Tillman Center recognizes key players in support of ASU’s veteran students

In a small ceremony on Dec. 12, 2019, hosted by former director of veteran services for the Pat Tillman Veterans Center Steve BordenBeginning January 2020, Steve Borden assumes a new position as vice president for military programs at National University in La Jolla, California., two members from The College at Arizona State University were honored with the Pat Tillman Veterans Center Honor Roll.

The recipients were Paul LePore, associate dean in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Instructor Jennifer Brougham from the T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics. At the intimate gathering, both LePore and Brougham were surprised when Borden invited them up to receive their special honor.

LePore was recognized for his unwavering support of ASU’s student veterans, and for his work over the years with Salute to Service. 

“The work we have been able to do in support of our student veterans and active duty military represents some of the most meaningful and memorable aspects of my time spent here at ASU,” LePore said. “None of this, however, would have been possible without the support and leadership provided by Capt. Steve Borden and the Tillman Veterans Center staff.”

Jennifer Brougham received her honor for continually going above and beyond for all of her student veterans while providing unparalleled service to those deployed.

“It has been an honor to work with the Pat Tillman Veterans Center as well as my privilege to work with the ASU students, especially the veteran students while guest lecturing with the SuccessThe Success course offered by the Tillman Center is designed to assist veterans in transitioning to ASU. course and my other classes,” Brougham said. “I am so grateful to Steve Borden and Dean LePore for their assistance in working with me as I started on the journey of putting together a course remembering the Military Family.”

From left: Jennifer Brougham, Paul LePore and Steve Borden. Photo courtesy of the Pat Tillman Veterans Center.

Brougham created FAS 410: Working with Military Families in 2016 in cooperation with the Tillman Center. 

Open to majors from all disciplines, FAS 410 is offered each fall with no prerequisites (non-certificate). The course provides students with an increased understanding of the challenges faced by military families and prepares them to provide assistance to this unique community.

“Establishing the Working with Military Families certificate ensures that her positive influence will have impact well beyond the physical boundaries of the institution," Borden said. "Jennifer brings great credit upon herself and Arizona State University.”

Receiving the Pat Tillman Veterans Center Honor Roll recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication by LePore and Brougham in serving the veteran community. But it is also clear that the Tillman Center continues to play an important role in the success of veteran students at ASU.

“The Tillman Center has been and continues to be an integral partner in our college’s new student recruiting efforts and our student success initiatives,” LePore said. “They are a welcomed collaborator, working alongside our faculty on a variety of research and teaching initiatives focused on veterans and the military — case in point, FAS 410.”