Dear Carroll Community,
As Veterans Day approaches, we take this opportunity to pause in gratitude for all who have served, and all who continue to serve, our nation and our communities. At Carroll College, we are blessed to count among our students, alumni, faculty, and families many who have worn the uniform of our country or supported those who do. Their courage and dedication remind us of the values that ground our mission: service, leadership, and a deep commitment to the common good.
Carroll’s connection to military service stretches back more than eighty years to the 1940s, when the college participated in the U.S. Navy’s V-12 program during World War II. That legacy continues today through our Army ROTC program and the many veterans who choose Carroll for their education and community.
This fall, Carroll’s ROTC program stands among the top 20 percent of programs nationwide, with 30 cadets preparing to become the next generation of Army leaders. In the past year alone, seven cadets earned their commissions as Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Army, and four of this year’s graduates will be recognized as Distinguished Military Graduates, an extraordinary achievement that reflects not only their talent, but also their character and discipline.
Beyond the classroom and training field, Carroll remains committed to supporting our veterans and military-affiliated students through the Yellow Ribbon Program, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, provides tuition-free education to qualifying veterans and their family members. Through this and other initiatives, we strive to ensure that those who have served our country find at Carroll a place of belonging, purpose, and continued growth.
This week, we invite the entire Carroll and Helena communities to join us in two events honoring our military members and their families:
- Military Appreciation Football Game – Saturday, November 8, 12:00 p.m., Nelson Stadium. Veterans and active-duty service members receive free admission, and the Boy Scouts of America will present the flag during the national anthem.
- Veterans Day Celebration – Monday, November 11, 4:30–5:30 p.m., at the St. Charles flagpole, followed by a community social in St. Charles Hall.
We also encourage you to show your support by wearing a Fighting Saints Military Appreciation t-shirt, available in the Saints Shoppe bookstore and online.
As we come together to honor Veterans Day, we offer our sincere thanks to those who have served and to the families who support them. May our community always reflect the values of service, respect, and gratitude that our veterans exemplify.
With gratitude and respect,
Jennifer Glowienka, Ph.D.
Bishop Austin A. Vetter, D.D.
Interim Co-Presidents, Carroll College