A delegation of Ukrainian professionals visited Stanislaus State to share first-person stories of life in their war-ravaged country and explore how to develop essential services and assist with the re-assimilation of veterans of the Russia-Ukraine- war into Ukrainian society.
The visit, which took place Feb. 3 at the University’s main campus in Turlock, marked the third time a Ukrainian delegation has visited the University in partnership with the nonprofit organization Modesto Sister Cities International. The last visit took place in spring 2023.
During a morning panel session, faculty and students heard from the delegation, and in the afternoon, the discussion continued with Veterans Affairs Office personnel and veterans. The main agenda was to learn about support services veterans receive at Stan State.
Of the eight Ukrainian delegates in attendance, three were veterans who were disabled during the war. One lost a leg, and another lost their eyesight and both arms.
“I want to talk about humanitarian aid and social policies,” said Andrii Smolenskyi, a Ukrainian delegate and disabled veteran. “Let’s talk about peace, not war. We have experienced enough war in Ukraine.”
Currently in Ukraine, only combat soldiers receive veteran services.
Stan State Veterans Affairs Coordinator Chicago Houdek presented on services and education benefits available to Stan State students who are veterans.
Houdek said some veterans feel out of place in college because they are older or may feel overwhelmed by their new environment. The University offers therapy services to help veterans develop coping mechanisms for stress-related disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
He also spoke about academic support and career services as well as veteran clubs and networks offered at Stan State.
“Attending this event was meaningful to me because it reminds me that the Ukrainian civilians and soldiers are so much more than a story in the news,” said Flint McGrath, an undergraduate student majoring in agriculture. “They are fighting to improve lives and the world. They have a long way to go after everything they’ve lost.”
The discussion topics touched on how new services are being created during wartime. An example is how prosthetic services are now available to Ukrainians who have lost limbs in the war. Social services are also available to displaced and elderly people who have had to leave their loved ones.
Houdek said transitioning from military to civilian life can be difficult, and there are various services, including the Student Veterans Center, available to serve family members. Panelists listened to the various assistance programs offered here and asked questions about specifics regarding what veterans and their families receive.
Stan State alumna Adrian Harrell, president and CEO of New Bridge Management, is the immediate past president of Modesto Sister Cities International (MSCI). She has been involved in coordinating numerous international delegation visits to the Central Valley.
“Hearing the delegation members speak puts things into perspective,” said Harrell, who also serves as chair of the Stan State Alumni Advisory Council and is president-elect of the CSU Systemwide Alumni Council. “They are resilient people and are aware of their place in the world.”
The delegates are chosen based on the topic of the visit as selected annually by the Congressional Office of International Leadership (COIL). Every year, COIL determines the topic through its Open World program. Based on those topics, countries nominate delegates and select the individuals who meet certain requirements and can best demonstrate their ability to implement what they will learn. Once delegates are selected, their names are provided to Open World, which then connects them with host organizations such as MSCI.
“These types of opportunities are crucial to bringing a broader perspective to our students and the community at large,” Harrell said. “I believe college education does not always take place just inside a classroom, and these kinds of learning opportunities enrich and buttress educational experiences.”
