The Veterans Resource and Information Center is an office within the Division of Student Affairs. With the understanding that each student veteran has different needs, the center's services are adapted to the individual student. The center serves as the central point of contact for prospective and current University of Arkansas student veterans needing assistance with the admissions process, applying for military educational benefits and scholarships, and referrals to various academic departments around campus.

The Veterans Resource and Information Center serves the entire population of military affiliated students on campus, including military dependents.

"Students with military affiliation, whether veterans or dependents of veterans, have needs that other traditional students do not," Erika Gamboa, director of the Veterans Resource and Information Center, said. "That's where we come in to help them in whatever capacity we can."

Three students, who are also military dependents, were recognized by the Arkansas Alumni Association as Seniors of Significance — Blake Griffin, Parker Pocklington, and Caitlin Malloy. Military dependents make up only two percent of the total student population.

"We are so proud of our student's achievements," Gamboa said. "These exceptional students were chosen because of their academic achievement, leadership skills, and extracurricular activities."

Caitlin Malloy, an architecture major with a double minor in planning and marketing, will be graduating this semester.

Gamboa said Malloy left her mark both scholastically and in the community.

"Caitlin is an exceptional student," Gamboa said. "As she goes forward as a graduate and ambassador of the University of Arkansas, we know she will be a shining embodiment of the servant leader spirit that permeates our campus. We wish her all the best."

Beyond the highly demanding academic load, Malloy devoted over 200 hours to on- and off-campus volunteer activities. Her service and activities included:

• President of Alpha Phi Omega, a service organization
• Member of Tau Sigma Delta, the architecture honor society
• Member of the American Institute of Architecture Students
• Member of the Student Alumni Association
• Participant in the Ballroom Dance Club 
• Volunteer ambassador for the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design

"I had the opportunity to study abroad in Rome last spring," Malloy said. "The experience was incredible — something that will be with me forever. All of these additional opportunities were made possible by my financial aid and the help I received from the Veterans Resource and Information Center."

Malloy, the daughter of a retired Army Ranger, credits her father's military service for establishing a strong college financial foundation.

"Thanks to his service," Malloy said, "I was able to receive benefits to aid in paying for college.  I am so very grateful for the support of VRIC throughout the years. Architecture school requires so many materials for producing drawings and models, so this additional financial aid has been so significant to my education."

Looking past graduation this week, Malloy plans to pursue an internship at an architecture firm to fulfill licensure requirements through the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. 

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the University of Arkansas and look forward to what the future holds," Malloy said. "It would not have been possible without the support of so many wonderful individuals and organizations, including the VRIC. Thank you for everything you have done for me, as well as the other active-duty, dependents, and retirees across campus."