Penn State Altoona to open dedicated vets lounge

ALTOONA, Pa. — Student veterans will soon have a new space to call their own on campus, and the champion behind this dedicated site is sure it will send positive ripples throughout Penn State Altoona and Blair County.

Set to open this fall, the Veterans Lounge is located in room W110 of the Smith Building. It will offer not only a safe place for student vets to gather, study, relax and recharge, but also help increase their visibility on campus. Michael Balmforth believes this, in turn, will build connections with other student groups, organizations, college departments and the Blair County community.

The vision for the lounge comes from Balmforth, a vet himself, majoring in human development and family studies.

From his first day on campus, Balmforth has been a consistent advocate for reestablishing a strong veteran presence on campus, one population that suffered during and in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.

“The pandemic was difficult for everyone, but it hit particularly hard for veterans in terms of isolation. We tend to keep to ourselves anyway, so that sense of disconnection was even more pronounced.”

Balmforth felt that having a place where student vets can be together for fellowship and camaraderie would have been helpful and comforting during such a difficult time. “Without a designated space where we could feel at ease and be with others who have similar experiences, many of us ended up spending even more time alone, tucked away in quiet corners of campus or sitting in our cars between classes.”

Since then, he’s been working to build a strong, lasting support system that empowers and benefits military and veteran students. He joined the Student Advisory Council and, partnering with Sue Patterson, director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, took on the role of student veteran liaison.

In these capacities, Balmforth advocates for increased backing for the military community on campus, the improvement of existing veteran programs and assistance, and the implementation of new ones.

With the help of Chancellor Ron Darbeau and other campus leaders, the former Academic Affairs office was identified and secured for repurposing as a lounge.

“We have been working and imagining this space for the last year, and now we get to see it come to reality,” says Patterson. “We look forward to our opening as well as the continued growth. This is just the beginning for our initiatives to support our student veterans and others with a military connection.”

The space will include a front area, offices for student use, and a kitchen.

“A dedicated lounge is more than just a physical room,” says Balmforth. “It’s a crucial resource that fosters a true sense of belonging and plays an important role in helping veterans stay engaged, motivated, and successful academically.”

But he also adds that his vision for the lounge goes beyond providing a daily refuge. It will be a place for him to meet with existing and incoming veteran students, active service members, and those considering enrollment — a warm and welcoming environment where he can explain the resources Penn State Altoona offers student veterans. It will be a central hub for veteran-focused programming, including events like Veterans Week, guest speakers and resource fairs.

Balmforth said he hopes that in combination, these things will lead to increased engagement and partnerships within Penn State Altoona and the surrounding community, cultivating a support system that goes both ways.

“It gives me a deep sense of pride to see these efforts bear fruit," he said. "Achieving this goal — a vision I set out to realize over a year ago — has been incredibly fulfilling. But that pride isn’t mine alone. I couldn’t have accomplished this without the help of others.”

Balmford said he is thankful for the enthusiasm he’s received from campus leadership, faculty and staff who have offered encouragement or asked how they can help.

A refrigerator and televisions have been donated for the lounge, but he is looking for other items as well, like furniture, appliances and electronics, Balmforth said. He is looking for a service flag from each military branch, military memorabilia and decorations, and a display case for awards, plaques and photos. He said he would also like to stock the lounge with non-perishable and instant food and drink items.

As the fall semester draws closer along with the opening of the lounge, Balmforth is grateful for the opportunities to do positive work for the college.

“After my military service, this work is meaningfully filling a void and gives me a renewed sense of purpose. I’m truly thankful to be at Penn State Altoona. I honestly couldn’t imagine a better place to be doing this work.”

Those who would like to support the lounge can email mab6833@psu.edu or sap406@psu.edu.