Campus News

Westminster Creates new Military Association for Campus Community

SALT LAKE CITY - Westminster recently announced the creation of a new club that will focus on helping student veterans and Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) members at the college. The new Westminster Military Association (WMA) hopes to attract students, faculty, staff, and alumni who have served in the military, are currently serving, or who have an interest in supporting military students.

Currently, more than 140 students veterans and ROTC members attend the college, which is larger than most student groups on campus.

“The purpose of Westminster’s Military Association is to help address the needs of our military students, give participants a chance to socialize with other military members, plan social activities, and provide possible mentor opportunities,” explained Cory Shipp, Westminster counselor and WMA advisor.

For several years, Westminster had a Student Veterans Club on campus, but many members felt the club was not all inclusive. To remedy this, the new association is open to the entire campus community.

“The big picture is to encourage a sense of connection and inclusion among the military members at Westminster and then help that group to feel connected and included in the Westminster community as a whole,” added Shipp.

Westminster was recently recognized as one of the nation’s top “Military Friendly” schools, due in large part to the college’s participation in the Yellow Ribbon program. Under the Yellow Ribbon Program, Veterans Affairs and Westminster cover the total cost of tuition and fees for eligible veterans who meet admissions standards of the college.

Some campus members believed the Yellow Ribbon was not enough, so the new WMA wanted to go a step further.

“We are encouraging people to join the new group and let us know what activities and initiatives you would like to see on campus,” said Shipp. “I expect the group will evolve and change according to the needs and wishes of its members. Right now we are still finding out what those needs and wishes are.”

The WMA is planning a Veterans Day event on November 11 as its inaugural campus debut.

Media Contacts: Krista DeAngelis  &  Arikka Von (801) 832-2682


About Westminster:
Westminster is a nationally recognized, comprehensive liberal arts college. With a broad array of graduate and undergraduate programs, Westminster is distinguished by its unique environment for learning. Westminster prepares students for success through active and engaged learning, real world experiences and its vibrant campus community. Westminster’s unique location, adjacent to the Rocky Mountains and to the dynamic city of Salt Lake, further enriches the college experience. For more information, visit www.westminstercollege.edu or follow WestminsterSLC on Twitter.