A new Veteran Student Services Resource Center (VSSRC) serving students from both the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and Hawaiʻi Community College has opened. The VSSRC at UH Hilo will provide veterans, military-affiliated students, and their families a safe space to network, connect, and access vital support through campus and community-based programs.
“This non-judgmental, supportive space will have such a positive impact on our veteran community on this campus,” said Josh Sze, a Navy veteran, UH Hilo student and founder of the Hawaiʻi Island Veterans Club. “Just having a place where a group of vets can just listen to you—not tell you what to do, not try to control your journey, not say you’re wrong or dismiss you—but to honor you and validate your experience; where you can just be seen.”
This fall, 108 students at UH Hilo are enrolled using VA benefits.
“I want this to be a one-stop shop for veterans to connect with resources—whether it’s nonprofits, whether it is through the VA, whether it’s through any other organization that is vet-friendly—you don’t have to navigate it alone,” described Sze, who said veterans often struggle with accessing their medical, disability or educational benefits. “You have support here, and you have a community here.”
Idea to implementation
Sze has been advocating for such a space for more than two years, working alongside university leadership and community partners to bring the VSSRC to fruition. He expressed gratitude to key supporters, including Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda and U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda, who visited the center during a recent campus tour.
UH Hilo Chancellor Bonnie Irwin praised the swift progress from idea to implementation. “One of the most important things we do with the university is we serve—our students, our community—and what better way than through those who have served our country.”
Organizers hope the VSSRC will become a first stop for veterans returning to school, offering a space to build connections, reduce isolation and access resources that can help address challenges such as mental health, housing and food insecurity, as well as workforce readiness.
“By creating this resource center and pipeline, there will be ripple effects—on addiction, homelessness, food insecurity,” Sze said. “I believe all of that can be improved through community. Just having people who care.”
To learn more about the Veteran Student Services Resource Center and Hawaiʻi Island Veterans Club, contact Sze at szejd@hawaii.edu.
