In an ongoing commitment to veterans and their families, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has added a significant milestone. An endowed scholarship has been created for veterans or their family members attending EKU, thanks to a $100,000 gift announced today from the Bechtel Parsons Blue Grass Joint Venture (BPBGJV).
“It is well known that Eastern Kentucky University offers exceptional education for veterans and their families, as evidenced by our No. 2 national ranking among Military Friendly® Schools and No. 1 ranking for Best for Vets in Kentucky,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “We are excited to continue our partnership with Bechtel Parsons Blue Grass Joint Venture, long-time supporters of EKU and the Richmond community. This contribution will establish a legacy, preserving our partnership and strengthening the support we can offer our military and veteran community.”
Joe Curcio, BPBGJV project manager said, “Our organization recognizes the contributions and sacrifices made by veterans in service to our country. This scholarship reflects our support for veterans or their family members to assist them as they pursue higher levels of education. This is a gift to benefit them and EKU well into the future.”
Curcio noted Bechtel Parsons has supported the EKU Office of Military and Veterans Affairs (OMVA) for more than 15 years.
The OMVA provides a centralized office with dedicated staff who are equipped to advocate for students from the moment an application is received until graduation and beyond. Veterans, military members and their families account for 10% of the entire student body, making it the largest affinity student population on EKU’s campus. EKU provides veterans with resources to succeed in their academic and professional careers, through OMVA and programs such as the Veterans Education and Transition Support (VETS) Center, VETS|Ready Opportunity Portal, and Kit Carson Commons Scholar House. The new scholarship from BPBGJV will help expand access to higher education for veterans and their families through financial support.
Bechtel and Parsons perform work with the Department of Defense in projects in the U.S. and around the world. Both companies welcome the opportunity to hire veterans. BPBGJV is the systems contractor selected by the Department of Defense to design, build, systemize, test, operate and close the facility which destroyed the chemical weapons stockpile at the Blue Grass Army Depot in Richmond. Destruction of the stockpile of 523 tons of chemical weapons was safely completed on July 7, 2023. Since then, closure activities have begun at the site’s Main Plant.
For veterans interested in learning more about financial support and resources available at EKU, visit eku.edu/va.
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