“UIW wants to make sure we honor and recognize as many veterans as possible.”
As Jonathan Lovejoy, senior director of Military and Veterans Affairs, prepared for Veterans Day on Friday, Nov. 11, that was his one focus. Veterans Day is a time to come together and honor all veterans, both living and departed, for their sacrifices to their country. At UIW, which counts more than 20% of its student population as military-connected, this day holds special meaning.
“UIW, like our country, is made up of a diverse population,” shared Lovejoy. “We need to celebrate our diversity and our heritage. We have such a large population of military-connected students, we want to make sure we honor them and their family members who served.”
The University community gathered on Friday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. for its annual Veterans Day Ceremony. Bishop Trevor Alexander and Dr. Glenn James, both veterans, opened the service with a prayer and an introduction. UIW President Thomas M. Evans, PhD, provided a welcome before James shared a history of Veterans Day. The ceremony also included a wreath laying, a flag folding ceremony, a recognition of service members and other program activities to honor those who have served. Additionally, present throughout the ceremony, the Veterans Day Honor Wall recognized the UIW community’s military personnel.
As a veteran, Lovejoy often thinks about the sacrifices made by other veterans going back to the American Revolution. Many students, faculty and staff have family who have served, whether it was in World War II, the Cold War or during times of peace.
“Veterans Day allows the community to honor and celebrate America’s veterans for their patriotism, willingness to serve, love of country, and sacrifice for the common good,” said Lovejoy. “I’m glad we can honor everyone who has served.”
At UIW, Veterans Day is not the only time military-affiliated members of the community are celebrated. UIW was recently ranked #6 in the nation by the online site Military Times in its 2022 Best for Vets list, up from #43 in 2021. A Yellow Ribbon School, the University has a Military and Veterans Center dedicated to helping military-affiliated students. Additionally, UIW has an impressive Student Veterans of America chapter and Peer Advisors for Veteran Education program.
“One of UIW’s eight strategic priorities is to be the premiere provider of educational benefits to military service members, veterans and their families,” said Lovejoy. “As a community, we strive to provide service members and veterans superior resources so that they can achieve their educational and career goals.”
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