The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, will commemorate Veterans Day with a variety of events to celebrate those who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
“We’re excited and honored to shine a light on our UT veterans and military-connected scholars during November,” said Vice Provost for Student Success Amber Williams. “It is a privilege to serve those who have served our country. As a Military Friendly® institution with two departments dedicated to student veterans within the Division of Student Success, we are committed to ensuring they have the resources, skills and connections they need to thrive — during college and beyond.”
Throughout November, UT’s Army ROTC, Air Force ROTC, Army ROTC Alumni Council, Athletics, Division of Student Success, Pride of the Southland Band and Veterans Success Center will organize and join activities to show appreciation to veterans in the greater Vol community.
Campus Veterans Appreciation Celebration
Thursday, Nov. 6, 5-7 p.m., Neyland Stadium Social Deck (rain site: Tennessee Terrace)
UT military faculty, staff and students — including veterans, those currently serving on active duty and members of the National Guard, Reserves and ROTC — and their families are invited to a dinner and social event in their honor. If interested in attending, contact the Veterans Success Center.
Army and Air Force ROTC Veterans Run
Friday, Nov. 7, 5:45-7 a.m.
UT’s Army and Air Force ROTC will conduct a run to recognize and thank those who have served. The 2.5-mile run starts at the Rock and ends at the Anderson Training Center’s indoor football practice field. UT Police, UT System President Randy Boyd and Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor John Zomchick will participate. All veterans on campus are invited to run.
Conference Room Dedication
Friday, Nov. 7, noon-1 p.m., Hoskins Library
UT’s Army ROTC will dedicate a conference room in honor of Captain Larry Taylor, the only UT Army ROTC alumnus to earn the Medal of Honor.
March for the Fallen
Saturday, Nov. 8, 10 a.m.-noon, House Mountain Natural Area, Corryton, Tennessee
Several UT ROTC specialty companies will support Gold Star Mothers and Families with a march in honor of their fallen loved ones.
Wreath Laying Ceremony
Sunday, Nov. 9, 2 p.m., Armed Forces Veterans Memorial
The Army ROTC Alumni Council will host an annual remembrance ceremony at the Armed Forces Veterans Memorial, located on the Johnson-Ward Pedestrian Walkway near Brown Hall. Army ROTC cadets will read the 367 names inscribed on the memorial at 1:30 p.m. The Knox County Council of Regents and Daughters of the American Revolution will lay a wreath during the program.
Rep Your Branch Day
Monday, Nov. 10, all day
All military-affiliated students, faculty and staff are encouraged to wear items representative of their specific branch (e.g. T-shirt, boots, etc.).
Hero Workout
Monday, Nov. 10, 6-7a.m., Intramural Field
UT ROTC cadets will perform a Hero Workout in commemoration of the late Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss of Corryton, Tennessee. Knauss’s mother will attend to observe the workout.
Mission Academic Achievement Workshop
Monday, Nov. 10, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Veterans Success Center (Hodges Library Room G020)
Learn about fellowship opportunities for undergraduate veterans. RSVP by Wednesday, Nov. 5, for a provided lunch.
Marine Corps 250th Birthday Celebration
Monday, Nov. 10, 2-3 p.m., Veterans Success Center (Hodges Library Room G020)
Join the Veterans Success Center for a cake-cutting ceremony in honor of the 250th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Veterans Day Breakfast Pop-up
Tuesday, Nov. 11, 8:15-10:30 a.m., Veterans Success Center (Hodges Library Room G020)
All veteran students, faculty and staff will be treated to food and drinks sponsored by the Center for the Study of Tennesseans and War, the Veterans Success Center and the Department of History. World War II artifacts and literature that have been donated to the Center for the Study of Tennesseans and War will be on display.
Coffee & Convos
Wednesday, Nov. 12, 9-11 a.m., Veterans Success Center (Hodges Library Room G020)
At this networking event, student veterans can get specialized career guidance and build professional connections.
Veterans Town Hall
Thursday, Nov. 13, 10 a.m.-noon, Student Union Ballroom (Room 272)
The Veterans Success Center, in partnership with community veteran services, will host an engaging discussion covering topics to support the veteran community. The event will include a resource fair with a variety of service organizations, as well as Q&A sessions with featured speakers.
Library Tabling Event
Friday, Nov. 14, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Veterans Success Center (Hodges Library Room G020)
The Veterans Success Center will host this informational event about library services and resources.
Football Salute to Service
Saturday, Nov. 15, 4:15 p.m., Neyland Stadium
The Pride of the Southland Band will dedicate its halftime performance to service members. Nearly 900 musicians will take the field as the band will be joined by bagpipers and drummers from Knoxville, Chattanooga and Memphis. Band alumnus Corporal Andrew Crowell, Assistant Enlisted Conductor of the 2nd Marine Division Band, will be the band’s drum major for the day. The halftime performance will feature patriotic music in tribute to past, present and future American heroes.
About UT’s military veteran community
This fall, the university welcomed more than 1,750 student veterans and military-connected students. Additionally, more than 230 faculty and staff members are military veterans, and UT boasts more than 6,400 alumni who have served.
In the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, UT ranks 48th among public institutions as a best college for veterans. Earlier this year, the university was awarded a Silver ranking as a Military Friendly School by Military Friendly in recognition of its ongoing efforts assisting student veterans and military-connected students. UT is also certified as a Tennessee VETS campus.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Stacy Estep (865-974-8304, sestep3@utk.edu)