Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University (EMU) is set to honor campus veterans with a special Veterans Day celebration. The event will take place on Monday, November 11, at the Lt. Colonel Charles S. Kettles Military and Veteran Services Center located in Pierce Hall, Ypsilanti. Scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event includes a reception that aims to honor veterans on campus while offering food and refreshments.

EMU's commitment to veteran students and faculty extends beyond this annual celebration. The Kettles Military and Veteran Services Center assists over 400 student veterans, spouses, and dependents each year by providing essential resources like resume writing assistance, academic advising, and employment preparation.

Jake Pfiester, an assistant professor of Military Science at EMU, highlighted the importance of the occasion: “The significance of Veterans Day resonates deeply within the EMU community. It’s a time to express gratitude and recognize the sacrifices made by veterans and service members.” He added that EMU provides a supportive environment for veterans and ROTC cadets.

Veteran students often face unique challenges as they transition from military life to academia. These challenges can include adjusting to academic settings, balancing family responsibilities, and managing service-related disabilities which affect about 20-30% of campus veterans. The Kettles Military and Veteran Services Center offers tailored support for these transitions.

In recent years, EMU has seen a 40% increase in veteran enrollment in its College of Engineering and Technology. This trend reflects a growing interest among veterans in technology fields. One veteran student remarked on this shift: “The importance of technology in military operations inspired me to enter this field and continue building my technical skills at EMU.”

Founded in 1849, Eastern Michigan University is Michigan's second oldest public university serving nearly 13,000 students across various disciplines including arts, sciences, business, education, engineering and technology.