News

By Shelly Springborn, Director of Community and Board Relatoions

Montcalm Community College will honor area veterans during its annual Veterans Day event on Monday, Nov. 10, from 12 to 1 p.m. The program will be held simultaneously on both MCC’s Greenville and Sidney campuses, celebrating the service and sacrifice of those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

The live program will take place in Room G129 in the Stanley P. Ash Technology and Learning Center on the Greenville campus and will be live-streamed to Rooms D303-305 in the Beatrice E. Doser Building on the Sidney campus. A complimentary luncheon will be served at both locations. The event is free and open to the public.

“Our Veterans Day program is one of the most meaningful traditions we hold each year,” said Lisa Gardner, MCC Director of Student Success and Advising and one of the event organizers. “It’s an opportunity to pause, reflect, and express gratitude to the men and women who have served our nation with courage and commitment.”

The event will open with an introduction to Veterans Day by veteran Caryl Liscum, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by veteran Alex Parrish, and a performance of America the Beautiful by Larry Moss.

Army Veteran Parker VanDeVenter will serve as the keynote speaker. VanDeVenter, who is the Community Outreach Liaison for Sanford Behavioral Health, will speak about the recent opening of J.O.H.N. (Just One Hero Needed), a new residential treatment facility in Grand Rapids dedicated to serving veterans and first responders. His presentation will conclude with a Q&A session with the audience.

The program will close with veteran Robert Nemetz leading a roll call recognizing MCC’s employees, retirees, and emeriti who are veterans.

“Veterans Day reminds us that freedom is not free,” said Jeffrey Pedelty, MCC Advanced Industrial Technology Instructor and veteran of the Michigan Army National Guard and U.S. Army (1982–1993). “It’s important that we take time to honor the people who made sacrifices so that the rest of us can enjoy the liberties we have today.”

MCC began hosting its annual Veterans Day Assembly in 2007, originally organized and led by Dr. Gary Hauck, MCC Emeritus Dean of Arts and Humanities. The tradition continues to grow as a meaningful tribute to those who have served.

This year’s planning committee includes Gardner; Pedelty; Financial Aid Advisor Katie Parrish, whose husband is a veteran and MCC student; Social Science Instructor Andrea Martin; Director of Accounting Raymond Ruiter, who is also a veteran; Student Success Coach Marlo Tiffany; and Financial Aid Advisor Amy Throop.

“Every year, this event brings our campus and community together in gratitude,” Gardner added. “It’s a small but powerful way to say, ‘thank you’ to those who’ve worn the uniform.”