LCCC Helps Veterans Build Their Next Chapter

On Veterans Day and throughout the year, LCCC celebrates those who served by providing pathways to education and opportunity.

 Each Veterans Day, our nation pauses to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who have served in the Armed Forces. At Lorain County Community College, that spirit of gratitude extends beyond a single day. It’s reflected year-round in our commitment to helping veterans, active-duty service members, and military families achieve their educational and building a thriving future.

LCCC proudly holds Ohio’s Collegiate Purple Star designation, recognizing colleges that go above and beyond to support military students and their families. The designation signifies that LCCC meets key standards, including providing a dedicated point of contact for military-affiliated students and offering services such as priority registration, tailored academic support and career guidance.

“As we celebrate Veterans Day on November 11, we pause to remember those who have served and the families who stand beside them,” said LCCC President Marcia J. Ballinger, Ph.D. “LCCC is honored to support veterans and military-connected students as they prepare for their next step.”

Each year, LCCC serves more than 300 military-connected students. By pairing their military education benefits with LCCC’s affordable tuition, veterans can save money, accelerate toward credentials or degrees, and prepare for high-demand careers.

After active-duty service, Dario Knotts chose LCCC to continue his education. Knotts spent six years traveling the world as a master-at-arms in the U.S. Navy. He’s now an Army Reservist and LCCC student, working toward a bachelor’s degree in psychology through LCCC’s University Partnership with Cleveland State University. Knotts credits the LCCC Veterans and Military Services Center with helping his transition from military to student life.

““They helped me get my credits transferred from military school to LCCC,” Knotts said. “And they also help me with anything I need to do financially with my GI Bill.”

That level of support helped Knotts to focus on his education.

“This is a transformative place,” he said. “There’s not one starting point. Everybody’s journey is different. And at LCCC, no matter where you are, you can start from your beginning.”

The LCCC Veterans and Military Services Center serves as a one-stop shop for veterans on campus – supporting veteran students at every stage of their academic journey and beyond. Acting as Veterans Administration liaison, the center assists students in utilizing GI Bill and vocational rehabilitations benefits. The center also works closely with the Prior Learning Assessment team to ensure veterans receive credit for their military experiences. A dedicated veterans lounge on campus provides military-connected students a place to connect, while the student Veterans Club and LCCC Salute Veterans National Honor Society provide a way to get involved on campus.

To learn more about LCCC services for military-affiliated students, visit www.lorainccc.edu/veterans.

LCCC is closed Tuesday, November 11 in recognition of Veterans Day.