Thank You for Your Service: Saint Mary’s Celebrates Veterans Week
Beginning on November 11 and continuing throughout the week, SMC will set aside time to honor those who have served. The campus is encouraged to participate in crafts, dine on barbecue, and enjoy basketball and golf.
A reinvigorated Veterans Support Center at Saint Mary’s is again celebrating Veterans Day on Monday, November 11, by hosting a week-long series of events to honor and show appreciation to the College’s military-affiliated students, veterans, and their families.
“This week is a way to show veterans that they are not alone, that their contributions are valued, and that the community genuinely cares and appreciates what they have done,” says Cris Sotelo ’23, a veteran of the US Marine Corps and now a Certifying Veterans Affairs Official and Academic Resources Coordinator in SMC’s Veterans and Graduate Support Services.
Veterans have made significant sacrifices during their time in service, Sotelo points out. After transitioning out of the military, he says, many veterans lose their support system and can experience isolation. “It’s a reality I have seen all too often, having lost friends to these struggles,” Sotelo observes.
Prior to Sotelo joining SMC’s Veterans and Graduate Support Services, Kindra Stewart MFA ’24 served in the Academic Resources Coordinator role and helped reenergize the campus’s efforts to recognize and provide resources to its veterans. Last year, a flag-raising ceremony was held on Chapel Lawn, a new tradition that will again take place this year on Veterans Day, November 11. A campus-wide barbecue will follow.
“I have tremendous respect for those who have served our country,” says SMC President Roger Thompson. “Spending time thanking them for their service to the United States, welcoming them to Saint Mary’s, and supporting them throughout their time here is something I will always look forward to doing, and I encourage others to do the same.”
“Supporting our veterans throughout their time at Saint Mary’s is something I will always look forward to doing, and I encourage others to do the same.”
“Veterans at Saint Mary’s bring a wealth of leadership experience and diverse life perspectives to the campus community,” says Sotelo. “Their resilience, discipline, and ability to work through challenging situations enrich the academic environment. As veterans, they have a unique sense of commitment and responsibility, which can inspire others and create a stronger, more inclusive community at Saint Mary’s.”
Veterans Week Events
Those eager to celebrate with Saint Mary’s veterans and military-affiliated Gaels during Veterans Week have a range of options:
Veterans Day Flag Raising and Campus BBQ
Monday, November 11 | 11 a.m.
The SMC community is invited to observe a flag-raising ceremony of the American flag, performed by the Lafayette VFW Honor Guard. The ceremony will take place at the flagpole outside the Filippi Administrative Building at 11 a.m. Join us as we celebrate and honor all veterans in our community for their service! A campus BBQ will be served afterward on the Chapel Lawn.
Veterans Appreciation Night Basketball Game
Tuesday, November 12 | 7 p.m. at University Credit Union Pavilion
Veterans and their families will be recognized at the SMC Men’s Basketball game against the Akron Zips. SMC Military-Affiliated Gaels can RSVP for a free guest ticket.
Questions? Contact Cris Sotelo.
Thank You For Your Service: A Recognition Event
Wednesday, November 13 | 1–3 p.m. at the SMC Veterans Garden
Veteran Support Services and the Library invite the campus community to a special Veterans Week-themed Crafternoon. Join us at the SMC Veterans Garden, located on the east side of Dante Hall, make a thank-you card or poster for the veteran students on campus, and help beautify the garden by adding new plants.
Legacy of Veterans at SMC Presentation
Thursday, November 14 | 3–4 p.m. in Hagerty Lounge
Did you know SMC once housed a Naval Flight Academy? Or that there was an Olympic-size pool by Mitty and Justin Halls? In honor of Veterans Appreciation Week, we invite you to learn about this rich aspect of Saint Mary's—its relationship with our military forces and the many SMC graduates who have proudly served our country. All military-affiliated Gaels are invited to attend this talk by Dr. Frances Sweeney ’86.
Military-Affiliated Gaels Golf Outing
Friday, November 15 | 3–5:30 p.m.
All military-affiliated Gaels are invited to play a 9-hole round of golf at Skylinks at Buchanan Fields Golf Course. Tee times are at 3:00, 3:10, and 3:20. To sign up, contact Cris Sotelo or Julie Scaff.
