Darton State College celebrated the opening of its new Military Lounge with a ceremony on Monday, February 23.

The lounge, which is located in the Student Center, was repurposed from an old office to a space specifically for active duty service members, veterans, reservists, National Guard, and their dependents. The new lounge gives Darton’s military students a dedicated space to connect with others like themselves, study, and relax.

“Darton is committed to serving its military students and this is yet another way we can assist in their transition to college life and their persistence toward graduation,” said Stefane Raulerson, director of military and adult education.

Austin Duncan, a Veteran and student at Darton, said the new lounge not only gives him a place to study and relax, but to escape the monotony of college and be with people he can relate to. “Sometimes it is hard for me to relate and speak with other students in college because of the age and experience barriers, but this lounge will be a way for me to meet others like myself.”

“Other students and myself see the lounge as a common area to talk about our experiences while serving abroad. This campus is full of veterans, reservists, and dependents from all branches of the armed forces, and knowing this will allow us to share our common knowledge of our branch of service,” said Alexander Coe, Navy reservist and student.      

Raulerson worked with Ashley Furniture HomeStore, located on N. Westover Boulevard in Albany, to furnish the new lounge.

“Ashley Furniture was very easy to work with and we are very grateful for their help in making the military lounge a reality. Through their Community Partner Program, we were able to purchase the furniture for the lounge at cost,” said Raulerson.

Along with the lounge, Darton State College continues to expand as a military friendly campus. In November 2014, the Office of Military and Adult Education started a scholarship fund for military students. In addition, Darton was awarded the designation of a Top School in Military Advanced Education’s 2015 Guide to College & Universities, and was named to the coveted Military Friendly Schools® list by Victory Media, the premier media entity for military personnel transitioning into civilian life.

For more information about Darton State College’s opportunities for military students and their families, contact the Military Resource Center at (229) 317-6538 or visit their website, www.dcmrc.com.