New advocate to assist student veterans at UAF
March 6, 2012
907-474-7902
3/6/12
Veterans attending the University of Alaska Fairbanks have a new advocate on campus.
This year, veterans advocate Phil Hokenson opened the new Veterans Resource Center on the first floor of the Eielson Building. The center and Hokenson’s position are a partnership between the Vietnam Veterans of America and UAF.
Hokenson, a former U.S. Army officer, will serve as a liaison for veterans to university services, to Fairbanks community services and to area military communities. He also will provide student-veterans greater awareness of and access to VA benefits.
Hokenson hopes his presence on campus will help maintain and enhance UAF’s reputation as a veteran-friendly university. He plans to serve as an advisor to the local chapter of the Student Veterans of America, a campus organization that aims to help veterans make the transition from military to civilian life, advocate for veterans, spouses and active duty servicemembers, and increase awareness among veterans of scholarship opportunities. In addition, Hokenson said he plans to facilitate recreational activities, volunteer projects and peer support and hopes the resource center will further support a strong community of veterans at UAF.
“I exist to help veterans get the resources they need to be successful in the classroom environment,” he said.
The Veterans Resource Center is located in Room 113 of the Eielson Building and is open from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. The center also hosts a weekly discussion group at 1 p.m. on Thursdays.
ADDITIONAL CONTACTS: Phil Hokenson, veterans advocate, 907-474-2475, pchokenson@alaska.edu
ON THE WEB: www.uaf.edu/veterans
NW/3-6-12/181-12