MURFREESBORO — Cleveland
and Bradley County, Tennessee, native Brock Howard served in the U.S. Navy.
As an aviation electronic technician, he assisted a
helicopter squadron, working with equipment that would blow up enemy mines in
the Middle East.
Saturday, Aug. 8, Howard will graduate with a bachelor’s
degree from the College of Mass Communication. Unlike technology that would
blow up enemy mines, his forte has been in video and film production in
electronic media communication.
MTSU celebrated its student-veterans approaching
commencement with the second Graduating Veterans Stole Ceremony Wednesday (Aug.
5) and Howard, 28, was among 11 student-veterans attending.
To view video from the ceremony, visit http://youtu.be/qU-6XX994EE.
Starting with the first Stole Ceremony in May, MTSU began to
honor its graduating veterans with a formal ceremony in front of family,
friends and university administrators in Cantrell Hall of the Tom H. Jackson
Building.
“It’s great,” Howard said of the honor bestowed upon the
veterans by MTSU. “It lets you know you’re appreciated. Every single veteran
and active-duty personnel sacrifices selflessly, but it’s nice to be recognized
and know your peers and (academic) scholars are there to support you.”
Howard and the others received red stoles to wear with their
cap and gown at commencement.
“When you walk across the stage with hundreds of other
graduates, it’s your chance to be recognized,” he said.
Detroit native Kendra Buster, who will graduate and then
pursue her master’s degree in professional studies, said “distinguishing the
veterans is an honor considering the ups and downs we have.”
Buster was active duty in the U.S. Army.
Accompanied by wife Amber and daughters Lizzy Jo, 2, and
Olivia, 2 months, Charles Buntin said it was “nice to have the university
recognize our service.”
“I definitely would recommend any veteran come here,” added
Buntin, who served as a military science professor while pursuing his sports
industry degree. “They (MTSU) understand how to help us back into the college
environment.”
Student-veteran Lori Terry, 57, of Smyrna, Tennessee, has
earned her Master of Business Administration from the Jones College of Business.
A former air crew life support member in the U.S. Air Force, Terry said she’s
“honored they do this for the veterans and grateful to all the other veterans
as well.”
MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee told the recipients they had
“honored us with your service to our nation. You have honored us by choosing
MTSU for your higher education. And, today, you honor us yet again by allowing
us to show our gratitude and thanks for the milestone you will reach at
Saturday’s commencement ceremonies.”
During the event, McPhee shared news and renderings
regarding the new Veteran and Military Family Center, a one-stop shop for
student-veterans that will open in November.
Provost Brad Bartel said the academic side of campus is
“looking at new degree programs tailored to your needs and gear you toward
success.” He added that by attending and now graduating from MTSU “you have
become part of the economic and social engine.”
Keith M. Huber, senior adviser for veterans and leadership
initiatives, called the student-veterans “precious heroes. Your service is a
constant — a reason to celebrate this moment.”
Tennessee Department of Veterans Services Commissioner
Many-Bears Grinder attended along with Edna M. MacDonald, director of the
Nashville Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Suzanne
Jene, deputy director of Tennessee Valley Health Services; and Beth Duffield,
vice president of workforce development with the Rutherford County Chamber of
Commerce.
No comments:
Post a Comment