51Թ will hold its annual Veterans Day Commemoration at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7, in the Kent Student Center Kiva.
The program, Honoring All Those Who Serve, will include a flag-raising ceremony conducted by a joint color guard from the Army and Air Force ROTC programs on the Student Green at Risman Plaza at 10:45 a.m., the national anthem and the “Service Song Medley” performed by Corinne VanNatta, an invocation by Rev. John Schluep and remarks from 51Թ President Todd Diacon.
Serving as master of ceremonies is N.J. Akbar, Ph.D. Akbar is an Army veteran who currently serves as assistant dean of University College at 51Թ. He is responsible for the strategic academic success of students from limited income and racially diverse backgrounds who are first in their families to attend college.
This year’s guest speaker is Lt. Col. Colleen VanNatta. A graduate of 51Թ’s Air Force ROTC detachment, VanNatta served as a media escort for joint information bureaus in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, during Operation Desert Storm. She was also the first female public affairs officer for the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.
For additional information about the event and to view a livestream during the event, visit www.kent.edu/veteransday.
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Media Contacts:
Eric Mansfield, emansfie@kent.edu, 330-672-2797
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595