By Elisabeth Costanzo Stewart
SUNY Broome’s campus community and members of the community at large bundled up and gathered in front of the Veterans Monument to participate in the annual Veterans Day Observance Ceremony on November 10, 2023.
The ceremony commenced with a procession by the Broome County Veterans Memorial Association Color Guard. Following the Color Guard, Health Studies student Ezra Garcia performed a beautiful acapella rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Ezra Garcia performed a beautiful acapella rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Photo Credit: Matt Ebbers
Dr. Carol Ross-Scott, Vice President for Student Development & Chief Diversity Officer, presided as emcee for the event and shared her genuine appreciation for all the individuals who answered the call to serve and protect the United States of America.
“While I am personally not a veteran, my world was shaped by many individuals who served their country and by those who loved and supported them during their service,” Dr. Ross-Scott said. “I am truly proud of my grandfather, my parents, my cousins, and my Army doctor daughter for lending their skills, intellect, and talents to protecting our nation.”
Special speakers included:
- Dr. Tony D. Hawkins – President of SUNY Broome
- Assemblyman Joe Angelino – Representing District 121
- Jason Garnar – Broome County Executive
- Cathy Williams – Executive Director of Broome Community College Foundation
- In honor of his first SUNY Broome Veterans Day Observance Ceremony, President Hawkins took a moment to ensure that everyone in attendance was familiar with the College’s Veterans & Military Affairs Office and the services that the office provides.
“If you don’t already know him, I encourage everyone here to befriend David Sedelmeyer, Assistant Director of Student Financial Services and Veteran and Military Affairs,” President Hawkins said. “David’s door in the Veterans & Military Affairs Office in Student Services – 102 is always open to all student veterans, dependents, and survivors.
All student veterans, dependents, and survivors are invited to visit the Veterans & Military Affairs Office located in Student Services Building, Room 102. Veterans and their families are encouraged to stop by for assistance in navigating the VA benefits process, to learn about community resources, to receive referrals for counseling for financial, vocational, and academic issues, and to socialize with one another. This office acts as a direct liaison between SUNY Broome Community College and the Veterans Administration Regional Office in Buffalo regarding payment of benefits
President Hawkins visited with members of the Broome County Veterans Memorial Association Color Guard and expressed his appreciation for their service. Photo Credit: Matt Ebbers
The ceremony concluded with a reception in the Calice Connector, where attendees were treated to refreshments and green light bulbs in honor of the national initiative to “greenlight” our veterans as valued members of our community.
Learn more about SUNY Broome’s Veterans & Military Affairs Office!
View more photos from the 2023 Veterans Day Observance Ceremony!
