Whitworth University Receives Gesa Credit Union’s Local Heroes Grant Award
Gesa’s Local Heroes Grant Program offers funding to organizations that assist local heroes in Washington, such as firefighters, healthcare workers, members of law enforcement, teachers and veterans. This year, 43 organizations were awarded through the program.
The funding will be used to upgrade the university’s Military & Veterans Resource Center (MAVRC). Opened in fall 2021, the 3,000-square-foot facility is used by the university’s military members, veterans and ROTC cadets on campus. It’s a place where military-connected students can have community, feel appreciated and valued, and gather to study or host special events.
“The goal of creating a space on campus that thanks our military-connected students for their service and helps them to feel appreciated and connected finally came to fruition only a short year ago,” says Phil Labrie, associate director of military & veterans outreach. “Thanks to Whitworth’s leadership and many partners in the community, we have created a place that is unique and special and demonstrates Whitworth’s commitment to our veterans. Gesa’s grant will help us make upgrades to the MAVRC that will benefit our students for years to come. I’m beyond grateful for the members of Gesa who have contributed to this fund and for Gesa for deeming the MAVRC worthy of such a tremendous gift.”
Whitworth is an approved university to serve veterans and their family members who are eligible for educational benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, including under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon, Montgomery GI Bill, Veterans Educational Assistance, Survivors & Dependents Assistance, and Military Tuition Assistance.
Whitworth was ranked this fall by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 2 best college for veterans in the West and has been named a Military Friendly School, with bronze distinction, for the second year in a row by Viqtory Media.
“Gesa is committed to serving the dedicated heroes our community relies on across Washington,” says Don Miller, president and CEO of Gesa Credit Union. “We’re thrilled to honor the valuable, community-building work that Whitworth has done, and we thank them for their selfless efforts in serving our community.”
Gesa Credit Union is Washington’s second largest credit union with over $5.5 billion in assets and is over 285,000 members strong. For more information, visit gesa.com.
About Whitworth University:
Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The university, which has an enrollment of more than 2,500 students, offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Contacts:
Trisha Coder, media relations manager, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu.
