Three members of the Harold and Muriel Berkman Charitable Foundation attended a one year follow up meeting at the UGA Student Veteran’s Center under the direction of Dr. Jon Segars to review progress on the Berkman Scholars Program. This innovative program funded by Dr. Karen Berkman, has already demonstrated positive outcomes supported by data.
Three UGA student veterans were hand selected last year to pilot year one. “The Berkman Scholars Program provides enrolled student veterans the opportunity to serve as student advocates within the Student Veterans Resource Center (“SVRC”) and UGA student veteran community. Once selected, Berkman Scholars are awarded a $5,000 scholarship during each semester of service in exchange for their leadership and assistance in addressing concerns from the student veteran community and/or individual student veterans, providing outreach and serving as a liaison between student veterans and the SVRC, and connecting student veterans with a wide array of resources and services offered by UGA and the community in support of student health and well-being. Through their service, Berkman Scholars will enhance the success and well-being of the UGA student veteran community while developing critical skills and knowledge that will translate to preparedness for the workforce and their future careers.” This program in combination with their Peer to Peer and Transition programs operated by the SVRC create a powerful mechanism to foster successful student outcomes.
| Fall 2023 | Spring 2024 | Fall 2024 | |
| Number of Student Veterans | 342 | 356 | 372* |
| Veterans Reached | 105 | 255 | 242** |
| Veterans with less than Full VA Benefits (or no benefits) | 148 | 164 | 164 |
| Scholarship Applicants | 142 | 150 | 208 |
| Documented Financial Need | 73 | 82 | 124 |
| Emergency Funds Provided | $6173 | $9200 | $3000 |
| Complex Issues | 5 | 31 | 51 |
| Academic Referrals | 2 | 12 | 23 |
| Mental Health Referrals | 0 | 3 | 4 |
SVRC Data 2023-2024
The Berkman scholars state that they are getting as much out of this experience as the students they serve. Dan was a Berkman scholar for year one and feels this experience gave him purpose and created lasting friendships.
It is clear from the quantitative and anecdotal stories from participants that this program is making a positive impact on all involved. Having the support of the administration up through the university president has made this collaboration a success. We are proud to support these future leaders in their fields and appreciate their contribution to the student veterans across the UGA community.
From left to right:
Eric Atkinson (Dean of Students, Student Affairs), Steve Horton (Berkman Board of Directors), Dr. Laurie Babin (Berkman Board of Directors), Dan Triplett (Berkman Scholar), Dr. Karen Berkman (President, Berkman Board of Directors), Lauren Teal (Berkman Scholar), Marylyn Key (Berkman Scholar), Dr. Jon Segars (Director, Student Veterans Resource Center), William Draper (Associate Director of Development, Student Affairs), Barrett Malone (Associate Dean of Students, Student Affairs)