Elon University will hold a variety of special events to honor the armed forces on Nov. 11, including guest speaker retired Adm. Mike Mullen.
Elon University is proud to host a variety of events for Veterans Day on Nov. 11 to honor those who have served in the armed forces across the country and those who are part of the Elon community.
“Elon University has had a long and productive relationship with the U.S. Armed Forces. In 1943, 672 pilots were trained on campus for WWII duty in the Army Air Corps, and in 1946, returning GIs enrolled at Elon College to earn their degrees,” said Matt Valle, professor of management and former Air Force pilot. “Many Elon graduates have gone on to serve in the armed forces, and there are a few faculty and staff members on campus who served at home and abroad. The Veterans Day ceremonies at Elon University recognize this special relationship.”
Elon is consistently noticed for its dedication to the military community, being designated a Military Friendly School in 2023-24 by the veterans advocacy program Military Friendly. Elon received a silver ranking for being within the top 20 percent of all colleges and universities within its category, receiving the Military Friendly Schools designation.
“I am excited for the focus and recognition that Elon University is providing to our veteran faculty, staff, students and family members, as well as the surrounding community this year,” said Raymond Fletcher, senior director for facilities management and a U.S. Navy veteran. “These activities lift up the recognition to our veterans and families and the contributions of their service and sacrifices to their country.”
Fletcher co-chairs the Veterans Employee Resource Group (ERG), a place for veterans of all branches of service (along with spouses, parents, siblings, adult children and grandparents of veterans). The ERG provides a community to network and gather for social events and professional development opportunities. To join the Veterans ERG listserv, email Fletcher (rfletcher4@elon.edu) or co-chair Jessica Hill (jhill44@elon.edu). If you are a veteran and would like to submit your photo for the Veterans Day display table, please email Jessica Hill by Friday, Nov. 1.
The following events are planned for Veterans Day at Elon on Monday, Nov. 11.
Flag Raising, 8 a.m.
Scott Plaza
Join the Elon community for the raising of the flag by the Elon ROTC, which will kick off the Veterans Day activities.
Special College Coffee, 9:30 a.m.
Medallion Plaza (Rain location: Moseley Student Lounge)
Come together to honor those who have served in the military with a special college coffee on Medallion Plaza. College Coffee is an annual tradition at Elon, typically held every Tuesday, that brings together the community for coffee, food and fellowship. Veterans in the Elon community are highly encouraged to attend.
Elon Speaker Series – Retired Adm. Mike Mullen, 11 a.m.
McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts
Elon is pleased to host retired Adm. Mike Mullen for the inaugural Carol Ann Walker International Lectureship, part of the Elon Speaker Series. Mullen served as the 28th chief of naval operations from 2005-07 and the 17th chairman of the Joint chiefs of staff for Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama from 2007-11.
Mullen led the military during a pivotal period of change and transition, overseeing the conclusion of the combat mission in Iraq and the development and implementation of a new military strategy in Afghanistan. He accelerated the deployment of innovative technologies, advocated for emerging and enduring global partnerships, and introduced new methods for countering terrorism, which ultimately led to the killing of Osama bin Laden. He was instrumental in repealing the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, marking the first time in U.S. military history that gay and lesbian individuals could serve openly.
Mullen is a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and a distinguished graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School, a distinguished alumnus of Harvard Business School, a member of the National Academy of Engineering and a trustee of Caltech. He currently serves as president of MGM Consulting, LLC, based in Annapolis, Maryland. MGM Consulting provides counsel to global clients on issues related to geo-political developments, national security interests and strategic leadership.
Tickets are required to attend but are free and can be reserved at www.ElonTickets.com. You will need to set up a Ticketmaster account to reserve tickets online. Guests can also visit the Center for the Arts Box Office Monday-Friday, 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. to pick up tickets.