As we come together as a country to honor our military veterans this
week, I’d like to recognize the hundreds of Virginia Wesleyan College
alumni, faculty and staff, as well as the 153 current students who are
veterans, active-duty military and reservists. We are humbled by your
sacrifices and indebted to you for your service.
Veterans play a
unique role in the life of Virginia Wesleyan College and are a vital
component of our campus community. They contribute valuable insight and
leadership skills and enhance the educational experience for those
around them.
As an institution, it is important that we continue
to serve our veteran population. I am proud to report that Virginia
Wesleyan has repeatedly been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a best college for veterans and has also once again received the Military Friendly School designation by G.I. Jobs.
If
you’ve not yet had the chance, I encourage you to visit the Military
Honor Tree on display this week in the Jane P. Batten Student Center.
Coordinated by the College’s Veterans Benefits Office, its colorful
ribbons serve as a tribute to our troops and symbolize tremendous
gratitude to those who have served our country.
Finally, I invite
you to join me and the campus community for Virginia Wesleyan’s 2016
Veterans Day Ceremony on Friday, November 11, at 1:30 p.m. at the Campus
Lawn and Memorial Garden behind Godwin Hall. The event will feature an
entrance by the Marlin ROTC Detachment Color Guard, performances by 17
student members of the Virginia Wesleyan Chorale, an invocation by
Jeremiah McQueary ’17 (United States Marine Corps), remarks by Tremain Torre '18 (United States Army), and a closing prayer by Mikal Blount
’20 (United States Army). A light reception will follow in the Barclay
Sheaks Gallery.
A very special thank you to our Veterans Day
planning committee: Dave Garraty, Professor of Management, Business, and
Economics, Amy Rush, Deputy Director of the Lighthouse, and Kate
Griffin, Director of Student Activities.
