Campus News

Honoring sacrifice and courage this Veterans Day

American flags.
Mark Cornelison | UK Photo.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 9, 2022) — Nov. 11, 1918, marked the end of World War I and was forever set aside to honor those who answered the call of military service. 

Veterans Day has a special spot in the lives of those who have served in the U.S. military. At the University of Kentucky, we aim to recognize and support veterans in all that they do. 

“Veterans Day is an important holiday to observe because it gives us the reminder and the opportunity to thank all veterans,” Beth Austin, director of the Veterans Resource Center (VRC), said. “Those who have served in the military are true heroes. Although I have heard veterans say they were just doing their job, their service is so much more than a job. Veterans’ sacrifices and courage deserve respect and honor.”

On Veterans Day we honor students like Tony Bauman. Bauman served for the U.S. Army during the Gulf War era. He enlisted in April of 1995 and served in an active-duty capacity from October 1995 through October 2000.

A few years ago, Bauman decided he wanted to further his education with UK. 

Returning in his late 40s, Bauman admits he was anxious. He worried about being able to perform at the level expected being so far removed from college and returning at an older age. 

Bauman is not alone in having these worries. Many veterans transitioning back into higher education have similar fears. With that in mind, the VRC was created. 

The VRC, housed in the Office for Student Success — located in the Republic Bank VRC facility — works to ensure that student veterans have a smooth transition to college by providing support, community and resources.

“When I enrolled at UK, I proactively searched for a veteran liaison on campus, and I found the UK VRC,” Bauman said. “From the moment I walked into the office, I was greeted with warmth and gratitude. The staff is outstanding, and I value the friendships I have made. “

While Veterans Day provides the university with an opportunity to celebrate veterans on a larger scale, UK’s commitment to its student veterans — and those faculty, staff and alumni who have served our country — is consistent throughout the year.

UK — the Commonwealth’s land-grant institution established, in part, to provide military training — has long honored those who have served our country. Today, the university continues its long-standing tradition of honoring those men and women who have served or are serving in our military.

The annual UK Veterans Day Observance will be held 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11. Organized by the VRC, the ceremony will be held at The Cornerstone Esports Theater. All UK faculty, staff and students are invited to attend as the university pays tribute to the sacrifices made and courage displayed by the veterans within our UK community. Lapel pins representing the military branches will be distributed, and a reception will follow the ceremony. Doors open at 1:30 p.m.

At the University of Kentucky, students are at the center of all that we do. From the moment you become a Wildcat through graduation and beyond, the Office for Student Success is committed to supporting you. Comprised of five areas and 25 units, together, they have one vision — to help students live a life of meaning. Student Success works through an equitable, holistic and inclusive lens to design and deliver unparalleled services and support a diverse community of learners in achieving their wildest ambitions. In the Office for Student Success this is what we do — this is who we are. You can explore resources available to you here. If you have additional questions, you can reach a Student Success team member by calling the helpline 859-218-YouK (9685).