University of Scranton Plans Veterans Day Programs

Veterans Day has come a long way from when President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed November 11 as Armistice Day to mark the end of World War I. Over the ensuing decades it has become a day to note the service and sacrifices not just of those who fought in “the war to end all wars,” but of all military veterans.

The University of Scranton will mark Veterans Day with a number of programs for both veterans on campus, as well as the public.

The highlight of the events scheduled for Tuesday is an evening panel discussion, “Culture and Conversation: Veterans Sharing the Moral Burden of War,” sponsored by the University’s student Veterans’ Club and Office of Multicultural Affairs. The event is open to the public and takes place at 7 p.m. in the second floor Pearn Auditorium of Brennan Hall. Student panelists will participate in a forum moderated by Adam Murphy, the student VFW veteran coordinator and Paul Porter, Ph.D., director of multicultural affairs at the University.

Organizers will also collect items to send to troops overseas. Items needed include: energy bars, candy, trail mix, single serving boxes of cold and hot cereals, lip balm, toothpaste, stationery, roll-on deodorant, razors, moist towelettes, hand and foot warmers, foot powder and socks.

Also on Nov. 11, faculty and staff can attend a sensitivity training seminar, “Green Zone Training: Learn How to Be a Supportive Resource for Your Student-Veteran Community,” at 8 a.m. The University will host a Veterans Day luncheon on campus for students, faculty and staff who are military veterans.

At 2 p.m., members of the University community can attend an open house at the Student Veterans Lounge in room 011 of Loyola Hall. The lounge, which opened in April, provides a place for student veterans to gather for support from their peers, advocacy efforts and community involvement opportunities.

In addition, on Saturday, Nov. 15, cadets from the University’s ROTC program will present the American flag at the men’s basketball PNC Bank/Radisson Invitational Tournament in the Long Center. The tournament begins at 5:30 p.m. with Alvernia University playing John Carroll University. The University will play Centenary College at 7:30 p.m.

For additional information, contact the University’s Veterans’ Club at 570-941-4334 or via email at veteransclub@scranton.edu.