USF Sarasota-Manatee gets new veterans center

SARASOTA (FOX 13) - Some paint, a few walls, and military flags signify the start of something big for veterans. For years Todd Hughes, USF Sarasota-Manatee's veterans service administrator has dreamed of this place.

"It is a success center. It's gonna be an extra key for the veterans to succeed, not only here on campus, but on life," said Hughes.  "They will  have a place where they will have their own space. Not a safe zone, but a place they can get with their own kind, their comrades and be able to feel that comradery they had in the military."

The dream became a reality after someone donated $50,000 to create the veteran's center.  Now students like Jeremiah Robinson, a former Marine, will have a place to interact and study with other veterans.

"Once we are in here, we will have that comradery, joke around, and get work done," he said.

USF Sarasota-Manatee plans to hold seminars and meetings for veterans -- giving them all the help they need inside their classroom and outside.

"I am grateful that this place got donated to us.  It's gonna be a big help not only for me, but for the future generations," continued Robinson.

While they will never know the anonymous person who donated the funds, they want to share this message.

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It's gonna be so amazing and impact the students, not only now, but years to come," added Hughes.

The veteran's center will open at the end of May in time for the start of the summer semester.