President F. King Alexander is hosting the third annual Graduating Veterans Barbecue for veteran students graduating this spring.
The event will take place in Alexander’s home, continuing the tradition that was started in 2010 by the President’s Office.
It is a means of recognizing currently graduating veteran students from all three levels of education.
Although most graduates are primarily baccalaureate receivers, veteran students receiving their master’s and doctorates are also invited to the event.
“These are some of our most deserving graduates,” Alexander said. “We hold this event to express our gratitude to them for their many sacrifices.”
More than 326 veteran-students attend Cal State Long Beach.
The Office of Veterans Affairs Services worked alongside the President’s Office for the event by providing the information on graduating veterans. An application is then sent out to the soon-to-be graduates, and it serves as a form of RSVP.
The buffet-style barbecue dinner runs for about two hours, giving veterans the opportunity to socialize and network with one another.
For example, as part of the event, veterans are given the opportunity to introduce themselves, say what kind of service they took part in and what their major is.
“This is something that made me happy to be both a staff member and a graduating doctorate student,” said Marshall Thomas, director of Veterans Affairs Services. “I am very proud that our campus thinks so highly of our veterans and I really appreciate that the president has taken a personal and professional interest in seeing veterans succeed.”
According to Alexander, veteran graduates should be commended for serving our country and reaching their academic goals.
“We want to express our appreciation to them, for not only their armed forces sacrifices, but for sticking everything out and reaching their graduation goals,” Alexander said.
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