On September 13, 2024, the UVM community, along with veterans and members of the Reserved Officers Training Corp (ROTC), gathered to recognize the extraordinary generosity of David Swenson ’80. He has established an endowment that will fund the Student Veterans Services Coordinator position, ensuring that essential support for student veterans continues in perpetuity. 

At the event, David Swenson shared what it meant to be inspired by his WWII veteran father, Richard A. Swenson ’50, to be the grandson of a WWI veteran, and to have attended UVM before his own military service. His family deeply understands that this gift will benefit future generations of students and families like their own. 

But the impact of this endowment is already being felt today, through the work of David Carlson ’11, the inaugural Coordinator of Student Veteran Services. Since 2013, Carlson has provided essential support to UVM’s student veterans, guiding them through the complexities of VA benefits and helping them transition from military life to academia. 

“This GI Bill is an investment,” Carlson explains, “and I help veterans find their next mission after the military.” For Carlson, this work is both personal and profound. Having served in the Marine Corps in Iraq, Carlson understands firsthand the challenges veterans face when navigating higher education. His role is not just about certifying benefits—it's about making sure that veterans have the support they need to succeed at UVM and beyond. 

Christopher Lucier, former Vice President for Enrollment Management at UVM, reflected on Carlson’s role: “David Carlson was a leader within the student veteran’s organization at that time and was deeply involved in defining the needs, challenges, and opportunities for veterans on campus. So, when I was able to create the position, we went after David, who had recently graduated. Who could be better? From day one, David exceeded our expectations on what could be accomplished in supporting veterans’ needs from pre-enrollment to graduation.” 

At the start of each semester, Carlson helps veterans navigate the complexities of VA benefits and financial aid, while also providing critical support as they transition from military to academic life. “Each student has a unique situation, and we’re constantly problem-solving to ensure they can access the resources they need,” Carlson says.  

He also focuses on helping veterans find their place on campus and figure out what they want to achieve after UVM, guiding them toward long-term success. “Veterans bring a lot to the campus community—diversity of thought, real-world experience, and a different perspective,” Carlson reflects. “Having that in our classrooms is an incredible contribution.” 

Carlson’s deep connection with student veterans is evident. He is often the first person veterans reach out to when they need help or simply have news to share.  

Students like Stephanie Cuepo Wobby '20 have felt the impact of Carlson’s support firsthand. “I can't imagine what it would've been like if I didn't have him,” Wobby says. Carlson’s ability to empathize with veterans and help them transition to civilian life has made him an indispensable resource for UVM’s veteran community. 

Thanks to David Swenson’s gift, this support will be available to student veterans for generations to come. As Carlson notes, “Knowing this position will exist long after I’m gone means no student will have to go through the challenges I faced without support.” 

Watch the video below to hear from three former student veterans, now UVM alumni, about the impact this endowed staff position has on our students.