By Daniel Perez
UTEP News Service
The service and sacrifice of our nation’s active-duty military, veterans and their dependents will be celebrated through presentations, activities, services and special offers during The University of Texas at El Paso’s second annual Military Appreciation Week starting Monday, April 28.
Organizers hope the approximately 1,600 military-affiliated students enrolled at UTEP come and participate in the activities meant to educate them and others about the campus resources available to those with military affiliations.
Among the sites for activities are the Military Student Success Center (MSSC) and the Technology Support Center in the University Library, the Center for Accommodations and Support Services, and the Career Center in the Union complex. Campus eateries will have daily specials for military-affiliated students.
One of the week’s biggest events is the Block Party at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 30, in the Union Plaza. It will include singing the national anthem, the presentation of the colors, a cake cutting with a military saber, and comments from Michael Smith, Ph.D., vice provost and dean of UTEP’s Extended University. The midweek event also will include an opportunity for UTEP students to sign thank you postcards that will be sent to active-duty Fort Bliss soldiers stationed overseas.
“My message will recognize and honor the service and sacrifice of the military and the military-affiliated students for their unique contributions to campus life in the classroom and beyond,” said Smith, who added that the week’s events are meant to lead into Memorial Day, May 26, when the nation honors those who paid the ultimate price for freedom. “That’s why it is fitting that we dedicate this week to honor those who have served.”
The celebration is much bigger than last year’s inaugural event because the word spread and more campus entities wanted to be involved, said Becky Carlos, assistant director of the MSSC and one of the week’s lead organizers. The events coincide with National Military Appreciation Month in May.
Military-affiliated students who visit the MSSC will receive a special Military Appreciation Week coin. Veterans, active duty and ROTC students who are eligible to graduate this spring will receive red, white and blue cords to wear with their cap and gown. Spring and summer military-affiliated graduation candidates also may attend a reception at Fort Bliss’ Centennial Club on May 3 in recognition of the University’s Centennial celebration in 2014.
One of the activities that mix fun with education is the Campus RECON, where students will be given a list of about a dozen University centers to contact during the week. Those centers offer services that can help military-affiliated students succeed at UTEP. Students who complete the scavenger hunt and submit their participation card to the MSSC by 4 p.m. Friday, May 2, will be eligible for a drawing with prizes that include gift certificates to Starbucks, off-campus restaurants and exercise studios.
UTEP ROTC Cadet Xavier Jones is looking forward to participating in the week’s festivities. The junior multidisciplinary studies major will be among the speakers during the April 30 block party. He will tell his story of transitioning from soldier to student and his goal of becoming an Army officer.
Jones, a “military brat” who grew up on several military posts on the East Coast and in Germany, is part of the Army’s “Green to Gold” program where enlisted soldiers have two years to complete their bachelor’s degree to become eligible for a commission. He was part of an elite air defense unit while on active duty, but he wants to join the medical service as an officer.
“I think this Military Appreciation Week is great for outreach,” Jones said.
The celebration is an effort to involve more of the campus’ military-affiliated students, said Nadia Y. Munoz, an Army veteran who manages the MSSC’s Fort Bliss office and is an educational administration graduate student. While in the Army, she helped manage flight support with a combat aviation brigade. She separated from the Army in June 2013 to pursue her graduate degree.
“It’s so important for all students to realize that UTEP recognizes these nontraditional students,” she said.
For a calendar of events, visit academics.utep.edu/mssc.