GVSU celebrates veterans at annual breakfast

Grand Valley celebrated students, faculty and staff members who are active military members or veterans during the fifth annual Veterans Day breakfast November 11 at the Alumni House, hosted by President Thomas J. Haas. 

During the event, Haas, a retired captain in the U.S. Coast Guard, thanked all veterans at Grand Valley who served in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. The number of student veterans and dependents attending Grand Valley has grown from less than 200 in 2009 to nearly 700 in 2015. 

"We are so appreciative that you chose to attend Grand Valley to offer your talents to our community," Haas said. "We are dedicated to going above and beyond to help veterans and service members succeed both during their time at Grand Valley and after graduation." 

Also on November 11, the Student Veterans of America Grand Valley Chapter will host a free event, "The U.S. Veteran," from 2-4 p.m. in room 2263, Kirkhof Center. A panel of five student veterans will talk about their experiences before, during and after military service. The event is approved for LIB 100 and 201 classes.

Grand Valley has received national recognition for its commitment to veterans. Most recently, the university was named a 'Best for Vets' school by Military Times, and received gold status — the highest status — from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency for its dedication to student veterans and dependents of G.I. Bill and other education benefits.

For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/veterans.