From OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Each November, the nation pauses to remember and honor the sacrifice of those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. At Owens Community College, that mission to help veterans succeed and find their next step is a daily mission.
“We take great pride in serving those who have served our country. Through Veterans Services, we provide comprehensive support that helps our military-affiliated students successfully transition from service to college life and beyond,” said Matthew Taylor, Owens manager of Veterans Services.
“We also collaborate closely with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and numerous local veteran organizations, providing direct access to services, benefits guidance, and community resources,” Taylor continued.
Owens receive the State of Ohio’s Collegiate Purple Star designation in the inaugural class of colleges, signifying the college’s efforts to support military students and families.
Among the more than 300 military-affiliated students who are enrolled at Owens annually, Ron Riccardi said his experience with the Veterans Services department has “always been wonderful.” Riccardi is working toward his Associate of Applied Science in welding.
“It’s been an invaluable resource for me, as far as helping me get classes sorted out and finding resources to help me use my benefits,” Riccardi added. “It’s also helped me network with other veterans in the area. Veterans Services always seems to go above and beyond to help their students.”
The department is housed in Veterans Hall on the Toledo-area campus, with services also available to students on the Findlay-area campus. The office includes a lounge and quiet rooms for military-affiliated students to use.
The Veterans Services team, which includes Taylor and Daphne Kinkade, assists students with VA education benefits, including Chapters 33, 35, 31, and 1606, as well as military tuition assistance programs, the Ohio War Orphan scholarship, and the Ohio National Guard scholarship program. According to Taylor, the department ensures that each student’s funding is processed accurately and efficiently.
The department also works individually with students to connect them with academic advising, tutoring, and financial aid resources, helping them stay focused on their academic and personal goals. It also helps promote a community with Veterans Orientation programs, Vets & Pets wellness events, and the Veteran of the Month program.
“These efforts highlight our appreciation for student veterans, while creating opportunities for engagement, recognition, and connection across campus,” Taylor said.
Veterans Services hosted a free lunch for Owens military-affiliated students on Thursday, Nov. 6, catered by Warrior Wings, a veteran-owned restaurant in Wauseon.
This Saturday, Nov. 8, the college will continue its role as the exclusive sponsor of Military Appreciation Night at the Toledo Walleye game. The first 1,500 active and former military personnel with a military ID will receive a co-branded Owens-Toledo Walleye challenge coin.
While the partnership has extended for more than a decade, it was expanded in 2024 to allow Walleye players to wear a special camo jersey. Last year’s game-worn camo jerseys were auctioned off to the general public, with half of the proceeds going to the Owens Community College Foundation, raising $9,138.99. The auction will continue in this year, in 2025. This year’s Toledo Walleye replica jerseys will be available inside the Swamp Shop at 11 a.m. on Saturday. For more information on the game and to purchase tickets, visit this link.
To learn more about Veterans Services at Owens, visit owens.edu/veterans.
