Iraq, Afghan veterans offered free tuition

By Matthew Spina NEWS STAFF REPORTER
Updated: 05/20/08 6:36 AM
  
Buffalo’s Trocaire College will ensure that any U. S. military veteran returning home to Erie County from Iraq or Afghanistan can attend the institution free of charge.

Starting with the August semester, Trocaire will waive tuition expenses not covered by the federal GI Bill or the New York Veterans Tuition Award.

“We recognize the sacrifices these men and women have made for our country,” said the college president, Paul B. Hurley Jr., “and we are proud to be able to provide these returning veterans an opportunity to further their education.”

Trocaire took the step at the request of Erie County’s director of veterans services, Patrick Welch, who, like Hurley, is a Vietnam-era veteran. Welch has been asking local colleges and universities to provide more opportunities to soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

So far in Erie County, Trocaire and Bryant & Stratton College have agreed to waive the veteran’s portion of tuition expenses. But at a gathering held to announce Trocaire’s move, Welch said he will continue to press the other colleges and universities in Erie County to offer the benefit.

“While members of Congress debate whether or not to provide proper funding for veterans health care and an improved GI Bill for Education, Erie County and Trocaire College are taking action today,” he said.

Trocaire, now celebrating its 50th year, has about 1,100 students pursuing certificates or two-year degrees. The private, two-year college offers programs for careers in health care and education at its campus at 360 Choate Ave. and offers hospitality-related degrees at its Russell J. Salvatore School of Hospitality and Business on Transit Road in Lancaster.

mspina@buffnews.com