The University of Lynchburg is now a “Purple Heart University.”
The designation, awarded by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, recognizes the University for its support of veterans wounded in combat. Dr. Kenneth R. Garren, president of the University of Lynchburg, issued a proclamation today to make the designation official.
“The University of Lynchburg wishes to acknowledge, honor, and support the many former and current students of the University of Lynchburg, as well as their families and community members, who made great sacrifices in defending our freedoms,” the proclamation reads in part. It encourages students, faculty, staff, and alumni to join in honoring veterans.
Garren signed the proclamation at a ceremony in downtown Lynchburg organized by the Military Order of the Purple Heart in downtown Lynchburg.
The University of Lynchburg is ranked 22nd on the U.S. News & World Report list of “Best Colleges for Veterans.” It provides financial aid to veterans and their family members, and veteran students and alumni often remark about the flexibility and assistance faculty give veterans who are meeting military service commitments while completing their degrees. An annual Veterans Day service at the university honors veteran alumni and students.
About 150 students at the University of Lynchburg are veterans, according to Julie Allen, the University’s veterans affairs coordinator.
As part of the Purple Heart University designation, the University is setting aside four parking spaces reserved for Purple Heart recipients. The parking spaces are now marked with signs and will later be painted purple.
Garren, a veteran of the Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserve who holds the rank of Colonel, U.S. Army, Retired, is a champion for honoring veterans at the University of Lynchburg.
“The University of Lynchburg wants to do everything we can to honor the brave members of our armed services who have sacrificed so much for their country,” Garren said. “We are proud to have them in our community and to commit ourselves to being a Purple Heart University.”
