Piedmont Technical College holds ribbon-cutting for Veterans Lounge

Piedmont Technical College (PTC) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday marking the opening of its Veterans Lounge that is intended to offer a safe and welcoming environment for students who have served their country.

“Today is a proud day for us,” said Dr. Joshua Black, PTC’s vice president for student affairs. “We're thrilled to officially open our Veterans Lounge this morning.”

Located beside the Hope Pantry on PTC’s Lex Waters Campus-Greenwood, the Veterans Lounge features comfortable furniture, a large TV monitor and a whiteboard, as well as a coffeemaker, a microwave oven and a refrigerator. The walls are adorned with the American flag, flags from each service branch and military artwork.

The lounge is available to more than 100 PTC students who are veterans, as well as their families. Staff and faculty members who are veterans also are welcome to use the lounge.

“This space is really all about creating a sense of belonging,” Black said. “Whether you're here to study, hang out or to grab a quiet moment, we hope this Veterans Lounge feels like home base to you.”

PTC Veterans Services Coordinator Nicole Frosceno-Tracey said the lounge is “dedicated to honoring and supporting those who have served our country and now continued their journey through higher education.”

She said the goals for the lounge include “fostering connection, promoting wellness and enhancing the overall student experience for our veterans.”

In addition to creating a place where veterans can study or relax, the lounge will host events such as club meetings and mental health workshops.

“To all our veterans, we're grateful for your service and we're honored to support you here on campus,” Black said at Monday’s ribbon-cutting. “This lounge is yours.”

The Veterans Lounge is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday.