Enhancing a Legacy of Serving Military-Connected Students

Results

  • Military Enrollment Growth

  • Increased Military Student Satisfaction

  • Return on Investment

In Their Own Words

Golden Gate University (GGU) is a regionally accredited, private, non-profit institution focused on high-quality degree programs for working adults. GGU has a history of serving veterans, dating to its founding in 1901 by the YMCA and service to those veterans returning from World War I. Members of the military, veterans, and their families continue to be a significant and important part of GGU's student population.

Recognizing the importance of military students to the institution's mission and continued growth, GGU committed to a multi-year strategy designed to refresh the university’s approach and cement its position as a leader in military-friendly postsecondary education.

The Challenge

The Solution

In 2020, GGU enlisted the help of Virtual Veterans Communities to assess their military student population, identify gaps in existing services, and suggest ways to both improve services and grow enrollment. Together they approached the Helen Diller Family Foundation for support, and GGU was awarded a 2 million dollar grant to launch The Helen Diller Center for Veterans of U.S. Military Service.

The Diller Center provides a set of coordinated resources supporting the specific needs of military students to ensure that they have the best possible experience at GGU. Virtual Veterans Communities was hired to lead the planning and execution of this vision.

With focused recruiting efforts that drove military student enrollment growth, the services provided by the Diller Center were fully funded within a year of opening.

  • "VVC brought a range of experience, their networks, and their understanding of the veteran community. They knew how to communicate with veterans, so it wasn't something we had to build."

    Dr. David Fike
    President, GGU

  • "This is a real, genuine team committed to you and your success."

    GGU Law School Graduate, Ryan Greene
    Air Force Veteran

  • "It's staggering the difference in stress level when a school can speak your language as a military student."

    Class of 2023, Joe Leroux
    Army Veteran

  • "The information that VVC provides is crucial, but that's only one part. They are empathic, patient and knowledgeable while reaching out and being present for students."

    Dr. Nate Hinerman
    Dean of Undergraduate Programs, GGU

The ROI of Enrolling and Supporting Military Students

Explore the profound impact of prioritizing military student enrollment and success, illustrated by the success of Golden Gate University. Acquire invaluable insights, strategies, and best practices for fostering a supportive environment.

Want to learn more about Golden Gate University’s efforts to support its military-connected students?

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