The Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration (CVTI) was recently recognized for their steadfast commitment to veterans by Student Veterans of America (SVA) and honored with The William Pearson Tolley Champion for Veterans in Higher Education Award.
Presented at SVA’s National Conference in Colorado Springs last week, this award honors visionary leaders whose dedication and advocacy have transformed the landscape of higher education for student veterans.
“This honor from SVA reinforces Columbia University’s place as a top-choice for veterans looking to pursue a world-class education—both during and after their service,” said Curtis Rodgers, Vice Dean of Columbia GS and CVTI Founder. “The Tolley Award reflects our deep commitment to student veterans, not just at Columbia, but throughout the larger veteran community.”
In attendance to accept the award from SVA CEO Jared Lyon were Dean Rodgers; Dave Keefe, Director of Military and Veteran Community Engagement; R.J. Jenkins, CVTI Director of Education; and Ebonnie Goodfield ‘24GS, CVTI Community Engagement Assistant.
The award is named after William Pearson Tolley, a former Chancellor of Syracuse University, who was known for his dedication to expanding educational access for veterans, particularly through initiatives like the G.I. Bill. SVA's NatCon is the largest annual gathering of student veterans, providing a platform to recognize outstanding contributions to the veteran community in higher education.
“Student Veterans of America is honored to recognize the Center for Veteran Transition and Integration (CVTI) at Columbia University with the William Pearson Tolley Champion for Veterans in Higher Education Award. CVTI’s innovative programs, continued dedication to student veterans and military-affiliated students, and commitment to building partnerships that extend nationwide are transforming the landscape of higher education for veterans. Their holistic approach to addressing the unique challenges faced by transitioning service members exemplifies the spirit of this award and supports this unique student community in their journey to, through, and beyond higher education. We are incredibly proud to celebrate the impactful contributions of CVTI to this space," said Jared Lyon, National President & CEO at SVA.
Columbia launched CVTI in 2017 to have a direct and lasting impact on the issue of veteran transition and upward mobility by creating and providing access to the best-in-class tools and programming veterans need as they transition from active service to college and the workforce.
