Whitworth University to Hold Virtual Ceremony to Honor Veterans
Whitworth has a long history of support for our nation’s military. Beginning with World War I in 1917, Whitworth students both volunteered and were drafted in the military. One student, Harry Olson, was killed in action. Since then, Whitworth students have served in World War II, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq. Several have paid the ultimate price in defense of the United States.
Today, Whitworth supports veterans as well as collaborates with Gonzaga University as part of the ROTC program. Each year, Whitworth pays homage to those who have served the United States by holding a Veterans Day ceremony on campus.
“It’s an honor to participate in this ceremony and work for an institution that places so much value on our military,” says Phil Labrie, assistant director of veterans outreach. “The fact that Whitworth has been holding a ceremony every year for the past 29 years is a testament to the importance this institution places on our veterans.”
The presentation of colors will be made by the Fairchild Air Force Base Honor Guard. Whitworth student and U.S. Air Force veteran Kevin Partridge ’22 will sing the national anthem. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., will attend.
The keynote speaker will be Mark Baird, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology and U.S. Army veteran.
President Beck A. Taylor will present special Whitworth coins to these students and alumni:
• Renee Barton ’07, U.S. Army, ROTC collegiate advisor for Whitworth
• Peter Borg ’19, U.S. Army, Vets Corp Navigator for Whitworth
• Scott Cole, U.S. Army
• Tyler Eudy, U.S. Army, current Army ROTC cadet
• Mark Flippen, U.S. Navy
• Gregory Harmon, U.S. Marine Corps
• Stuart Henry, U.S. Navy
• Loyd Patton, U.S. Air Force
• Kevin Partridge ’22, U.S. Air Force
• Collin Visser, U.S. Marine Corps
• Christopher Warren, U.S. Air Force, current Army ROTC cadet
About Whitworth University:
Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The university, which has an enrollment of more than 3,000 students, offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Contacts:
Phil Labrie, assistant director of veterans outreach, Whitworth University, (509) 777-3302 or plabrie@whitworth.edu
