CBU recognized as Military Friendly School for 2022-2023

Riverside, Calif. (March 7, 2022) – California Baptist University seeks to support military veterans and dependents in their academic journey and is recognized as a Yellow Ribbon institution.

Recently, CBU was honored as a Military Friendly School for 2022-2023. The list is created each year based on research using public data sources for more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans, and responses to the Military Friendly Schools survey from participating institutions. Jay Villasenor, director of the Veterans Resource Center at CBU, said that giving veterans the support they need to succeed is a priority.

“Being inclusive means that we have successfully opened the door for veterans to integrate into the CBU community,” Villasenor said. “We have shown that veterans are well equipped and capable of taking on the challenge of returning to school.”

The Veterans Resource Center provides a communal space on campus where students are always welcome. The center offers support to students, in addition to a lounge, kitchen amenities and computers.

“Being a Military Friendly School is more than just accepting educational benefits,” Villasenor said. “It’s ensuring that veterans have the proper resources and support on campus.”

Lazarus Florence, a psychology senior, said the center helps veterans further their education while keeping military tradition alive.

“I was asked if I wanted to be part of a cake-cutting ceremony for the Marine Corps birthday celebration,” Florence said. “They help us to keep up with our military traditions and that shows their appreciation for the sacrifices we have made.”

The Veterans Resource Center takes time to recognize veterans and their service. At graduation, all veterans receive a red, white and blue cord and are honored at every home basketball game. The center hosts an annual Veterans Day event, in addition to celebrating military branch birthdays. Lastly, all undergraduate traditional military students and dependents receive priority registration each semester.

Prospective and current students are encouraged to visit calbaptist.edu/veterans for more information on the application process. Students are invited to the Veterans Resource Center located in Lancer Arms #36 or they can call 951-552-8304 for further information.