Honoring and Valuing our Veteran Community at Roanoke College

Dear Maroons,

As we approach Veterans Day this Saturday, I am reminded of the significance of this day for our nation, the College, and our local community.  At Roanoke, we speak often of the power of purpose and service for learning and lives well-lived, and our remarkable student, faculty, staff, and alumni veterans are walking inspiration and examples of these pursuits every day.     

At 12:30 this afternoon, our Student Veterans Association will lay a wreath in the atrium of the Colket Center in respect and remembrance. All are welcome, and I encourage you to stop by as you are able. 

At Roanoke College, we aspire to grow the number of underserved students in our community. The designation “underserved” includes four populations of students: low-income, first-generation, rural, and veterans. Our pledge is to foster an environment that appreciates and respects the contributions of our veteran students, and also actively integrates their perspectives, talents, and potential into the heart of our community.

True inclusion and a sense of belonging are fostered through engagement and learning from those whose life journeys differ from our own. In recognition of Veteran’s Day, I encourage each of us to make a conscious effort to better understand the veteran experience. Several years back, I was deeply moved by a podcast that highlighted the gap between the lives of civilians and those who have served in the military.  I think you’ll find this seven-minute listen worthwhile and informative.

Among the many beautiful things at Roanoke College, we prepare our students to create a world marked by more kindness, understanding, and justice. As we honor veterans this week, let us renew our commitment to know, learn from, and invest in each other. 

With hope,

Frank Shushok, Jr.
President