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UT & Major General Recognize Students on Veterans Day

Among many traditions held on campus this Veterans Day, November 11, the Veterans Appreciation Dinner welcomed approximately 180 guests and keynote speaker Major General (RET) Gary Beard to recognize veterans serving their country. UT’s Veterans Success Center hosted this ceremony to commemorate the 97 veterans in attendance by presenting each of them with a commemorative coin to show appreciation for all they have accomplished.   

In attendance was Chancellor Donde Plowman and Vice Provost for Student Success Amber Williams. The latter spoke highly of our student veterans and shed light on what it means to give your all as a Volunteer. “Our veterans’ dedication and sacrifice are an embodiment of what it means to be a Volunteer,” Williams said. “It was an honor to participate in this moment of reflection and recognition and join the UT community in showing our appreciation and thanks to our veterans.”   

Keynote Speaker Major General Beard spoke about his passion for service and inspired student veterans by stating, “You always hear ‘I will give my all for Tennessee,’” Major General Beard said. “Veterans, you gave your all. Now the University of Tennessee can give their all to you.” Once a Volunteer himself, Major General Beard captured the true spirit of what it means to give your all in every aspect of life.   

This dinner welcomed veterans to recognize who they are and what they have done. Of the veterans in attendance, 60 were UT student veterans. Each speaker shared experience, knowledge, and appreciation, followed by Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs presenting the longstanding cake-cutting tradition. This represents the Army’s tradition that links its past to the future.   

Without hesitation, Jesse McDonald, a graduate student in business administration, felt this dinner was one of great value to reflect on with her fellow student veterans and friends. She shared that “this was a great opportunity to get together with students and staff that we may not get to intersect with since we are in so many different areas at the university. Doing an event where we have a common bond outside of our identity with the University of Tennessee, but our bond through military service is special.”   

The Veterans Appreciation Dinner was a true reflection of the University of Tennessee’s commitment for student veterans, dependents, alumni, and friends who support the Volunteer spirit.  

Contact:

Abbie Mangum (mln847@vols.utk.edu)