Grant in Support of Kean University’s Center for Veteran Student Success Offers Once-in-a-Lifetime Travelearn Opportunity

June 2023

Carmen Cicero

The Kean University Foundation recently sponsored veteran students on campus with a grant in the amount of $12,900 designated to support the Center for Veteran Student Success and the first veteran-designed Travelearn program. Travelearn, one of Kean’s most exciting programs, offers students the opportunity to visit and learn about new parts of the world through short-term study abroad programs that consist of lectures, museum visits and excursions related to educational topics.

With over 300 student Veterans on campus, the Center for Veteran Student Success decided to organize a Travelearn program to Europe to expose veteran students the history of World War II. Interest in the program was overwhelming, with more than 47 students having applied, and, with an initial goal of 15 student participants, a total of 20 were selected based on seniority. These students were given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the history of World War II and walk in the footsteps of those who served before them.

The trip was arranged by Vita Zajda, an adjunct professor at Kean University in both the English and History Departments and the Director of the Center for Veteran Student Success, and was linked to a World War II course he taught. Zajda said, “I devised the curriculum around the United States entering the war, preparing for the invasion at Normandy and following the 101st Airborne’s mission from Normandy through Bastogne to Berlin.” The objective of the Travelearn program was to have today’s veterans understand the events and experiences of World War II.

Carmen Cicero

The students enjoyed a well-organized, robust itinerary with numerous historical and educational stops. The group spent three days in Normandy visiting places like Omaha Beach, the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial and the Hillman Bunker Complex. They traveled by bus to Bastogne for three days and saw the 101st Airborne Museum, the Bastogne War Museum and the Bastogne Barracks. While visiting the Bastogne War Museum, students got to experience a simulated, immersive bombing raid. One veteran who went on the trip said, “It was a great experience just to feel how they lived and be a part of what they witnessed and learn about all of it.”

“This trip was one of the best decisions I ever made and I would not change it for anything else. I definitely gained a much bigger perspective, especially coming to Europe. It was such an amazing time. We were all veterans together and it hit home.”

On their way to Munich, the travelers visited the last two surviving World War II Siegfried Line Bunkers. While in Munich for three days, they participated in a historical walking tour of Stuttgart, covering the sites significant to the bombing raids of the city. They also took a guided tour of the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site. “I wanted them to understand a time gone by and hopefully put them in the late 30’s early 40’s and what the world was like,” said Zajda. “The country itself came together to fight a war that was not on our soil.”

The trip was informative and in-depth as it delved into the history of the war. Patrice Guillaume, business major and Navy veteran, said, “This trip was one of the best decisions I ever made and I would not change it for anything else. I definitely gained a much bigger perspective, especially coming to Europe. It was such an amazing time. We were all veterans together and it hit home.”

Carmen Cicero

With support from the Kean University Foundation, Kean University and planning by Zajda, the Center for Veteran Student Success was able to keep the cost to a minimum for each participating student. Due to the trip’s tremendous success, the Center for Veteran Student Success plans on organizing a new one every year. Next year, plans are in place to visit England to learn more about the Blitz, how the British never relented and survived the London bombings as Germany was trying to close off ports, bomb production and shipping during World War II.

Kean University, a #1 Military Friendly School, recently received the “We Value Our Veterans” Award presented by the New Jersey State Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The award is given to universities that value and honor the sacrifices, patriotism and bravery of men and women who have worn the military uniform.

To learn more about supporting the Center for Veteran Student Success or future Travelearn programs, please contact Michael Russo, Senior Director of Development at (908) 721-6216 or by email at mrusso@keanfoundation.org.

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May 2021

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