Today as our nation celebrates Veterans Day and honors the selfless service and sacrifice of our veterans and active duty military, I ask all members of our campus community to take a moment to thank and appreciate those who have proudly worn the uniform of our nation.

SUNY Oswego is proud of the educational offerings it provides our military-connected and veteran population.  We remain committed on Veterans Day, but also every day throughout the year, to uphold our long-standing tradition of providing strong military and veteran services on campus.  It is Oswego’s collective way of expressing our gratitude to the students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends, who are veterans or currently serving in the military.

SUNY Oswego will host a Veterans Luncheon today (between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the college's Battle Buddy Center – now located in 110 Lee Hall) to recognize our campus veterans and active duty military.  I hope many of our veterans and service members will attend so we can acknowledge your commitment to protecting our freedoms, and thank you for the worldly perspectives you bring to the classroom, the campus and to communities around the world.

We will also recognize the veteran and military community at Friday night’s men’s hockey game when the Lakers face off against SUNY Cortland in our Teal Night & Military Appreciation Night.  As part of the festivities, SUNY Oswego will recognize Lt. Col. Mike Waters, United State Air Force (Ret.) ’70 as an "Alumni Hero" and celebrate his 34-year military career and the scholarship he helped create at his alma mater for Central New York combat veterans.    

To our veterans and active duty military -- we salute your service on Veterans Day but appreciate your sacrifice every day.  Thank you for your past and present efforts to protect and defend.

With Respect and Regards,

Deborah F. Stanley
President