On Monday, May 16, 2016 the Skyline College Veterans Club in partnership with the Veterans Resource Center held its annual End of the Year Celebration. During the event, veterans were recognized for their academic achievements of receiving degrees or certificates and/or transferring to four-year universities.
The event began with a wonderful introduction from the Veterans Club President, Jose Luis Sanchez, followed by inspirational words from Dr. Luis Escobar, Dean of Counseling and Advising. Club advisor, Jarrod Feiner, and Veterans Resource Center Coordinator, Gina Ciardella, addressed the audience and provided additional words of motivation. The event included a ceremony with presentation of stoles to those who will be participating in the graduation ceremony. An extra special addition to this year’s ceremony was the presentation of a Skyline College Veterans Challenge Coin to all veterans being acknowledged for their accomplishments. Challenge coins are typically presented in the military to those who have met a specific achievement. They can also signify membership in a particular unit. The Skyline College Veterans Challenge Coin is both an achievement award and a token to signify that awardees are and will always be a part of the Skyline College family. The procurement of the Skyline College Veterans Challenge Coin was made possible due to the support of the Student Equity Plan, along with President Stanback Stroud, Vice President of Student Services, Dr. Angélica Garcia, and Dean of Enrollment Services, Will Minnich.
The event concluded with a round of applause and dinner provided by the financial support of the Associated Students of Skyline College. This event is a great example of many campus partners coming together in support of our student veterans as they persist and complete their educational goals.
Article by Gina Ciardella | Photo by Sandra Ruiz
