David Lannon, the VERITAS liaison at Virginia Peninsula Community College, was looking for a way to recognize graduating veterans when he came across Arizona State University’s ceremony.
He found ASU holds a stole ceremony each semester for its graduating veterans and thought it would work well at VPCC.
“The ceremony is a powerful moment of unity and pride,” he said. “Student veterans, faculty, staff, and fellow students come together to celebrate the achievements of those who have served.”
VPCC’s office of Military and Veterans Services held its first such ceremony April 25, presenting each with a stole that was worn during the campus-wide commencement May 14.
“The stole symbolizes their service, sacrifice, and dedication to both their country and their education,” Lannon said. “We had three military branches represented at the ceremony: Air Force, Army, and Navy.”