Palm Beach State College, located at 4200 Congress Avenue, Lake Worth, has accepted the U.S. Department of Defense’s impressive “Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Seven Seals Award” for its initiatives and leadership to support student service members and veterans. The Seven Seals Award is given in recognition of a significant individual or organizational realization, initiative, or assistance that encourages and encourages the Employer Support of the Guard Reserve (ESGR) mission. The directive is to include the efforts of the more than 3,600 volunteers who conduct ESGR’s mission across the United States daily. The Seven Seals Award is presented at the discretion of the ESGR program’s senior leadership and is regarded as the program’s most inclusive and broadest recognition.

“Staff members at PBSC’s three veterans resource centers are committed, knowledgeable and advocate for all military-connected students,” said Peter Caspari, the State of Florida director of employer outreach for the DOD’s ESGR agency, who presented the award to the College during a Black History Month program recognizing African Americans’ contributions to the military. “When deployment orders come, they are readily available to assist students and ensure they are not negatively impacted academically or financially. That is so important. A lot of colleges and universities still today do not do that.”

Palm Beach State College was likewise acknowledged for:

-  Efforts to educate veterans affairs tuition assistance recipients on how to make the most of their entitlements.

-  Employing veterans, national guard, and reserve component members, including in their senior leadership positions.

- Efforts to partner with community organizations to address students’ needs and keep them on track in attaining their chosen educational goals.

- Being recognized as a top ten military-friendly large public institution.

The Seven Seals award was presented to Van Williams. Mr. Williams is an Army veteran, provost, and dean of student services at the Boca Raton campus, who served as the moderator for the panel discussion “Fueling the Force: African Americans’ Contributions to the Military. “It was an honor to accept the Seven Seals Award on behalf of the College,” said Williams. “I am so proud to work at an institution that is a true supporter of the military community through its actions, programs, and philanthropy.”