The university’s efforts in supporting military service members and veterans have been recognized and honored.
This year Southeastern has been listed in “G.I. Jobs” as part of the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools in America to be welcoming and helpful to the nation’s military.
 “G.I. Jobs” is the premier magazine for military personnel transitioning to civilian life. The university has received this honor for three consecutive years.
“As far as I am concerned, the more assistance we can provide these young men and women in their adjustment to civilian life, the better,” said Rene Abadie, director of public information and faculty adviser of Southeastern Student Veteran Association. “They have earned it through their sacrifices, and they bring to society skills and experiences you can get nowhere else.”
Schools are ranked based on overall school environment, faculty ranking and the opportunities offered to veterans through Career Services. An estimated 250 military veterans or service members are registered and receiving benefits through the Office of Veteran Services.
Paul Grady Madden, a history graduate student, earned his Bachelor’s of Arts in history in May 2013. Madden served in the United States Marine Corps on active duty from 2002 until 2007 and attained the rank of Corporal. As a disabled veteran, the university has worked to accommodate him in various ways throughout his collegiate experiences.
“Southeastern as in institution is extremely military friendly. The majority of the powers that be on campus feel that because the members of the military have done so much that it is only right for them to work with us,” said Madden. “There were two instances in my undergraduate studies that the Marine Corps was going to reactivate me and cause me to deploy to areas overseas. My teachers and the school were very understanding and willing to work with me.”
According to Abadie, the University Counseling Center and the Office of Career Services have been particularly helpful to many of the veterans.
“One thing Southeastern ranked fairly high on was the career services advice offered for veterans,” said Abadie. “The Office of Career Services bends over backwards to help any student, including assistance on cleaning up their resumes, preparing for interviews, making connections with employers, etc.”
One suggestion Madden made to improve the universities’ approach was to increase awareness of its large Military student population.
“It seems that our veterans kind of get brushed aside in favor of sports or things like that. It would not have to be much but most of the veterans like to feel that they did something and receive an ‘Atta boy’ or ‘Atta girl’ once in a while,” said Madden. “While walking on campus on Veteran’s Day or Memorial Day it would be nice to see reminders that we are not forgotten.” 


In 2011 the SSVA organization was formed at the university. However, since its initiation the group has grown dormant in its activities and opportunities for service men and women. Abadie believes the group slowed down due to the families, jobs and other responsibilities many of the veterans have.
“Gradually its leadership dissolved through graduation, increasing school demands such as student teaching and other reasons,” said Abadie. “Right now the organization is in a dormant stage. I would be happy to work with any group of veterans who would want to revive the group.”
As a veteran returning to school in the 1970s, Abadie discussed the struggles he faced as well as the benefits of veteran students today.
“As a student veteran, you were pretty much on your own when it came to figuring out benefits, etc.,” said Abadie. “I am so glad that the veterans of today have some additional resources, such as an Office of Veterans Services, the Counseling Center, the Office of Career Services as well as a VA Clinic in Hammond for medical needs.”
For more information on receiving aid for Military-related struggles, contact the Office of Veteran Services at 985-549-5041.