L to R: Karen Connick, Veteran Services Specialist and Mark Harrington, Quincy College Veteran Student.

Quincy Sun // Published February 21, 2019 / By Quincy Sun Staff

QUINCY — Quincy College, with over 175 veterans enrolled, has been designated a Military Friendly School for 2019-2020. This marks the eighth consecutive year that Quincy College has been ranked a Military Friendly School by Victory Media, the leader in successfully connecting the military and civilian worlds.

The Military Friendly® Schools designation is awarded to the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace military students, and to dedicate resources to ensure their success in the classroom and after graduation.

“The Military and Veteran’s Services Office is honored to support our veterans and we are honored to be recognized by Victory Media for a ninth year in a row. We continually evaluate our programs and assess the needs of our students, providing one-on-one support. We look forward to continuing to serve the Quincy College community of veterans year round with honor and commitment they deserve,” stated Karen Connick, Military and Veteran’s Services Specialist for Quincy College Military and Veteran’s Services Department in Quincy and Plymouth.

Connick, a retired Colonel in the United State Army Reserve who served at Naval Station Newport in Rhode Island is uniquely positioned to address veteran students who have recently returned to civilian life or who are veterans who are in the community.

Quincy College offers veteran support on both the Quincy and Plymouth campuses.

The Military and Veteran Services Office at Quincy College was established in 2011 to support the unique needs of the veteran population looking to return to college. Quincy College remains committed to continually improving the education experience provided to those students who have sacrificed in service to their country.

Mark Herrington, Army Veteran and Lakeville resident received a recommendation to attend Quincy College from the VA. During the Summer of 2018, Mark chose to attend Quincy College for it’s ease of access to the MBTA. What he found at Quincy College Military and Veteran Services Department was a support system for veteran students of all ages.

” Navigating the process of VA Benefits on top of pursuing an education can be complex and frustrating. The Quincy College Veterans and Military Services Office, lead by Karen Connick, a retired Colonel, makes the process seamless. She is the go-to for a wealth of information; no question is too large or too small. She is my liaison to the VA. Karen can get answers when I can’t. The Veteran and Military Services Office keeps a pulse on what is happening on campus, translates this experience, and allows me (and others) to focus on our education. Karen exhibits all the best traits found in an officer: disciplined, problem solver, taking the initiative, and making things happen,” Herrington stated.

Speaking toward the Veteran community found at Quincy College, Herrington elaborated:

” This office (Military and Veteran Services) is the veteran community on campus. If you need to take a break from the day-to-day, want to mingle with other veterans, this is the place. Simply, there are things that only veterans can understand and this office has a veteran point of view. “

For more information about Quincy College’s commitment to welcoming and supporting military students and their dependents, visit Quincy College’s website at https://www.quincycollege.edu/departments/military-veteran-affairs.