Clark State College will host a ceremony to Present the Colors, to honor flags and give thanks to those who have served in the military, at the Veteran’s Memorial on the Clark State Springfield Campus (shown).
Clark State College is proud to announce a series of events across all campuses from Nov.4-8 to honor Veterans. All community members are invited to each event to join in celebrating the service and sacrifices of those who have served.
The week of tributes kicks-off on Nov. 4, as hundreds of American flags will be placed on the grounds of all Clark State campuses at Beavercreek, Bellefontaine, and Xenia, symbolizing the gratitude of the college toward Veterans and their families.
At 9 a.m. on Nov. 5, the Springfield High School Junior ROTC will Present the Colors, a military ceremony that honors the American, Ohio, and military flags and give thanks to those who have served in the military. The ceremony will occur at the Veteran’s Memorial behind the Sara T. Landess Technology and Learning Center on the Clark State Springfield Campus, 570 E. Leffel Lane.
A Veterans Resource Fair will be held on Nov. 6 at the Springfield campus and then again at the Beavercreek campus on Nov. 7. Both fairs will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will provide attendees access to valuable resources from local organizations such as VA medical facilities, VFWs and more. Information about Clark State’s multiple resources for veteran students and employees will also be available.
Veterans and basketball fans alike are then invited to cheer on the Clark State Eagles as they take on the Cedarville Yellow Jackets on Nov. 7 during Veterans Appreciation Games. Veterans receive free admission to both games, with the women’s game beginning at 5:30 p.m. and the men’s game at 7:30 p.m.
Throughout the week, Veterans may also stop by the Veterans Lounge in Rhodes Hall at the Clark State Springfield campus to receive a free meal voucher from Fresh Abilities, the on- campus restaurant. In addition, the Springfield main campus will also have a Veterans book display, an exhibit of military uniforms, a World War II art display George Withers, a magazine, book and newspaper illustrator; and a Veterans Recognition Wall honoring Clark State faculty, staff and students.
“Clark State College is dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans and military-affiliated students, employees and community members,” said Diana Seaman, registrar. “Our commitment goes beyond words; we strive to provide meaningful support, resources and opportunities to ensure veterans and their families have access to the education and benefits they deserve.”
In September, Clark State signed a Statement of Support with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, reinforcing its commitment to the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. The partnership emphasizes Clark State’s dedication to advocating for military employees, recognizing their leadership and skills and supporting workforce rights.
Clark State has also been named the nation’s number one Military-Friendly and Military Spouse-Friendly School among community colleges by VIQTORY, received the Purple Star Designation from the Ohio Department of Education and was Ohio’s first institution designated as a Purple Heart Campus. The college also partners with the Community College of the Air Force to offer online courses that meet the associate degree requirements in applied science, as well as offer My Career Advancement Account scholarship program to eligible military spouses.
“Clark State College is proud of our unwavering dedication to the military community,” said Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D., president of Clark State. “We are deeply committed to providing support for our veteran and military employees and students, as well as their spouses. We are grateful for the sacrifices they have made for our country, and it is our privilege to serve those who have served us.”
Currently, 314 military affiliated students are enrolled at Clark State, with 36 military affiliated employees working at the college.
For more information about Clark State’s military initiatives, visit www.clarkstate.edu.