UCCS Veterans and Military Affairs is hosting their third annual Veteran’s Week food drive in order to provide UCCS students with goods in time for Thanksgiving.
Food can be dropped off at the donation box in the UCCS McCord-Herbst Student Veteran Center in Gateway Hall or at any of the Veterans Week events. Everyone who donates will be given a raffle ticket for one of the three prizes available. Veterans Week is celebrated on campus from Nov. 11 to 15.
In previous years, donations went to Clyde’s Cupboard, but the VMA has recently opened a pantry for military-affiliated students on campus. “Our Student Success Coordinator has opened up our own veteran’s cupboard in our office so all the items that are donated stay in our office now. We donate to [military-affiliated students] as needed,” Student Engagement and Programs Coordinator Jessica Newman said.
The biggest event of the week, the Veterans Day Luncheon, was hosted on Nov. 12 at 11:30 a.m. in Berger Hall. Part of the luncheon’s purpose was to induct students into SALUTE, the Veterans National Honor Society, and a student receives the Clancy Herbst Student Veteran Service Award.
“There are 24 students being inducted this semester, which is kind of a big deal because last year we only had nine. Jeff Dickman, our assistant director, and I are members and we’re the ones doing the induction ceremony so it’s super cool to be a member and induct 24 new students,” Newman said.
The Veterans Day Luncheon will also have a free lunch and a wellness expo that allows student veterans to connect with community organizations including the Veterans Beer Club and Fly Fishing.
On Nov. 13, the Diversity Career Networking Event will take place at 11:30 a.m. in Berger Hall. This event allocates the first hour to resume review and then gives students an opportunity to network from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. This event will feature networking opportunities with industry leaders in nearly every field.
On Nov. 14, the Vets and Cops Mile Walk will take place on the West Lawn from 9 to 11 a.m. UCCS Police and the VMA will both have a presence at this event that encourages students, staff and faculty to walk in tactical gear or with a rucksack.
Photo courtesy of UCCS Photography Database.