Skip to main content

ASU Veterans Upward Bound students receive scholarships from local veteran organization


Tyler Obermeit

Tyler Obermeit, an Army veteran majoring in conservation biology and ecology at ASU, received a scholarship from the Mesa Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America. Photo courtesy of Tyler Obermeit

May 22, 2018

Three Sun Devils, who are also alumni of the Arizona State University TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program, recently received scholarships from the Mesa Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America.

The scholarships are intended to help further the student veterans’ education and assist with college expenses such as tuition, textbooks and professional development.

“Vietnam Veterans of America is an incredible organization, helping vets from all backgrounds,” said Tyler Obermeit, an Army veteran majoring in conservation biology and ecology. “I am humbled to be a recipient of their scholarship.”

Dexter Marquez, another Army veteran majoring in journalism and mass communication, agreed.

“The scholarship that they provide is an inspiration to us veterans to keep in the fight and to better ourselves,” he said. “I, for one, do appreciate it with all my heart.”

The third scholarship went to Kara Jaramillo, an Air Force veteran majoring in social work.

ASU Veterans Upward Bound has been partnering with the Mesa chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America for almost a decade, during which time they have helped to support veterans at the university.

“The [Vietnam Veterans of America] East Valley veterans feel a great sense of pride helping their fellow veterans with their educational pursuits,” said Constance Benedict, instructional supervisor at ASU Veterans Upward Bound.

The Vietnam Veterans of America East Valley veterans organized fundraisers to raise the money for the scholarships.

The recipients of the scholarships were chosen by ASU Veterans Upward Bound staff for their “work/study habits, merit and dedication,” Benedict said.

“VUB is an amazing organization, and I would not be a successful student if it weren’t for them,” Obermeit said. “Adjusting back to civilian life, especially being a student, can be very difficult, and if it weren't for them I wouldn't be where I am today. I am happy to be working for VUB, helping out my fellow veterans after they have given me so much.”

Written by Logan Maro

More Arts, humanities and education

 

Portrait of Laura Hales.

New scholarship for history students named in honor of ASU alumna

Laura Harris Hales was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, an author and a reluctant-but-…

March 15, 2024
Statue of Florence Nightingale.

New book pays homage to Florence Nightingale

If Florence Nightingale were alive today, she’d fit right in at Arizona State University. Perhaps best known as “The Lady with…

March 14, 2024
Watercolor painting of a desolate landscape with a lion dramatically confronting a snake.

2024 March Mammal Madness tournament celebrates animals, the arts

As the seasons change, the month of March brings a special excitement to the air; 65 featured combatants are poised to enter “…

March 12, 2024