Every year, I look forward to our Veterans Day celebration. It’s a time when we come together as a community to honor the dedication, courage, and sacrifices of those who have served our country. This year’s event was no exception, beginning with a moving sunrise flag-raising ceremony led by three of our own student veterans: Roger Smith (Marines), Nico Crisostomo (Air Force), and Maverick Bristol (Marines).
Watching them raise the flag at dawn was a powerful moment, one that reminded me how much veterans contribute not only to our nation but also to the strength and diversity of our campus community.
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Later that morning, we gathered for our annual Veterans Day program — always a highlight of the year for me. The stories shared by student veterans Larry Blanchard (Marines), Barbara Hughes (Army), and Dustin Simmons (Army) inspired everyone in the room. They spoke about their journeys, their resilience, and the sense of purpose that has carried them forward.
I was honored to join them at the podium alongside Dr. Brandon Tucker, WCC’s Executive Vice President for Instruction and an Air Force veteran, to reflect on what this day means.
For me, Veterans Day is more than a celebration; it’s a reminder of our responsibility to support those who have given so much to our country. At Washtenaw Community College, we take that responsibility seriously. Supporting veterans is woven into the fabric of our institution, and we are proud to serve more than 500 veterans and their families each year.
Our dedication to veterans has been recognized both locally and nationally. For the seventh consecutive year, WCC was named a Gold-level Veteran-Friendly School by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency — the highest honor awarded. Additionally, we recently earned a national Military Friendly Schools designation, marking another milestone in our ongoing efforts to meet and exceed the needs of our veteran students.
Central to these efforts is our Wadhams Veterans Center, a welcoming space at the heart of campus where veterans can access academic advising, career guidance, and support services tailored to their unique experiences. It’s a place where veterans can connect with peers, study, and find a community that understands their challenges. The center also helps veterans navigate the often complex process of accessing education benefits, easing barriers so they can focus on their goals.
We also work hard to ensure our programs are designed with veterans in mind. Through our credit evaluation system, veterans can earn academic credit for their military training and experience, helping them save time and money as they work toward their degrees. Many of our veteran students have ambitious goals, such as transferring to the University of Michigan to study engineering or other competitive programs. As the top transfer school to U-M, WCC provides a strong foundation for those aspirations. Others take advantage of our career-focused programs, gaining practical, hands-on training that prepares them for success in today’s workforce.
Beyond our daily commitment, we also host events like our annual Vet Fest, a family-friendly gathering that combines resources, entertainment, and camaraderie for veterans and their loved ones. It’s one more way we demonstrate our gratitude and ensure veterans feel valued and supported in our community.
Reflecting on this year’s Veterans Day celebration, I am filled with pride and gratitude. The courage, dedication, and resilience of our veterans inspire me, and it is an honor to support them in achieving their dreams. At WCC, our commitment to veterans goes beyond words — it’s reflected in everything we do, from our services and programs to opportunities we provide for them to thrive.
To all our veterans: thank you for your service and sacrifices. We are proud to stand with you, celebrate you, and support you on your journey.
Tags: December 2024, On The Record, President's Column, Student Veterans, Veteran-Friendly School, Wadhams Veterans Center