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Ģ����Ƶ University is honoring Veterans Week with a series of events that celebrate service, community and the strength of those who have served. From Nov. 10–13, the University will host activities ranging from birthday celebrations for the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy to comedy performances and awareness campaigns highlighting veterans’ mental health.

“We are extremely excited to offer several opportunities to celebrate Veterans and raise awareness about our community,” Terry St. Peter, director of Veterans and Military Student Services, said. “We hope you will join us throughout the week to connect with Veterans and express thanks for their service.”

This year’s observance continues Ģ����Ƶ University’s long-standing tradition of supporting veterans and military-connected students. The University has been recognized as a Military Friendly® School for 14 consecutive years, and has received the  designation,  highlighting its ongoing commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive and accessible environment for those who have served.

The events include:

Monday, Nov. 10 — Celebrating 250 Years of the Navy and Marine Corps
The week kicks off with a celebration marking the 250th birthdays of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the third-floor atrium of Baker University Center. The event will include a traditional sword cake-cutting ceremony, featuring the youngest and oldest representatives from each branch.

Tuesday, Nov. 11 — Veterans Day Parade
On Veterans Day, President Lori Stewart Gonzalez will host a special breakfast at 35 Park Place from 8–10 a.m. for all military-connected students, faculty, and staff.

Following breakfast, the annual Veterans Day Parade will begin at 10:15 a.m. along Court Street and conclude on College Green. The celebration will continue with a presentation of colors, a mayoral proclamation and remarks from a guest speaker at the West Portico on College Green.

Wednesday, Nov. 12 — Best Medicine Brigade Comedy Show
At 7 p.m., the Baker University Center Theater will host “Best Medicine Brigade,” a free comedy show featuring Certified Humor Professional and 26-year Army Veteran Robin Johnson, alongside fellow veterans Jeff Norris and Chris Karwoski. The performance blends humor and healing to spotlight mental health challenges faced by the veteran community.

“This comedy show is a unique way to enjoy a free evening and share some humor through the eyes of veterans,” St. Peter said.

The event is open to all students, faculty, staff, and community members. More information is available at .

Thursday, Nov. 13 — Veteran Suicide Awareness Campaign
The celebration concludes with two events focused on mental health and suicide prevention.

From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Baker University Center third-floor atrium will host the #STOP17 Veterans Suicide Awareness Campaign, where participants can perform 17 reps of any exercise to honor the estimated 17 veterans lost to suicide each day. Those who participate will receive a free T-shirt while supplies last.

At 5 p.m., Major General Gregg F. Martin, U.S. Army (Retired) will present “Bipolar General: My Forever War with Mental Illness” in Baker 240/242. Martin will share his journey with bipolar disorder and discuss the importance of mental health awareness within the veteran community.

“We are thankful for the University leadership for their support to our military connected students,” St. Peter added. “We are honored to celebrate service and talk about challenges some in our community experience.”

Ģ����Ƶ University’s Veterans Week offers the campus and Athens community a meaningful way to celebrate service members, reflect on their contributions and strengthen connections among all who support them.