Ivan Lievanos: From Dream to Reality
Ivan Lievanos is using his experience in the National Guard to help veteran-connected students succeed in college.
June 2023 update since this story was originally published:
Ivan Lievanos has mixed feelings about graduating from UW Tacoma. "It's a bittersweet moment," he said. "I will miss UWT. The staff at the Veteran and Military Resource Center (VMRC) supported me from day one and they became my second family."
Lievanos graduates with degrees in urban studies and urban design. "I am currently on the quest to find employment in urban planning/community development and I am confident in the skills I achieved during my time at UWT will help me get there."
Of all his experiences on campus, Lievanos is most proud of the work he did with the student veteran community. He worked as the Veterans Corps Navigator and with the Student Veteran Organization. Lievanos also served as team leader for UW Tacoma's Peer Advisor For Veteran Education (PAVE) program. "This is a peer support program that connects incoming student veterans on college campuses with student veterans who are trained as Peer Advisors who can help students navigate college life," he said.