Niagara University joining nationwide 'Roll Call' for Veterans Day

Niagara University's campus will fall silent at 2 p.m. this Veterans Day (Nov. 11) in honor of the American servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom.

The moment of silence will be preceded at NU by a series of happenings held in conjunction with the Remembrance Day National Roll Call, a national event that calls for a synchronized reading of the names of fallen American soldiers.

At noon, the university's student veterans organization will present a $5,000 check to the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., NU president, in support of the Sergeant Major Fred E. Kirtchen Memorial Scholarship Fund. The scholarship assists returning military veterans who are attending Niagara University.

Following the check presentation, the recitation of 292 names of American war casualties from New York state will be performed by students, faculty, staff, community leaders and members of American Gold Star Mothers Inc.

American Gold Star Mothers is an organization of mothers who have lost a son or daughter in military service.

"We are honored to be able to include these courageous women as part of our efforts to publicly acknowledge the brave individuals who have fought fearlessly for our freedom," said Robert Healy, Niagara University's veterans services coordinator. "This is a special time of appreciation and reflection, given that this year marks the 60^th observance of Veterans Day."

All Niagara University activities will take place in the Gallagher Center's Multipurpose Room.

The Remembrance Day National Roll Call is sponsored nationally by the Veterans Knowledge Community of NASPA Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. NASPA is a 12,000-member association for the advancement, health and sustainability of the student affairs professionals. The Veterans Knowledge Community mission is to advocate for best practices to help student veterans successfully transition to college.

In September, Niagara University was once again designated as a "Military Friendly School" by Victory Media. The designation signifies Niagara is among the top 15 percent of all colleges, universities and trade schools nationwide that are doing the most to embrace America's veterans as students.

Also in September, NU was named by U.S. News & World Report as one of the region's "Best Colleges for Veterans," placing Niagara on the list of the "top-ranked schools that participate in federal initiatives helping veterans and active service members apply, pay for and complete their degrees."

For more information about Niagara University's efforts to assist American veterans, call 716-286-8341 or visit www.niagara.edu/veterans.