Belmont University's Veteran Success Team, a program of Interdisciplinary Studies and Global Education, proudly welcomed veterans and their families to the annual Veteran Welcome Dinner Friday, Aug. 25. The event, held in the Janet Ayers Academic Center, provided a warm and casual atmosphere for veterans to connect, celebrate and enjoy a delightful BBQ feast.
The aim of the dinner is to commemorate and foster connections within our dynamic military community, both among themselves and with the broader Belmont community, while also facilitating their access to diverse campus resources.
Sophomore Arrianna Dean, a politics and public law major, attended the dinner “just to be a part of the community, see what it's like,” she said, adding, “I was here for spring semester, but I had a lot going on, so I couldn't really come and visit and do all the things I had going on for veterans. I just made it my mission this semester to get more involved.”
She currently serves in the Army, and noted the challenges of transitioning from deployment in Africa, to college life. “The people my age are already about to graduate, so when I came here I was kind of behind everything, but everybody's very warm and welcoming. I love Belmont.”
Belmont has a longstanding commitment to supporting veteran and military-affiliated students, and the Veteran Success Team plays a pivotal role in fostering a sense of community among these deserving individuals. The annual Veteran Welcome Dinner serves as a testament to this commitment and offers a platform for veterans and their families to connect with one another while enjoying a meal.
Dean McIntyre speaks to Ed Magee, Vice President for Strategic Operations
Attendees of the 2023 Veterans Dinner at Belmont
Alberto R. Gonzales, College of Law Dean, speaks to attendees of the Veterans Dinner
Symbolic table setting for the "missing man"
Bob Regan, Founder of Operation Song
Pre-Dinner music performed by student veteran Lt. Christopher Nurthern
"We are immensely proud to host the annual Veteran Welcome Dinner at Belmont," said Dr. Jim McIntyre, Dean of the College of Education and Assistant Provost for Academic Excellence. "It's a joyous occasion for us to express our gratitude to our veterans and their families and welcome them to a new academic year. The casual and family-friendly environment fosters connections, camaraderie and a deep sense of belonging."
The evening's speaker was Chris Fears, Deputy Director at State of Tennessee, Office of Customer Focused Government, who highlighted the unique ability of military veterans to come together, despite their diverse backgrounds, to achieve common objectives. He said the country still needs its veterans and encouraged them to see their service as an ongoing commitment beyond their military careers.
He emphasized the importance of veterans in various fields, such as corporate America, government, healthcare and higher education, underscoring that their duty to their country persists in these roles. Fears encouraged student veterans to maintain a duty-driven mentality during their college experience, despite the challenges they may face, as it is a pivotal stage in their lives. He emphasized that the nation needs their leadership and purpose-driven mentality as they transition into civilian roles. "Your service to your country is not over because your service to your country in the military is over,” he said. “We need you."
The event was also an opportunity for Belmont to highlight the various services available to veterans on campus. The Veteran Success Team provides a wide range of resources, including academic assistance, counseling and career guidance, to help veterans succeed in their educational pursuits and beyond.
The event concluded with a performance and remarks by Bob Regan, Founder of Operation Song, an organization dedicated to empowering veterans and their families to express their stories through songwriting.
Veterans choose Belmont for its outstanding reputation as a top school for military students and their families. With more than 320 veteran and military-affiliated students currently pursuing degrees, Belmont's commitment to supporting those who have served our country is undeniable.
The University's dedication to veterans is further underscored by its recognition in the "Best Colleges for Veterans" category by the U.S. News & World Report in 2023 and its status as a Military-Friendly University, according to MilitaryFriendly.com.
Belmont also proudly boasts its designation as a Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) Veteran Reconnect Grant recipient and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, extending vital financial aid to eligible undergraduate and graduate students.
The Bruin Vets Center (Fidelity 301), a welcoming and vibrant hub on campus, provides a sense of community and camaraderie, offering veterans a place to connect and study. Belmont's Veterans Success Team goes above and beyond to ensure a seamless transition to college life, offering invaluable support in areas such as benefit coordination, academic resources, campus life integration and career readiness. Additionally, the Bruin Vets chapter of Student Veterans of America fosters mentorship, leadership, service and outreach opportunities, empowering veterans to make a positive impact both on and off campus.
For more information about applying to Belmont as a veteran or military dependent, see these links:
- Military & Veterans Admissions & Aid
- Military & Veterans Education Benefits
- Veteran Benefit Programs - Nashville
- Why Veteran Students Choose Belmont
- Applying for VA Benefits
- Tuition & Aid
- 2023 Veterans Dinner Photo Gallery