On Top of the World: Nursing Major Earns Top Honor from Rutgers–Camden’s Office of Military and Veterans Affairs

Emily Krowicki named 2021 Rutgers–Camden Student Veteran of the Year 

Serving in the United States Marine Corps, recalls Emily Krowicki, she enjoyed a sense of “community and purpose” among her comrades which she lost upon being honorably discharged after six years.

“I didn’t realize that sense of connection was even missing,” says the second-year Rutgers University–Camden nursing major. “That is, until I found it again working in the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs at Rutgers–Camden.”

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Stratford resident has dutifully served her fellow student-veterans for the past year in her work-study role for the office. Her contributions haven’t gone unnoticed, as Krowicki has been named the Rutgers–Camden Student-Veteran of the Year for 2021.

She was formally recognized earlier today before 250 guests at the annual student-veteran luncheon, held in the Campus Center’s Multi-Purpose Room.

“Emily has been nothing short of an outstanding addition to the office since day one,” says Fred Davis, director of the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs. “She has acquiesced to the demands of the office with reference to assisting fellow veterans.”

Rutgers–Camden Chancellor Antonio D. Tillis applauded Krowicki’s efforts, noting that it is work-study students like her who have helped to earn the university high marks in the student-veteran community.

“We have students and staff ready to assist in the office and across a variety of divisions,” says Chancellor Tillis. “This has allowed us to provide unmatched service to our student-veteran population.”

A Lindenwold native, Krowicki graduated from boot camp in October 2014 and served for two years as an intelligence analyst in Iwakuni, Japan. During that time, she also took on the added responsibilities of physical security manager’s assistant, and the information and personnel security manager, helping in both roles to protect employees, facilities and assets.

Krowicki then returned stateside, serving for three years at Camp Pendleton in San Diego County, California. During that time, she became a non-commissioned officer in charge, tasked with tactical and organizational assignments critical to day-to-day operations and special operations for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Her military experience, she says, would equip her with a comprehensive skill set that continues to benefit her today.

“Being in the Marine Corps definitely taught me time management and leadership skills, in addition to improving my patience, empathy and networking capabilities,” she says.

Arriving at Rutgers–Camden in fall 2020, Krowicki immediately enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and has “loved every minute of it ever since.” She says the program has been “challenging,” but will afford her the knowledge and expertise to fulfill her dream of becoming a pediatric or trauma-care nurse.

In spring 2021, Krowicki began her work-study in the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs, contributing invaluably to the office’s mission to assist student-veterans in both understanding their education benefits and walking them through the steps necessary to secure those benefits. In addition, she has helped organize events to help veterans understand what resources are available to them nearby, including medical, educational, job or resume-related training, and disability services.

Krowicki acknowledges that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been a challenge getting student-veteran groups up and running again this semester. However, the camaraderie among student-veterans has never wavered.

“We are always there to help each other whenever we can,” says Krowicki, who calls the connection among the workers in the office “very much like a family.”

Above all, says Krowicki, she has seen through her own personal experience, as well as in assisting other students, what makes Rutgers–Camden’s dedication to student-veterans different from any other institution.

“I have not seen a more veteran-friendly university in New Jersey, and I am beyond grateful to be able to be a part of such a great team,” she says.

Rutgers–Camden’s annual student-veteran luncheon has become a staple honoring the students and alumni who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Col. Yvonne L. Mays, director of staff for the New Jersey Air National Guard, delivered the keynote address at this year’s event.