SSgt. Melvin Correa Lopez knows what it feels like to be first.

On May 12, he became the first soldier to graduate from City University of Seattle through its partnership with Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM).

The institution, also known as CityU, is a private not-for-profit institution based in Seattle.

CityU offers a School of Management, the Albright School of Education, a Division of Arts/Sciences, and a Management Institute.  

"To be honest, it's something I didn't picture myself doing," commented Correa Lopez in a press release.

"Going to school wasn't a part of the plan, but to advance in the military, you have to continue your education."

With an office in the Stone Education Center at JBLM, CityU helps servicemembers and their families learn about academic opportunities.

"The programs we offer onsite are unique to JBLM," said Lana Lee, CityU's regional director of enrollment management and outreach.

"The schools here on JBLM complement each other; we don't compete with each other."

This collaborative nature enables CityU staff to advise servicemembers and their families in the best manner possible.

This dynamic helped Correa Lopez to graduate with an Associate of Science in General Studies.

Other degrees offered are a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services, a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration, and a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration.

"I had a bunch of credits and I never finished," he continued, "but Lana Lee and Gino Burns guided me."

The schedules of military students are busy, as they balance academic with work, training and family.

"I took classes online and the school made it easy to adjust."

"We're soldiers 24/7," Correa Lopez continued.

"They understand that you're in the Army and you have stuff to do, that your schedule is hectic, but they will work with you."

Currently there are more than 50 servicemembers on JBLM taking classes at CityU.

"We are proud to partner with JBLM to offer educational opportunities to military members and their families," continued Lee.

On-base classes offer a discounted military tuition, and partnerships with programs to include Camo2Commerce, Troops to Teacher, Vet2PM and others.

For a more complete list of the educational opportunities at City University of Seattle, visit the JBLM site at the Stone Education Center between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, call CityU's military advisor at 253.964.0469, or visit cityu.edu/Seattle/Get-Info.