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President Bruce Shepard signed the certificate of commitment to veterans at a ceremony on Monday, Nov. 15. The partnership is sponsored by the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs to support veterans in higher education through increased awareness, sharing best practices and encouraging veterans to use GI Bill benefits. Peter Schmidt, a consultant with the Department of Veterans Affairs and a psychologist from Edmonds Community College, also gave a presentation to promote social support for Veterans on Western’s campus. Schmidt said Western Washington University is a role model for the north end of the state. Signing of the Partners for Veteran Supportive Campuses certificate will save lives, Schmidt said, by offering the social support for veterans that they need. Monday’s event also included a panel of veteran students and a casual brown-bag lunch gathering.