North Central hosts series of events to honor, recognize its student veterans

North Central College supports its student veterans all year long and is celebrating their service to their country during Veteran and Military Student Appreciation Week as part of Veterans Day Nov. 11, 2015. The College proudly honors and recognizes its 25 student veterans and five ROTC cadets this fall by hosting a variety of events for its student veterans and the campus community.  

The Wall of Heroes honors the College’s military students, student veterans, staff/faculty veterans and family members. Profiles and photos of those who have dedicated themselves in service to our nation will be featured on the Wall and displayed in the lobby of the Harold and Eva White Activities through Nov. 12 and in the lobby of Old Main on Nov. 13.

While Veterans Day is primarily a tribute to America’s living veterans, there will be a moment of silence and playing of “Taps” at 11 a.m. on Veteran’s Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, in respect for those who gave their lives. The brief ceremony will take place in two locations: Old Main flag pole and Bill Shatzer ’42 statue. Trumpeters Oscar Sylvester-Garcia ’18 will play at the flag pole and Zach Murphy ’18 at Championship Plaza.

Oesterle Library has two exhibits on display. The Resource Display in the lobby features titles related to soldiers’ experiences in wars and after returning home. The lower-level Archives Reference Room hosts the “North Central College in the Great War” exhibit with letters, presidential reports, photographs and artifacts from World War I.

Student veterans were lunch guests of President Troy Hammond at the President’s House on Nov. 10, and our veterans are included in a networking event with some of Naperville’s 750 VFW veterans on Nov. 13. They will be recognized during halftime of the Senior Day home football game on Nov. 14 at the center of Kroehler Field.
 
This week’s events are some of many North Central College initiatives to support military veterans transitioning to academic and civilian life. The College’s programs and services have earned it the designation of a 2015 Military Friendly School by G.I. Jobs magazine for embracing America’s military service members and veterans as students.

Julie Carballo is the College’s veteran services coordinator and resource regarding veteran programs. “North Central recognizes the significant value that student veterans bring to our campus. The inherent leadership skills and experiences that are a part of the military experience—such as team building and problem solving—are tremendous assets to our college community.” She may be reached at 630-637-5155 or jmcarballo@noctrl.edu.

North Central fully participates in both the Post 9/11 GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon veteran benefit programs. Veterans eligible for 100 percent of the Post 9/11 benefit, based on Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) guidelines, also qualify for Yellow Ribbon, ensuring that 100 percent of their tuition is covered. North Central College also processes tuition-related VA benefits for dependents of veterans. Visit northcentralcollege.edu/veterans to learn more about services North Central College offers to student veterans.

Also this week, the City of Naperville has erected its Healing Field of Honor where thousands of U.S. flags create a sea of red, white and blue to honor our nation’s veterans (photo, below). Click here to learn more about this memorable display.