Welcome Back BBQ for Military-connected Students Scheduled Aug. 26

Welcome Back BBQ for Military-connected Students Scheduled Aug. 26

The Military Service Center and UToledo's Student Veterans of America chapter are hosting a Welcome Back BBQ for all military-connected students during the first week of classes.

The barbecue is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26, outside of Rocket Hall next to the horse sculptures. The event will take place rain or shine, with a space indoors if needed. Following the barbecue will be the mandatory military orientation at 2 p.m. so that new students can take their food to orientation.

Military-connected students include veterans, active-duty personnel, members of the national guard and their dependents.

"Our goal is to help our students, who are often nontraditional, get involved on campus and view the University as a community that wants to engage with them," said Eric Buetikofer, UToledo Director of Military and Veteran Affairs. "We also hope that our new military-connected students come out so that we can introduce them to our upperclassmen who can share their own UToledo experiences and provide guidance on how to be successful through the first term."

UToledo has seen a significant increase in its enrollment of military-connected students this fall. Currently, more than 400 military-connected students are enrolled at UToledo, including 104 students new to the University - an increase of more than 52% over the same point last year.

UToledo has consistently been recognized for its strong support of military-connected students, earning the No. 2 spot in Ohio and ranking 10th in the Midwest in last year's Military Times Best for Vets list. UToledo also received a renewed Collegiate Purple Star designation from the Ohio Department of Higher Education earlier this year, honoring its continued efforts to support students with military backgrounds.