Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD) was selected as a participating school in the new federal Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program.

“We are very proud of our veteran students and alumni who have proudly served our country and distinguished themselves as artists and designers,” said LCAD President Jonathan Burke. “Through this partnership, more than 20 veterans will be able to receive financial assistance to study in all of our nine majors this fall.”

Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pays tuition expenses for eligible veterans. The bill’s Yellow Ribbon Program permits private colleges like LCAD to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the VA to help fund tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state tuition rate.

During the 2018-19 academic year, LCAD will contribute funds to help pay tuition expenses for veterans who participate in the program. The Yellow Ribbon program helps to meet the gap not covered by the standard VA reimbursement.

Among recent LCAD veteran alumni, Charity Oetgen, BFA in Drawing & Painting (2014) and MFA in Painting (2017) is very excited to see LCAD participate in the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program.

“This will help so many students make the most of their LCAD education while lessening their student loan debt,” she said. “LCAD gave me the skill and confidence to take on projects that embody everything I want to do with my artwork, blending conservation and art to make a difference.”

Oetgen recently published six paintings in an issue of National Geographic that honored the 50th anniversary of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Collectors of her artwork now include the ARCUS Foundation, Claudine André (of Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary), Damien Mander (of International Anti-Poaching Foundation and the Jane Goodall Institute).

For more information, LCAD students who are veterans should contact Chris Brown, director of admissions + financial aid at cbrown@lcad.edu.

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