VyStar Commits $2.7 Million to FSCJ for 3,700 Military-Connected Students, With New Veterans Centers on 3 Campuses by 2028

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - VyStar Credit Union has committed $2.7 million to Florida State College at Jacksonville to expand services for students with military ties, the two organizations announced Thursday, Nov. 5. The announcement was made at FSCJ's Kent Campus at 3939 Roosevelt Blvd., according to the Jacksonville Daily Record. The money will pay for new veterans centers on three campuses, scholarships and student support, the paper reported.

The pledge comes days before Veterans Day on Wednesday, Nov. 11, when VyStar is also sponsoring free admission for military members and veterans at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, according to News4JAX. Both announcements were made the same week. Details on the zoo offer appear below.

Where the money will go

According to the Daily Record, FSCJ already operates a military veterans service center at its South Campus. The VyStar donation will build out military center space at the Kent, Downtown and North campuses. Part of the funding will renovate the Kent Campus to create offices and social gathering spaces, and smaller office renovations are planned at the North and Downtown campuses.

The renovations are expected to be finished by 2028, the Daily Record reported. The funds will also support scholarships and services such as career advising, financial literacy, tuition support, help with food and housing, and mental health assistance. The reports reviewed do not break down how much of the $2.7 million will go to buildings versus student aid.

Source: Jacksonville Daily Record.

A student body that has tripled

FSCJ has about 3,700 military-connected students enrolled, including veterans and their families, according to the Daily Record. FSCJ President John Avendano, who has led the college since 2019, said the number was roughly 1,000 to 1,100 when he arrived. That means the group has more than tripled in about seven years.

Speakers at the announcement included Avendano, FSCJ trustee Wayne Young, a retired U.S. Navy captain, VyStar CEO Brian Wolfburg and VyStar Foundation President Patricia McElroy, the Daily Record reported. McElroy said her father received support after World War II, which shaped her view of programs like this one. The Daily Record also noted that VyStar began in 1952 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville.

Free zoo admission on Veterans Day

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens will offer free admission to active-duty military members and veterans on Veterans Day, with the offer presented by VyStar, according to News4JAX. Guests must show a military or veteran ID card to receive the complimentary admission. Family members are not included in the free offer and can buy general admission tickets online, News4JAX reported.

The zoo is at 370 Zoo Parkway in Jacksonville. Its regular daily hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last tickets sold at 4 p.m., according to the zoo's website. The news report did not list special hours for Veterans Day, so visitors should check jacksonvillezoo.org or call the zoo at 904-757-4463 before heading out.

VyStar's McElroy said the company's commitment to the military community extends well beyond Veterans Day, according to News4JAX. The zoo's offers page has said in the past that free tickets are first-come, first-served and may need to be reserved in advance, so visitors are encouraged to confirm the current rules. The News4JAX report did not say how many free tickets are available.

What students can do now

Military-connected students who want to know what is available can start with FSCJ's existing military veterans service center at South Campus, according to the Daily Record. The new space at Kent, Downtown and North campuses will not be ready until renovations are done, which the paper reported is expected by 2028. Students can contact the college through fscj.edu for current information on benefits, scholarships and advising, since the new scholarship details have not been published in the reports reviewed.

What the number means

For context, $2.7 million spread across about 3,700 military-connected students works out to roughly $730 per student if it were divided evenly, though the funds are meant for facilities as well as student aid. The calculation is an illustration, not a figure from VyStar or FSCJ. The college has not said when scholarships will begin or how they will be awarded.