About Us

Mission

The Student Veterans Resource Center is dedicated to supporting the learning, development, and success of servicemembers, veterans, and their families at Michigan State University.

Vision

The Student Veterans Resource Center vision is to welcome servicemembers, veterans, and their families as individuals, while recognizing their shared experience of service in the United States military, by providing a space to share and plan for their successes and concerns.

The SVRC

The SVRC opened in January 2015 and underwent renovations over the summer of 2021. It now features:

Lounge area with TV and Nintendo Switch
Two private study rooms with MSU laptops connected to SVRC printer
Free printing, copying, scan/email
Free snacks, coffee, and other refreshments
MSU ID card swipe access for after-hours usage

Center Hours
Monday - 9am-4pm
Tuesday - 9am-4pm
Wednesday - 9am-4pm
Thursday - 9am-4pm
Friday - 9am-4pm

Service Hours
Monday - Virtual Only
Tuesday - 9am-4pm
Wednesday - 9am-4pm
Thursday - 9am-4pm
Friday - Virtual Only

Staff

Ian Knapp

Coordinator

517-432-1342

veterans@msu.edu

Background:

Ian Knapp is a U.S. Army veteran who served as a Human Resource Specialist with the 101st Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles) 3rd Brigade (Rakkasan). After being medically seperated he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Human Resources from Ferris State University.

Experience:

Ian has been committed to serving the military and veteran community helping in developing those around him to their goals. This focus started with his time in the Army and carried through his affiliation as president of the Student Veterans of America at Ferris State University while being part of the VA work study.

Hobbies:

Outside of work, Ian is passionate about family life with his wife, three daughters and one son. He enjoys spending time in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, fishing, rustic camping, and exploring nature.

Patrick Forystek

SVRC Director

517-884-5972

Foryste3@msu.edu

Background:

Patrick is a Marine Corps veteran, serving from 2008 to 2012 as an artillery cannoneer and section chief with 1st Battalion 11th Marines. While in the Marine Corps, Patrick deployed with the 13th MEU in 2009 and to Sangin and Marjah in 2010 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He received his BA in English from the UM-Flint in 2015 and his MS in management from Walsh College of Accountancy and Business in 2016.

Experience:

Patrick has worked in higher education veterans services since 2013. Starting out as a VA Work Study while pursuing his bachelor's degree, Patrick gained experience walking military-connected students through their transition from the military to college life. Patrick then moved on to become a coordinator of a veterans resource center and then a certifying official at a private, non-profit college. Patrick joined MSU in November of 2018.

Hobbies:

Patrick enjoys playing hockey for the Saginaw Spirit Warriors, a disabled veteran team affiliated with the Saginaw Spirit. He also enjoys riding motorcycles, traveling, and hiking with his wife, Jane, and their three dogs.