Bloomington, Indiana – Indiana University Bloomington has earned a significant honor for its dedication to supporting students who are veterans, active-duty service members, or otherwise connected to the military. The campus was recently named a recipient of the Collegiate Purple Star of Indiana designation, an award created to recognize colleges and universities that go above and beyond in helping military-connected students succeed from the moment they apply all the way through to graduation.
The designation was officially announced by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education in partnership with the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs. These two organizations established the Collegiate Purple Star designation as a way to honor institutions that provide clear, meaningful support to military-affiliated students. This is the first time this award has been given out to Indiana colleges, and IU Bloomington is one of 28 institutions statewide recognized for the 2024-25 academic year.
The recognition isn’t just about what IU Bloomington says it does—it’s about what it actually proves through practice. Schools applying for this designation must meet a rigorous set of 37 standards spread across eight categories. These include everything from campus facilities and academic support to mental health services and career preparation. Based on how well schools fulfill these expectations, they are assigned to one of three tiers. IU Bloomington proudly earned a Tier 3 status, reflecting a robust commitment to military-connected students across many aspects of campus life.
“It helps to put something official on our efforts that shows what we were already doing was beneficial,” said Bo Haugestad, director of the Center for Veteran and Military Students at IU Bloomington. “I believe the Collegiate Purple Star of Indiana will become a standard within the state that military-connected students will use as a determining factor when searching schools they want to attend.”
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For years, IU Bloomington has been quietly but steadily building programs, services, and traditions that help military-affiliated students thrive. The Center for Veteran and Military Students is at the heart of these efforts, offering assistance with navigating complicated military benefits like the GI Bill, tuition waivers, and federal aid, not just for veterans and service members but also for their family members who qualify for these programs.
But IU’s application for the Purple Star designation didn’t just stop at listing benefits paperwork. It included a rich snapshot of how the campus recognizes and celebrates military service while fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for those who have served—or are still serving. Examples highlighted in the university’s submission included:
• A calendar of events dedicated to military-connected students. This ranges from practical offerings like online orientations and welcome gatherings to ceremonial moments such as the Veterans Day flag-raising and hosting the Monroe County veteran services officer at the Indiana Memorial Union.
• Detailed descriptions and photos of the house on campus that serves as home for the Center for Veteran and Military Students. This space is not just an office—it’s a true home base where military-connected students can gather, find resources, and build community.
• Recognitions and traditions on campus that honor military service, like The Golden Book—a registry for veterans and service members, the prominent bow of the USS Indiana displayed at Memorial Stadium, and the annual Salute to Service football game which brings the university community together to recognize the sacrifices and contributions of the military.
According to Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Chris Lowery, these types of programs are exactly what the designation seeks to highlight. “These institutions set the benchmark for educating military-affiliated students,” Lowery said in the announcement.
Although IU Bloomington’s current Tier 3 status is valid for three years, Haugestad and his colleagues are not stopping there. In fact, they’re already looking ahead to how they can build on this recognition. The university intends to reassess its standing next year with an eye toward earning a higher tier. That will mean strengthening areas where improvement is possible—such as policy updates, expanded financial aid guidance, and better-integrated support networks.
One recent advancement speaks volumes about IU Bloomington’s commitment to these students. In a move driven by student leaders, the IU Student Government passed legislation establishing a Department of Military and Veteran Student Affairs within its cabinet. This new body will give military-connected students an official voice in student government decisions and ensure that their unique perspectives are included in broader conversations about student life on campus.
For Haugestad, initiatives like this are just the beginning. He understands that maintaining and growing IU Bloomington’s reputation as a military-friendly school is a team effort that requires buy-in from departments all across campus. Whether it’s financial aid officers, academic advisors, or housing staff, everyone has a role to play in creating an environment where veterans, service members, and their families feel welcome and supported.
“I look forward to leveraging this initial designation to continue to make IU Bloomington the best experience for our military-connected students,” Haugestad said.
Beyond the ceremonial recognition, the Purple Star reflects a larger commitment at IU Bloomington to acknowledge and actively support those who have served the country. It sends a message not just to those already enrolled but to prospective students—whether they are transitioning out of military service or are family members of those who have served—that IU Bloomington is a place where their unique needs and contributions are valued.
The Center for Veteran and Military Students plays a critical role in maintaining that welcoming atmosphere. The Center’s staff doesn’t just help with paperwork—they serve as advocates, advisors, and sometimes just a friendly face for students navigating the challenges of higher education after, or during, military service. Through a combination of personalized support and community programming, the Center has helped IU Bloomington build a reputation for not only supporting but also celebrating its military-connected students.
Recognition through awards like the Collegiate Purple Star is helpful, Haugestad noted, but what truly matters is how the university continues to evolve to meet the needs of this population. That’s why the Center is committed to continual self-assessment and improvement. Whether it’s enhancing the visibility of veteran services on campus, expanding scholarship opportunities, or finding new ways to celebrate military culture and history, IU Bloomington plans to stay at the forefront of serving these students.
The significance of the Purple Star recognition also ties back to broader state and national conversations about how institutions of higher learning can and should support military-connected populations. With more veterans seeking education benefits through programs like the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and with service members often balancing school with other life responsibilities, the need for thoughtful, comprehensive support has never been greater.
Schools like IU Bloomington that take the time to build these supports—and to maintain them—set an example for others to follow. In doing so, they also help ensure that the transition from military to civilian life includes meaningful opportunities for education, growth, and success.
Looking forward, Haugestad remains optimistic. “We’ve got a great foundation in place, but there’s always room to improve. The Purple Star is just one step in what we hope is a long journey of continuous progress for our military-connected students.”
For students considering IU Bloomington, especially those connected to the military, this designation serves as a clear sign that they’ll be supported not only through admissions and financial aid but also through the day-to-day experience of campus life—from orientation to graduation day.
And for IU Bloomington itself, the recognition is both a milestone and a motivation to keep striving for excellence in this important area. The university’s leadership, student government, and staff have shown a shared commitment to ensuring that military-affiliated students are not just welcomed but are given every opportunity to succeed and thrive.
As Haugestad and his team look ahead to the next round of Purple Star applications, the focus remains firmly on progress. With collaboration, determination, and a student-first approach, IU Bloomington is well-positioned to maintain its standing as a leader in supporting those who have served.
