“Student veterans arrive on our campus and in our classrooms with significant work and life experience. They are ready for and committed to learning.”
That was the word Tuesday from Chris Wells, Ed.D., guest speaker at Aurora University’s Veterans Day ceremony Tuesday. Wells, a Navy veteran and professor of parks and recreation and coordinator of parks and recreation leadership, keynoted the noon program he organized in Tapper recital hall.
Wells said to student veterans, “Thank you for being at AU, thank you for enriching our campus and our classrooms and most importantly, thank you for your service to our country.”
He added, “Having student veterans on our campus and in our classrooms reminds all of us that we come from many different backgrounds, and that we must honor and respect everyone and seek to understand their perspective.
“They include the life experiences that we carry with us. Here at AU, we are blessed because our differences do not separate us, they unite us, and we celebrate them.”
The ceremony opened with posting of the colors by members of West Aurora High School’s Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps chapter. They were Ethan Gomez, Johnathon Hoskins, Tristan Kayser and Sesouie Inelegle. Chris Cashwell, West AFJROTC instructor and a retired Army major, accompanied the students.
After a welcome by Wells, student Ethan Savage sang the national anthem and campus chaplain Rev. Mark Woolfington gave an invocaton. He said earlier, “Since its founding in 1893, the Aurora University community has welcomed military veterans as students, faculty, and staff. Nathan C. Twining, president from 1901-1906, served as a captain in the 40th Wisconsin Infantry during the Civil War.
“In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson designated November 11 as ‘Armistice Day’ to commemorate the end of World War I. Since 1954, the holiday has been known as ‘Veterans Day,’ in recognition of the millions of men and women who have served in the military.”
Social work instructor Kristen Cagadas introduced AU President Susana Rivera-Mills, Ph.D., who gave brief remarks. She reminded listeners that AU enrolls 150 military-connected students. “Veterans bring lessons in handling pressure and perseverance. Let us listen, learn and thank them for their service,” she said.
Roberto Lopez, AU Veterans Club president, introduced Cagadas who chronicled the history of POW/MIA honors ceremonies. She led a candle lighting and moment of silence for fallen soldiers.
Refreshments in the welcome center lobby concluded the event.
—Al Benson