Honoring Our Veteran Community

Friday, November 10, 2023 

Dear DU community members, 

Tomorrow, Veterans Day, let us all take an intentional moment to reflect on, honor and thank all those who have served in our armed forces. Through their heroism and sacrifice, our country’s service members have earned our deep and unwavering gratitude. To those who have served, to those who are currently serving, those in reserve, and most especially to those whose lives were lost—thank you. We recognize your sacrifices for the acts of courage and bravery they are.  

I am so proud the University of Denver is a community of choice for veterans. Our Office of Veteran and Military Resources works continuously to ensure our veteran community has support, resources, and connection during their time at DU.  

Veteran Employee Resource Group 

I am also proud to share that DU’s Veteran and Military Resources has recently partnered with Human Resources & Inclusive Community and the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to establish the Veteran Employee Resources Group (VERG). This week, VERG held its first meeting to have a conversation about how DU can support their unique needs and priorities. If you are a veteran employee at DU and are interested in learning more about VERG, contact the director of Veteran and Miliary Resources, Damon Vine, at damon.vine@du.edu. 

Hero Games & Veteran Hockey Night 

I am also happy we saw the re-establishment of DU’s annual Hero Games event this year, which kicked off homecoming week in October. Hero Games connects the DU veteran community with the veteran community in Denver and helps fund future initiatives and projects serving veterans. This year, we hosted six competing teams and fraternity Lambda Chi Alpha earned the championship! You can see photos from the event on my Instagram account or learn more in our newsroom. Join us as we honor the estimable winners at this year’s Veteran Hockey Night on November 17. Each ticket purchased for Veteran Hockey night goes to support our Student Veterans Association. Buy your tickets now. 

Career Readiness for Veterans  

Veteran & Military Resources has also partnered with DU’s Career and Professional Development to begin developing the Right Foot Forward program, which will offer customized career preparation to student veterans. An embodiment of the DU 4D Experience, Right Food Forward connects veteran students with industry mentors. Together with a DU career advisor and their industry mentor, DU student veterans will build valuable career-building skills and make inside connections so they can begin their careers with confidence. 

The presence of veterans, services members, and reservists in the DU community makes us stronger. Their skills, experiences, and perspectives enrich the DU experience. Tomorrow on Veteran’s Day, and always, we look to veterans with gratitude and respect. Thank you, each of you, for your service. 

Sincerely, 

Jeremy Haefner