University honors veterans through annual Veterans Day Event
Alvernia University earns a national endorsement in military support from Colleges of Distinction (COD), an advocate for schools whose program experiences are grounded in a philosophy of engagement, teaching, community, and outcomes.
“College sometimes doesn't come naturally to veterans. We all think we're too old and that school is behind us,” said David Ruppert ‘21, veteran alumnus. “The Alvernia community is very understanding and helpful, and the Veterans Center was a great source of support. It made it very easy to ease into the campus.”
The Alvernia University Veterans Center raises awareness about what is endured and accomplished by those who serve our country. The center’s mission is to provide anyone with ties to (or an interest in) the military with the resources, support, and advocacy necessary to succeed in higher education and industry without membership fees or dues.
“Alvernia is one of the few fortunate institutions across the country that has a physical Veterans Center,” said Bret Krotee, Veterans Center coordinator. “That does not happen without the resources provided by our Senior Leadership Team. That level of care and guidance does not go unnoticed.”
Alvernia also received the 2022-2023 military-friendly school distinction for the tenth consecutive year. It is one of only 665 institutions nationwide to receive the designation for meeting university benchmarks in areas such as student retention, graduation, job placement, repayment, persistence, and loan default for veteran students.
“I started as an intern and ended up with a full-time job,” said Ruppert. “Alvernia helped me to believe I'll be able to achieve good things and make the changes I want to see in the world.”
Every year, the Veterans Center hosts a Veterans Day Celebration. This year’s event was held in the Francis Hall Atrium near the Chair of Honor exhibit which acknowledges Veterans who are Prisoners of War or Missing in Action. The celebration consists of an opening ceremony, a presentation of the colors by the Muhlenberg High School Airforce JROTC, a performance of the National Anthem, a prayer from Alvernia’s Office of Mission and Ministry, and veteran alumni guest speakers.
This academic year, Alvernia University was also recognized by the COD for its business programs, nursing programs, and career development efforts and was named a 2022-23 national, Catholic and Pennsylvania College of Distinction.
