Veterans Day:

Rutgers University­–Camden Marks Veterans Day with Tribute to Military Heroes

Photographer: Ronald Downes

Photographer: Ronald Downes

Under a light morning rain, Rutgers University–Camden community members came together for a solemn Veterans Day gathering on the Campus Quad, expressing the university’s gratitude and steadfast commitment to those who have served and sacrificed in the United States Armed Forces. The ceremony took place at the Jeremy Kane Memorial, named for the Rutgers–Camden student and U.S. Marine Corps veteran who was killed while serving in Afghanistan in 2010. A moment of silent reflection was observed in recognition of all military veterans, who have demonstrated bravery and selflessness in defending freedom domestically and abroad.

Named New Jersey’s first Purple Heart University in 2016 and ranked #86 in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges for Veterans, Rutgers University–Camden counts nearly 400 veterans in its student body and thousands more among its faculty, staff, alumni, and their families. Interim Provost Donna Nickitas, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, addressed those gathered.

Interim Provost Donna Nickitas, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Photographer: Ronald Downes

Interim Provost Donna Nickitas, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Photographer: Ronald Downes

“This day is when we take time to pause and reflect on all those who have served,” Nickitas said. “We salute all our veteran students and those who have come before us.”

The Rutgers–Camden Office of Military and Veterans Affairs offers scholarship opportunities, employment assistance, and other crucial support services to the university’s active and former military servicemembers. Under the leadership of Campus Director of Veterans Affairs Fred Davis, a U.S. Navy veteran, the office has been instrumental in raising community awareness of veteran mental health and helping military members thrive in academic life.  

Photographer: Ronald Downes

Photographer: Ronald Downes

Photographer: Ronald Downes

Photographer: Ronald Downes

“Our university is home to courageous warfighters who have utilized the skills they’ve learned from their respective branches and re-forged them to meet the challenges of their academic careers at Rutgers–Camden,” Davis said. “Our classrooms have been fortunate to gain the knowledge and the experience veterans bring with them.”

Campus Director of Military and Veterans Affairs Fred Davis. To learn more about Davis, visit People of Rutgers.

Campus Director of Military and Veterans Affairs Fred Davis. To learn more about Davis, visit People of Rutgers.

The observance was the first event in Rutgers–Camden’s weeklong celebration of veterans, which runs through Nov. 19. Chancellor Antonio D. Tillis launched the tradition of the weeklong celebration in 2021, creating a way for all community members to become involved in Rutgers–Camden’s service and commitment to veterans.

“This day reminds us of the sacrifices veterans have made to protect our freedom and our lives, and I encourage you to participate in all of this week’s activities,” Chancellor Tillis said. “To all veterans, we thank you for your service.”

Photographer: Ronald Downes

Photographer: Ronald Downes

Photographer: Ronald Downes

Photographer: Ronald Downes

Creative Design: Beatris Santos