SUNY Oswego to recognize Veterans Day with week of programming, events

Veterans panel, Military Appreciation Night at Lakers hockey game among activities

OSWEGO -- SUNY Oswego, consistently ranked a top school for its military-connected and veteran population, will celebrate veterans and the active military with several observances the week of Nov. 7 to 11, including Military Appreciation Night at a men's ice hockey game on Veterans Day.

On Tuesday, Nov. 7, a panel of U.S. military veterans from the SUNY Oswego community and members of the college's faculty and staff will talk about life during and after military service. The event, starting at 6 p.m. in Sheldon Hall ballroom, is free and open to the public.

Hosted by the Student Association and the political science department, the panelists will discuss numerous topics related to military service as the veterans draw on their experiences. Moderated by political science faculty member Eric Blanchard, panelists will include Walter Opello, emeritus professor of political science; Mark Zelcer of the philosophy department; Glynn English, assistant dean and director of BASAC, the advisement center in the School of Business; Helen Knowles and Cristina Dragomir of political science; and veteran John Gardner.

"This event is one in a series that the Student Association is putting together to observe the 'Military Appreciation Week'," said Rob Davies, SA assistant director of military and veteran affairs. "The premise of the 'Military Appreciation Week' is to increase the awareness that there are veteran and active duty personnel on campus and to bolster community support for them."

Student Association representatives will coordinate a weeklong fundraiser for Clear Path for Veterans, culminating with Military Appreciation Night at the men's hockey game at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, in Marano Campus Center arena. Team RWB (Red, White and Blue), whose mission is to enrich the lives of America's veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity, will staff an information table.

The Lakers will skate against the SUNY Canton Roos in the Oswego men's first home SUNY Athletic Conference game of the season. Veterans and active duty, Guard and Reserve service members will receive two free tickets each with military ID, VA card, DD 214 or other valid veterans identification. Tickets can be picked up in advance or at the game in the Marano Campus Center box office.

The college also will celebrate the first anniversary of the dedication of the Battle Buddy Center in the Veterans Lounge in Hewitt Union, according to Ben Parker, senior academic planning coordinator as well as veteran and military services coordinator for the college's Division of Extended Learning. Designated by New York State Industries for the Disabled Inc. (NYSID), the Battle Buddy Center at SUNY Oswego serves as a safe haven for veterans to connect with their peers, opportunities with veteran-friendly employers, veteran alumni groups, and the services of veterans' organizations.

SUNY Oswego's recognition as a top school for veterans come from rankings of Military Times, U.S. News & World Report, and Military Advanced Education, among other publishers. For more information, contact Parker at 315-312-2270 or benjamin.parker@oswego.edu.