Cresson, Pa. – Mount Aloysius has cut the ribbon on a newly renovated, on-campus lounge dedicated to student veterans. The College’s student population includes 40 veteran and military-affiliated students from all branches of the armed services.
The lounge is centrally located on the ground floor of Ihmsen Hall. It contains new furniture, lockers, a new fridge and coffee maker, places to eat and study, and technology for both studying and relaxing. Mountie veteran students provided input and helped to design the space to meet their needs.
“By having this new designated space, we are recognizing evidence-based practice in how higher education facilitates and enhances the success of these students,” said Dr. Julie Decker, Mount Aloysius nursing professor and faculty liaison for veterans.
“Research finds that isolation and difficulty with the transition from service to civilian life are prominent concerns among veteran and military-affiliated student populations. In offering this quiet space to connect, study, and assess on-campus resources, we are working to foster their academic and personal success.”
Decker says she is in the initial stages of planning further resources for the Mount’s veteran population. Mount Aloysius College is a School of Excellence Designated by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
Caption: (L-R) Dr. Julie Decker, nursing professor and faculty liaison for veterans; Cambria County Commissioner Thomas Chernisky; Bill Ward, Jr., Mount Aloysius Trustee; John McKeegan, President of Mount Aloysius College; Dr. Dave Haschak, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Donovan Faith, student veteran; Gregory Drew, Mount Aloysius Trustee; Jim Miliauskas, District Director for Senator Wayne Langerholc, Jr.; PA State Rep. Jim Rigby; Maireade Byrne, assistant registrar and Veteran Affairs liaison cut the ribbon on the Mount’s new Student Veteran Lounge on May 12, 2026.
