UNG to honor veterans with events Nov. 9-13

Veterans make up a significant population within the students, faculty and staff at the University of North Georgia (UNG). Annually the university sets aside a week to highlight these individuals and their service. This year's events will be Nov. 9-13.

"We understand and appreciate the sacrifices, service and contributions our veterans have made to our country and our university," Dr. Andrew Johnson, executive director of Student Impact Initiatives, said. "While we are celebrating Veterans Appreciation Week, we want to make sure everyone knows we celebrate and support our student veterans all year long. Our goal is to ensure they have the resources, support and opportunities needed to achieve their full potential in the classroom and beyond."

New this year is the opportunity for student veterans to receive up to four free tickets for the following Nighthawk basketball games:

• Nov. 9: Women's basketball vs. Albany State at 5:30 p.m., Convocation Center, Dahlonega Campus
• Nov. 13: Men's basketball vs. Emmanuel at 7:30 p.m., Convocation Center, Dahlonega Campus
• Nov. 14: Men's basketball vs. Auburn Montgomery at 4 p.m., Convocation Center, Dahlonega Campus

A new event will be a golf simulator in Hoag Auditorium at the Dahlonega Campus from 2-4 p.m. Nov. 9.

There will be an invitation-only dinner with Zack Knight, CEO of ATL Vets, as keynote speaker from 6-8 p.m. Nov. 10 in the Cottrell Ballroom at the Dahlonega Campus.

Multiple events will be held across all five UNG campuses to recognize veterans. Faculty and staff who are veterans are also welcome to join with the fun and fellowship. Anyone interested in attending or participating in an event is asked to complete the form here.

The week kicks off with a multicampus door-decorating contest that runs all week, and winners will be announced Nov. 13.

"We Love Our Vets" tabling events will be held throughout the week:

• Blue Ridge: daily, all day, in the lobby
• Cumming: Nov. 11, 10 a.m. to noon, Café Area
• Dahlonega: Nov. 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hoag Patio
• Gainesville: Nov. 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., outside Suite 145
• Oconee: Nov. 9, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Student Center Atrium

Two campuses will host "Salute to Chef" tabling events during which Aramark Chefs, who are also veterans, prepare specialty dishes:

• Dahlonega: Nov. 11, 4:30-9 p.m., Chow Hall
• Gainesville: Nov. 12, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Student Center Cafeteria

All veterans are also invited to attend the following events for food and fellowship:

• Cumming: luncheon, Nov. 13, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Room 1125
• Dahlonega: luncheon, Nov. 11, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Veterans Resource Lounge
• Gainesville: luncheon, Nov. 12, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Veterans Resource Lounge
• Oconee: breakfast, Nov. 9 , 9-11 a.m., Student Center Lounge

Laura Russell, coordinator for military-connected and adult learner programs, is asking that anyone interested in attending or participating in an event registers here.

"Veterans Appreciation Week just gives us the opportunity to celebrate the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country by serving," Russell said. "For me, the goal is to take that appreciation and translate it into support and resources and relationships with the veterans every day, not just for Veterans Appreciation Week. It's our way to show appreciation for what they've sacrificed for us to keep our nation safe."

Russell said she wants to make sure student veterans know where all the resources are on campuses, including academic, financial and mental health.

"I try to celebrate them every day by making sure they know that I'm here to support them and help them get through until they graduate," Russell said.

There are currently 596 veterans at UNG, Russell said, adding that Veterans Appreciation Week has been celebrated annually since 2021.