The latest group of veterans who've completed Arizona State University’s TRIO Veterans Upward Bound were celebrated with a banquet July 12 at the Student Pavilion on the Tempe campus.
Veterans Upward Bound is a freeThe program is supported by the U.S. Department of Education. college-preparatory program aimed at veterans in Maricopa and Pinal counties who are either low-income or potential first-generation college students. It is offered on ASU's four campuses and has individualized online courses and academic coaching, one-on-one sessions focused on skills including goal setting and financial literacy, assistance with the admissions process (whether to ASU or other colleges), and continued support throughout their academic career.
Thursday evening, the annual banquet celebrated computer literacy graduates and those eight veterans moving forward to higher education with a dinner and awards ceremony. The event included an award of recognition to ASU graduate student and academic coach Sathwika Kulamarva, a favorite of his Veterans Upward Bound students.
The evening concluded with a stole ceremony for Veterans Upward Bound and ASU alumna Vicky Yazzie, who threw up a pitchfork gesture as she walked onstage. Yazzie, who received a degree in political science, couldn't make it to her stole ceremony in May, so she chose to celebrate alongside the most recent Veterans Upward Bound alumni.
Learn more about Veterans Upward Bound.
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Veterans Upward Bound director Julia Romero Gusse welcomes families and friends at the Veterans Upward Bound annual banquet program at the Student Pavilion on the Tempe campus July 12.
Photo by Deanna Dent/ASU Now
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The Women's Army Corps Veterans' Association Saguaro Chapter No. 68 presents colors at the Veterans Upward Bound event. The group of three are the only all-female color guard in the state of Arizona.
Photo by Deanna Dent/ASU Now
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Guests, ASU staff and students stand for the national anthem during the Veterans Upward Bound banquet program.
Photo by Deanna Dent/ASU Now
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ASU Downtown Phoenix campus Dean of Students Sharon Smith addresses veterans, accompanied by their friends and family, during the Veterans Upward Bound banquet program.
Photo by Deanna Dent/ASU Now
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Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran Zeny Stuart addresses graduates Thursday evening.
Photo by Deanna Dent/ASU Now
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Veteran Maria Garrison collects her certificate for completing a computer literacy course.
Photo by Deanna Dent/ASU Now
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Veteran Audra Arviso receives her certificate of completion for the Veterans Upward Bound program Thursday evening.
Photo by Deanna Dent/ASU Now
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Veterans Daniel Czene (left) and George Campbell hug after completing the computer literacy program and receiving their certificates during the Veterans Upward Bound banquet.
Photo by Deanna Dent/ASU Now
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Graduates of the Veterans Upward Bound program pose for a photograph together at the Thursday evening event.
Photo by Deanna Dent/ASU Now
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The Veterans Upward Bound computer literacy graduates at the banquet at the Student Pavilion.
Photo by Deanna Dent/ASU Now
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Veterans Upward Bound graduates applaud as their ASU tutors are recognized Thursday evening.
Photo by Deanna Dent/ASU Now
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Instructional specialist Connie Benedict congratulates academic coach and electrical engineering graduate student Sathwika Kulamarva on his work with veterans during the Veterans Upward Bound banquet.
Photo by Deanna Dent/ASU Now
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Political science ASU alumna Vicky Yazzie throws up her pitchfork before having her stole adjusted by Pat Tillman Veterans Center assistant director of outreach Michelle Loposky during the banquet Thursday.
Photo by Deanna Dent/ASU Now
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Pat Tillman Veterans Center military advocate Shawn Banzhaf gives the closing remarks at the Veterans Upward Bound event Thursday evening in Tempe.
Photo by Deanna Dent/ASU Now
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