YPSILANTI — Eastern Michigan University invites students, faculty, and community members to a special Veterans Day celebration on Monday, Nov. 11, at the Lt. Colonel Charles S. Kettles Military and Veteran Services Center in Pierce Hall in Ypsilanti. The event, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., will include a reception honoring campus veterans. Attendees can show their support and enjoy food and refreshments, fostering a spirit of gratitude and recognition for those who have served.
EMU is committed to supporting veteran students and faculty beyond Veterans Day. The Kettles Military and Veteran Services Center serves over 400 student veterans, spouses, and dependents annually, providing access to essential resources, such as resume writing assistance, academic advising, and employment preparation. This facility exemplifies EMU’s dedication to helping veterans thrive academically and professionally.
“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,” said Jake Pfiester, assistant professor of Military Science. “Veterans Day is a time to honor all service members who have and continue to serve our country. EMU honors their commitment by providing veterans and ROTC cadets a supportive, military-friendly environment.”
Veteran students often face unique challenges as they transition from military life to the university environment. These can include adjusting to an academic setting, balancing family responsibilities, and managing service-related disabilities, which affect approximately 20-30% of campus veterans. EMU’s Kettles Military and Veteran Services Center offers tailored support to ease these transitions and ensure a smooth integration into civilian and student life. Additionally, EMU collaborates with the Department of Veterans Affairs and local veterans’ organizations to address veterans’ specific needs.
EMU has witnessed a 40% increase in veteran enrollment in the College of Engineering and Technology over the past three years, reflecting the growing interest in technology fields among veterans. One veteran student shared, “The importance of technology in military operations inspired me to enter this field and continue building my technical skills at EMU.”
About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, EMU is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University’s Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University’s website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.
