Newman University will celebrate its military students, staff and faculty Nov. 11 with a Military Appreciation Day and ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new military resource center for students.
The event is an opportunity for the Newman community to intentionally recognize the tremendous sacrifices that active and non-active duty students, faculty and staff, along with their families, make to serve our country.
Director of Multicultural Engagement and Campus Life Joseph Shepard said, “A unique component of this day consists of honoring spouses, children and families of our active and non-active military community. The truth is, military spouses and families make tremendous sacrifices as well. It’s important for us to thank them and acknowledge those sacrifices being made.”
Newman University has approximately 45 military students enrolled.
“We currently do not have an accurate count of how many families we have. However, we’re working diligently to solidify the list,” Shepard said.
Military Appreciation Day will begin with an invitation-only breakfast for military students, faculty and staff, including those who have immediate family members who are veterans or are currently serving.
In addition to celebrating these individuals, the university is creating a new space in the admissions office located on the main floor of Sacred Heart Hall.
The new military resource center will honor all students who are currently serving and students who have the desire to serve in the military.
Sgt. Caleb Martin of the Army National Guard will have regular office hours in the new resource center and other military branch representatives are available for meetings upon request.
The goal of the military resource center is to act as a hub for military students. Shepard said the focus will be on personal success and social and emotional health, giving the students a place to connect, relax and study.
“We know that intentionally carving out spaces for our underrepresented populations is vital to their academic and personal success as well as their social and emotional health,” said Shepard. “There will also be efforts to encourage our military personnel to utilize the space on a regular basis.”
Shepard added, “As we place an intentional focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, it is vital to intentionally carve out spaces for our military students. Our military students, their spouses and families are indeed an integral part of diversity and inclusion. We value them and the sacrifices they make. We want to ensure we do all we can, when we can, to create a personalized space for them and their needs.”
Following the breakfast, a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the military resource center will feature coffee and muffins. The event will end with a military obstacle course as well as an informational table with desserts at the Dugan-Gorges Conference Center.
The entire Newman community is invited to attend the dedication ceremony and the military obstacle course activities and informational tables.
Shepard added, “As we aim to help our students view the world through a different lens, it is vital we continue to provide these opportunities for our campus community.
“This day is important because the military population is often a population that is left out of the conversation of diversity, equity and inclusion. In addition, this population has made the ultimate sacrifice for us and it is imperative that we do our part to recognize them and ensure they reach the academic, social and professional success needed to thrive in the world.”
Military Appreciation Day Schedule:
- 10 a.m. — Military resource center ribbon-cutting ceremony and refreshments. (Admission Office, Sacred Heart Hall)
- 11 a.m. — Military obstacle course and information tables. (Dugan-Gorges Conference Center, Dugan Library)
