veterans and dependent students
a home-based atmosphere. “It’s a place to unwind after class or to gear up for the
next one, a place to grab a cup of coffee or a snack, a place to connect with fellow
veteran students, a place to study and do homework,” he said. “I am thrilled that
National Park College administration, board of trustees, faculty, and staff place
such a high value on serving our students that have stood in the gap for all of us
and served our great country,” added Tucker.
Veteran Affairs (VA) work-study and veteran-dependent student Robert Lawrence shared
his experience of living overseas with his father and his move back to the United
States two years ago. His father served 22 years in the military. As a dependent,
Lawrence receives benefits from the VA. “Because of the private scholarships and VA
benefits, coming to National Park College is possible,” said Lawrence. He explained
how the VA center on campus gives him a quiet place to write papers and study for
exams but also allows him to get support from his peers.
Mrs. June Luciew, widow of Bob Luciew, addressed the crowd. She shared Bob’s legacy
of patriotism and the story of his time in the military and higher education. Bob
spent 36 years working for the Veteran’s Administration. She commended the College
for the tremendous support the campus provides to veteran students. She repeatedly
thanked the veterans in attendance for their sacrifice. “I praise and admire all of
you veterans and members of the military whether you are active or not.”
