FSU Foundation

Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame Society Establishes New Scholarship for Student Veterans

Billy Francis, Bruce Host and Claude Shipley smiling

Billy Francis, director of the FSU Student Veterans Center (center), is pictured with Bruce Host, president of Florida Veteran’s Hall of Fame Society (right), and Claude Shipley, chairman of the FSU Scholarship Selection Committee (left).

The Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame Society is honoring their own through the recent establishment of a scholarship to support student veterans who would not otherwise complete their degrees without financial assistance. This aid is critical should unforeseen hardship occur as the student is nearing graduation.

“We are so grateful to the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame Society for supporting our current and future student veterans in such an impactful way,” said Billy Francis, director of the FSU Student Veterans Center. “This scholarship will help us continue to be a national beacon for veteran success.”

Funds donated by the society may also be used for emergency financial support. This flexibility will be beneficial, as many student veterans are non-traditional, with families to support and a likelihood of unexpected expenses. Emergency funding provides help on an individual basis in times of need.

“We are proud to give back to those who have given so much to our country,” said Bruce Host, president of the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame Society. “Our organization is focused on celebrating the success and achievement of Florida veterans, so helping our state’s student veterans realize the dream of a college degree was a natural fit.”

Florida State strives to support student veterans with programs and resources tailored specifically to their needs, from the minute they enroll in classes until well after graduation. The university boasts an 83% graduation rate for student veterans; this graduation rate is one of the country's highest student veterans' graduation rates.

The Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame Society recognizes and honors those military veterans who, through their work and lives during or after military service, have made a significant contribution to the state of Florida through civic, business, public service or other pursuits. FSU President John Thrasher was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017.

To learn more about supporting student veterans at Florida State, visit veterans.fsu.edu/donate.