By Matt Hirsch
A recent donation of $500,000 by Marshall G. Kaplan, a World War II veteran, and BC alum, will go to support student-veterans at the college.
The funds will help expand services through the Brooklyn College Veteran and Military Programs (BCVMP), such as substance abuse services, post-traumatic stress disorder counseling, and “career development opportunities,” according to a recent press release from CUNY.
BCVMP also works with student-veterans and students that are dependents of veterans to make sure they get the most benefits they can, including financial aid, tuition deferments, and access to potential scholarships.
There are 133 student-veterans currently attending Brooklyn College, according to BC Media Relations Manager Richard Pietras.
“The Brooklyn College Veterans & Military Program and its 133 students would like to express our appreciation to Mr. Marshall Kaplan for his generous donation to Brooklyn College student veterans,” Alexarae Worell, BC Veterans Outreach and Education Assistant Coordinator, told The Vanguard.
Kaplan majored in political science when he was drafted and assigned to the Army Transportation Corps. While at BC, he simultaneously attended Brooklyn Law School, graduating from both institutions in 1949. He was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal upon retirement from the military after serving for thirty years.
“We are thrilled to have his full support. With Mr. Kaplan’s donation, we will be able to provide our student-veterans with emergency funding, which is most needed due to the current changes in the GI Bill, and its process,” said Worell. These changes to the GI Bill account for hardships caused by the pandemic, making its programs more accessible for veterans for “disruptions outside of their control,” according to militaryfamilies.com. “This donation will spark a tremendous difference to our program, and we are extremely grateful,” Worell said.
Kaplan previously provided start-up funding for Brooklyn College’s Learning Center and was awarded the Brooklyn College Presidential Medal for his support of the school. He is still an active member of the New York State Bar Association and currently practices real estate and tax law in Brooklyn.