By Kenya Godette 

Every November, Old Dominion 91Ƶ unites to honor and celebrate its veteran and military community with a week-long observance of Veteran’s Day — filled with events and opportunities for Monarchs and veterans to connect, share stories and take advantage of the resources provided by the Military Connection Center (MCC). 

“This week is about connection and appreciation,” said Pearson, associate dean of students and director of the Center for Retention and Engagement (CORE) and the Military Connection Center. “We want our veterans and military-affiliated students to feel the deep respect this 91Ƶ has for their service, and to know that the Military Connection Center and our campus community are here to support them in every chapter of their journey.  

“I’d also like to thank Corinne Powers, our veteran outreach and student success coordinator, who has been instrumental in planning and coordinating this week’s events to ensure they are both meaningful and impactful.” 

This year, a variety of events are planned across campus that will kick-off at 12:30 p.m. on November 6 with a Veteran’s Observance Ceremony held on Kaufman Mall.  The flag display, a tradition of displaying American flags on Kaufman Mall to honor faculty and student veterans will be on view from November 5-14. 

Other events include: 

  • 3 p.m. on November 6: “First 2 Reign: First Generation Panel and Mixer” in the Senate Chambers hosted by the Student and Campus Life First Generation Committee — featuring a panel discussion, poetry slam and mixer, with opportunities for students to share their first-generation experiences through spoken word performances.
  • 6 p.m. on November 6: The Army-Navy Tri Warrior Bowl Flag Football Game at S.B. Ballard Stadium. Doors open at 5 p.m.
  • 9 to 11 a.m. on November 7: Rise 2 Reign: First-Generation Celebration in Webb Student Center North Lobby, hosted by the Student and Campus Life First-Generation Committee. Students are invited for breakfast and swag.
  • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on November 11: Veteran’s Day Celebration and Veteran Coaching and Operation BLUE Peer Mentor Kickoff in Webb Center’s North Lobby, hosted by CORE and the MCC. First-year and first-generation students are welcomed to connect with their student success coordinator, Corinne Powers. Upperclassmen veteran and military-affiliated students are encouraged to come sign up to be a veteran peer mentor.
  • 7 p.m. on November 11:  in Chartway Arena. Corinne Powers, veteran outreach and student success coordinator for CORE and MCC will perform the National Anthem.
  • 7 p.m. on November 12:  in Chartway Arena.
  • 7:30 p.m. on November 13:  at S.B. Ballard Stadium. This game will be streamed on SportsCenter featuring events on Kauffman Mall at 2 p.m. and a drone show during halftime. Tailgating lots open at 3 p.m.  

Year-round, Old Dominion 91Ƶ offers a variety of academic and support services to military students, which make up nearly 30 % of the total student population. Services include: 

  • The Military Connection Center, committed to assisting veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, guard members and dependents in navigating the application, admission and enrollment process as well as getting involved on campus.
  • Operation BLUE: Bridging Life and University Experience, a yearlong active learning program where student veterans are guided through intentionally designed activities to gain practical experience, self-awareness and transferable skills. This initiative also offers Peer Advisors for Veteran Education, a peer support program that connects incoming student veterans with student-veteran peer advisors who provide ongoing support.
  • , whose academic programs incorporate credit that may be earned outside the classroom through examinations, experience and/or training.
  • , a group of veteran alumni whose goal is to establish and enhance relationships to increase alumni involvement through networking, service and social events.
  • Military Benefits and Certification Services: This office guides military-affiliated students through various options to finance and qualify for military education benefits.