From the Desk of the Chancellor, Nov. 7, 2011

Chancellor Charles R. Bantz View print-quality image

Today begins a week’s worth of events sponsored by the Office of Veterans and Military Personnel to celebrate current and former members of the Armed Services who are on our campus as students, staff, and faculty. These activities will honor veterans and military personnel for their service and sacrifice as well as increase awareness of the contributions they make to campus life.

Several of these activities invite participation by the entire campus community, while some activities are meant for veterans and their families only. There is an opportunity for IUPUI students, faculty, and staff to give to the Homeless Veterans Assistance Foundation on Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., by stopping by the Veterans@IUPUI table, first floor of the Campus Center. This nonprofit foundation provides supportive, structured housing to Indiana veterans with the goal of promoting independent living in the community.

On Thursday, noon to 4 p.m., experts from the Roudebush Veterans Administration Hospital and others will provide a workshop for the campus community on what a "veteran" is and what issues they face as they transition from military to campus life. The program takes place at the IU School of Dentistry, DS114. No registration is required.

The week’s activities culminate in the National Remembrance Day Roll Call, which will take place at the University College Courtyard on Nov.  11 (11-11-11), beginning at 8 a.m. IUPUI students, faculty, staff, and veteran supporters will read the names of more than 6,000 Iraq and Afghanistan war casualties simultaneously with others at institutions across the nation. A pause in the six-hour reading of names will occur at 11 a.m. for a moment of silence, color guard presentation, and playing of “Taps.”

IUPUI enrolls more than a thousand veterans. In addition to supporting their academic success through the Office of Veterans and Military Personnel, IUPUI houses a chapter of SALUTE, the national veterans’ honors society.

We hope you will join in the week’s celebration and remembrance.

Comments? Write chancllr@iupui.edu.