Veterans Resource Center opens
March 7, 2012
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, Fairbanks community services and 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.
For more information call Phil Hokenson, veterans advocate, 474-2475, pchokenson@alaska.edu