Two computer terminals in Illinois State's new Veterans Study Center. (Photo By Paul Morello/WJBC)

By Paul Morello

NORMAL - Veterans at Illinois State University now have another place to get together.

ISU dedicated its Veterans Study Center in Moulton Hall Friday morning.

The room includes computers, couches and desk space. The center is open to student veterans, those currently serving, and students in the ROTC program.

Matt Schumacher is a Navy veteran and ISU senior. He said it helps to have a specific place to get together.

"Some veterans do great by themselves, but others like having that comraderie, that shared experience that you get from the military service. This will provide a place where you can get that and make new friends or even share your past experiences, while having new experiences here," he said.

Schumacher spent 5 1/2 years in the Naval Construction Force. He is now working towards a political science major.

ISU president Al Bowman said there are 400-500 veterans on campus each year.

"We wanted a place where veterans could get together and spend time with one another. This is kind of a central location to provide study space, access to computers," he said.

The study center is located in Moulton Hall room 110.

Paul Morello can be reached at paul@wjbc.com.