|
President Abraham Lincoln’s vision for the land grant university system included emphasizing military science education. After 136 years, the University of Idaho continues to provide tremendous training for all five military branches.
Our growing Army, Air Force/Space Force, and Navy/Marine Corps commissioning programs and veteran services are spread across campus in five different buildings. Plans are in place to remodel Targhee Hall, an old unused residence hall, to create a full-service ROTC and veteran services facility, including a wellness center to serve officer candidates recovering from training injuries, and veterans undergoing disability rehabilitation.
Students like Jun Figueredo would benefit from the improved facilities. He considered enlisting in the Marine Corps out of high school, but advice from his Marine veteran father and the example of his brother Joshua ’22 steered him toward the U of I. He’s excelled in ROTC and his studies as an exercise science major.
“I wanted to go into a field where I could help those around me and I think physical therapy has been a great fit,” said Figueredo, who plans to graduate this spring. “I’ve had the chance work with Dr. (Joshua) Bailey in his lab and work with ROTC participants on a study. Getting to know them has been really cool.”
Through the Navy ROTC program, Figueredo gained a cohort of committed students and leaders to grow with over the past four years.
“Within my first couple of days here we developed a really tight-knit group,” Figueredo said. “We all have the same mindset and positive values. Through ROTC I feel like I’ve gained so much knowledge from our leaders, and it’s kept me busy and proactive in a great way.”
In addition to outstanding ROTC programs, the U of I is the only college in Idaho ranked as a Best Colleges for Veterans by U.S. News and World Report. About 5% of U of I students are veteran-affiliated. The proposed Joint Military Science and Veterans Assistance Center will centralize services to meet the needs of these students.
Renovating Targhee Hall reduces the project's cost by 30% compared to building a new facility. We aim to build on our land-grant mission and provide facilities befitting of the selfless service our veterans and future military personnel provide for our country.
|
