OU to provide mentoring to vets

NORMAN — Veterans returning from duty in Iraq and Afghanistan are beginning to receive career mentoring from faculty and staff at the University of Oklahoma.

OU Outreach recently joined American Corporate Partners, a New York-based nonprofit organization that provides career development opportunities for veterans who have served on active duty as of 2001 or later.

In August, OU became the first university to join the program, which is composed mainly of corporations. Employees mentor returning veterans on a one-on-one basis, four hours per month for one year.

Spouses of veterans who have been severely wounded also can join.

"With our experience in working with diverse groups of people and our long history with military education, OU is perfectly positioned as we coordinate this program on the OU campus,” said James Pappas, vice president of OU Outreach.

Susan Grossman, a media relations specialist with OU Outreach, said 12 OU employees have completed training and recently have been paired with veterans. Two recent trainees, including Amy Davenport, director of OU recreational services, will add to the number of volunteers.

"This is one of the ways I can give back to them,” Davenport said. "I have so much respect for what they do — both of my grandfathers were veterans. I can’t serve, but this is a unique opportunity for me to use the skills I possess to help out.”

Veterans and qualified spouses who want to sign up for the program can apply at www.acp.usa.org.