The new Veterans Center opened with a ceremony that celebrated the accomplishments of students who have served, and detailed plans for ensuring their future success at the university.
President Frederick W. Clark Jr. called the opening of the new veterans center “a noble purpose.” He added there were a variety of reasons he made the new center a top priority of his presidency. These included a father, father-in-law and several uncles who’d served in the military, as well as a grandfather who was was badly injured in battle. Additionally, the president recalled his time working with U.S. Rep. Joseph J. Moakley, who enlisted at age 15 and served during World War II.
“I saw from them what it means to serve, what dedication means and what patriotism means,” the president said.
The other reason for the new veterans center, he said, was part of BSU’s mission to serve the region. President Clark noted that addition to the hundreds of veterans on campus; there are 385,000 veterans in Massachusetts, and 75,000 in this area alone.
For all those who have served, the president said, “The veterans center will be more than a place to gather, more than a place to find support, more than a place to study. It will be a place for veterans to succeed…”
Also on hand was Secretary Francisco Ureña, of the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services, who praised the university for taking additional steps to address the needs of those who have served.
“The veterans center will allow student veterans to find a sense of connection, to succeed, to ensure that we keep them on track, and to make sure they make the most of the G.I. benefits they deserve,” he said. The secretary closed his remarks with: “Today, Bridgewater State is saying it is a home for veterans.”
Scott Longo, ’89, a member of the BSU Board of Trustees, told a story about a classmate of his who knew from a young age he wanted to serve his country, and bravely did so. Sadly, his friend died before their 20th college reunion.
“I learned from Herb and his dedication to service,” Mr. Longo said. “He made an impact on me.”
The lesson was clear, Mr. Longo continued: “For the undergraduates here, you can make an impact on fellow students. That’s what Bridgewater is all about.”
A panel of students who are serving or who have recently served discussed their backgrounds, military experiences and future plans. They were Larry Rogers, Cory Ahonen, Winy Gomes, Angela Patterson and Bridgette Sharp. Mr. Rogers said he thought the veterans center was an important development that will serve many purposes.
“I think it will be an amazing place,” he said. “It’s a place where we can go to relax and go to get our work done. It’s a great place to have.”
The program then moved to the lower level of Tillinghast Hall, where the ribbon was cut, officially opening the new veterans center.
Featured speakers also included Dr. Sabrina Gentlewarrior, vice president of the division of student success & diversity, who served as emcee; Trustee Chairman Eugene J. Durgin Jr.; and Michael Siegel, ’98, BSU’s military & veteran student counselor and a veteran himself, who facilitated the student panel.
Sailors from the USS Constitution were in uniform and escorted the guests from council chambers, where the program was held, to the new veterans center for the ribbon cutting. (Story by John Winters, G ’11; photos by John Winters and David K. Wilson, ’71, University News & Media)
PHOTO CAPTIONS:
Ribbon-cutting - From left: City of Brockton Mayor Bill Carpenter; Trustee Chairman Eugene Durgin; President Fred Clark; Secretary Francisco Ureña, of the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services and Trustee F. Scott Longo.
The student veterans - From left: Angela Paterson of Nantucket (US Army National Guard); Larry Rogers of Oneida, Kentucky (US Army); Winy Gomes, of Brockton (US Army); Bridgette Sharp of Florence, Alabama (US Army) and Cory Ahonen of Sandwich (US Air Force)
