Veterans Day 2018

Since 2007, the Concordia University Ann Arbor community has paid close attention to Veterans Day and the surrounding days, honoring those who have selflessly served our country.


2018 is no different, and plans are in place to pay tribute to Veterans throughout the first weeks of November. The series of activities begins with a Salute to Service at the Cardinals home football game on Saturday, November 3 and closes with a Veterans Day Daily Chapel service on Monday, November 12 followed by a luncheon for Veterans.

“As a Veteran, I believe that it is very important that our students, faculty, staff, and community realize those that have served us and our country throughout the ages,” said Associate Professor and Director of CUAA Veterans Resource Center Dr. Steve VanOostenbrugge. “The freedoms we have today would not be possible without the sacrifices of time, duty, and in some instances, people’s lives.”

VanOostenbrugge shares that CUAA’s Veterans activities are coordinated for the purpose of that all who observe them are reminded of the freedoms have, and who has helped them hold fast to those freedoms.

Below is a complete listing of CUAA Veterans Day Activities.

Saturday, Nov. 3 | Salute to Service

Cardinal Stadium, 1 p.m.

Veterans and one dependent will receive free admission to the Concordia University Ann Arbor football game as they take on Indiana Wesleyan University for CUAA Senior Day.

Monday, Nov. 5 | Stiggy’s Dogs Classroom Presentations

North Building, 9 a.m. & 12 p.m.

Stiggy’s Dogs is a 501(c)(3) organization that rescues and trains shelter dogs to be service dogs for military veterans living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (“PTSD”) or Traumatic Brain Injury (“TBI”). The service dogs are trained and deployed at no cost to the veteran. Each dog is individually trained to meet the veteran’s needs for a dog pairing a lifetime of support after deployment. Contact Leah Tweedale if you are interested in attending a presentation.

Monday, Nov. 5 | Stories of Service

Hill Auditorium, 825 N University Ave, Ann Arbor, 7 p.m.

Hosted by the Fisher House of Michigan, The Concordia Choir will share a performance at the Stories of Service: An Evening with Veterans. Michigan Veterans will share riveting stories from their military selfless military service, often in the face of great sacrifice and suffering. This event seeks to honor that service. Admission is free, doors open at 6:30 p.m. (Please note that this event does NOT take place on CUAA’s campus.)

Tuesday, Nov. 6-9 | The Veteran’s Project Gallery Show

Kreft Gallery, Click here for gallery hours

This collection of photos by New York-based photographer Sasha Mazlov includes a series of portraits and accompanying stories of people who took part in Second World War – the one event in human history that cannot be compared with anything else on the scale of catastrophe, human tragedy, and the degree of impact on the future of our civilization. For this project, the photographer travelled to multiple countries that were affected by the war the most, interviewed and took portraits of those who participated in it, with a goal to assemble a mosaic of people who at one moment were all engaged in this incredible tragedy, and in the other were living their separate lives in different corners of our planet. The gallery is free and open to the public. Click here for Kreft Gallery hours.

Wednesday, Nov. 7 | PTSD Impact Presentation

Krieger 107, 1 p.m.

CUAA Professor Frank Rubino will present PTSD and the impact on veterans and their children to School of Education’s Art of Teaching class. As many teacher spend as much (if not more) time with their students than their own families, how should teacher interact with their students and parents in times of trauma or loss? Contact Kyle Chuhran if you are interested in attending this lecture.

Friday, Nov. 9 | The Victory Vertical Project

Chapel of the Holy Trinity, 2 p.m.

A historical tribute geared for musicians, veterans, historians, and a wide general audience, Garik Pedersen uses descriptive vignettes accompanied by piano music in many styles-classical, popular, boogie-woogie, jazz, and movie soundtracks-to bring to life a remarkable account of courage, solidarity, and the power of music during the war years. This event, presented by the Kreft Arts Program, is free and open to the public. Contact Mark Looker with questions.

Friday, Nov. 9 | The Veteran’s Project Gallery Talk

Kreft Gallery, 7-9 p.m.

The Kreft Arts Program presents a gallery talk and artist reception for The Veteran’s Project on display, Nov. 6-9. This event is free and open to the public.

Sunday, Nov. 11 | The Bells of Peace for Armistice Centennial

Central Campus, 11 a.m.

With 21 tolls of the Chapel of the Holy Trinity bell, this nationwide bell-tolling honors the 116,516 American men and women who died in World War I. Click here for more info on The Bells of Peace.

Sunday, Nov. 11 | Seipp/Sheets Trumpet & Organ Duo Concert

Chapel of the Holy Trinity, 7:30 p.m.

Presented by the Kreft Arts Program, The Instrument of Kings meets the King of Instruments with trumpeter Chuck Seipp and organist Randall Sheets. Each musician is an accomplished soloist and seasoned performer; combined, their artistry fully resonates with the majesty and opulence of this genre. Trumpet and organ have a natural affinity for one another, which is evident in the exquisite interpretations of Dr. Seipp and Dr. Sheets. Randall Sheets is the official organist for Arlington National Cemetery and active concert organist and pianist. He performs frequently as a soloist and collaborator. Together with Shenandoah Conservatory Professor and Sergeant Major (Retired) Chuck Seipp from The United States Army Band, “Pershing’s Own”, their diverse programs offer a variety of classical, virtuoso, and lyrical, works proven to entertain and engage audiences, as well as a memorable tribute to Veterans and the Military. This is event is free and open to the public. Contact Mark Looker with questions.

Monday, Nov. 12 | Military-Themed Daily Chapel

Chapel of the Holy Trinity, 10:30 a.m.

Monday, Nov. 12 | Black Box Luncheon for Veterans

Black Box Theatre, 12 p.m.

Following the Daily Chapel service, Veterans are welcome to join together in CUAA’s Black Box Theater for a luncheon. No registration necessary. Please contact Steve VanOostenbrugge with questions.

Monday, Nov. 12 | Take 20: A Veteran’s Impact

Career Engagement Studio, 1:35-1:55 p.m.

The Career Engagement Studio will offer a Take 20 titled A Veteran’s Impact. Professor Steve VanOostenbrugge will be sharing a meaningful message about his experience in the Marine Corps. Take 20’s are 20 minutes of insights that students can simply drop in on instead of scheduling an appointment to attend.

Monday, Nov. 12 | Video Conference with Captain Cotton

Career Engagement Studio, 2-3 p.m.

Hosted by Professor Jorge Gonzelez’s BUS429 class, CUAA will connect with the first Female Infantry Commander in the Career Engagement Studio. Click here to learn more about Captain Cotton.

— Rachel Thoms served on Concordia University's Strategic Communications team from 2015-2022. Any inquiries about this story can be sent to news@cuaa.edu.

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