Richard Haddock was “lost and in desperate need of direction,” when he left the military after serving for five years with the U.S. Coast Guard, but he found a new path through Suffolk University’s Veterans Upward Bound program.

Haddock was looking for structure and purpose in his life after he left the service six years ago. His research into college education programs designed specifically for military veterans led him to Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) at Suffolk University. He immediately enrolled.

“The structure of the courses offered at the VUB program, coupled with a staff composed of superior educators and professionals, far exceeded my expectations,” said Haddock, a sophomore with a double major in Psychology and Sociology. “The VUB program has an around-the-clock mentality, providing its students with academic advisers, tutors, and materials, aiding its students through their academic transition every step of the way.”

The Veterans Upward Bound program is designed to motivate and assist veterans in developing academic and other skills needed for acceptance and success in a program of postsecondary education. Among the services offered are admissions counseling, individual tutoring, academic classes, and career planning.

“I made a connection with my writing tutor, who opened my eyes to my potential and who, to this very day, continues to provide me with academic support on a weekly basis,” said Haddock. “Without such support from the VUB program, I would not be where I am today.”

Haddock excels in the classroom with an A- average as a full-time student. His academic excellence has helped him become a scholar in the University’s Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program, which prepares undergraduates for doctoral study through involvement in research and scholarly activities.

“To know where Richard was just two years ago and see him where he is now, excelling academically, personally, and conducting his own research as a McNair Scholar is awe-inspiring,” said Keren Zuniga McDowell, director of the Office of Academic Access and Opportunity. “His perseverance, work-ethic, and true dedication to learning have been outstanding, and our entire staff looks forward to watching his continued success.”

Haddock’s academic research interests are widespread, including several overlapping fields of study within the broad spectrum of Psychoanalytic Theory. He hopes to discover the catalysts that trigger individual behavior, as well as further analyze the effects of such behaviors upon society as a whole.

He hopes to pursue a doctoral degree in Neuroscience.

“Ultimately I would like to work for the Veterans Administration,” said Haddock. “I want to make a substantial difference in the lives of veterans suffering from psychological ailments, like post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries. My goal would be to help them to succeed.”