Brown University celebrates fast-growing veteran population

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — On Veterans Day four years ago, Brown University set out to double its veteran population by 2024 through a $25 million fundraising goal. One year ahead of schedule, that goal has already been accomplished.

In 2019, there were a total of 21 student veterans enrolled at Brown. Just four years later, that number is now up to 49.

This fall, 22 new undergraduate student veterans enrolled at Brown.

All of this is due in large part to the $25 million fundraising goal that was surpassed. With those funds, the university is able to admit student veterans through a need-blind admissions process and offer full scholarships and financial support to veterans.

The university has also partnered with outside organizations such as Service to School to further grow its recruitment efforts.

“Just being able to show the traditional students that veterans are capable, veterans are just like you, they just had different experiences,” said Sean Braga, a U.S. Army veteran and current junior at Brown.

The money raised by Brown for these veterans goes a long way for them in being able to afford some of the needs in day-to-day life that might not be covered through other veteran funding initiatives and GI bills.

“It takes a lot of stress away, which is something that you don’t want to have to worry about when you’re coming back to school after X amount of years of the military, so that’s been fantastic,” said Terren Wise, a U.S. Navy veteran and current student at Brown.

It’s not just former military service members that benefit from the growing program.

Suryawan Ang was one of the 22 students who enrolled at Brown this fall. The first-year student is also still actively serving in the U.S. Army while getting his degree and is a cadet in the university’s ROTC program.

“It’s definitely nice to have people in my age group and have the same experience as I do that has served or currently serving,” Ang told ABC 6 News.

The money Brown has raised for its student veterans hasn’t just helped them in the admissions process. It’s also helped their experience on campus.

The university has been able to add more resources as well as a full-time program coordinator for the Office of Military-Affiliated Students, which has helped the university offer a wider range of support to students and connect them with military alumni.