From the President: Expressing Appreciation for Those Who Have Served

Dear CWU Community:

This weekend, we take a collective pause to reflect on the accomplishments and sacrifices made by our nation’s veterans in service to our country.

Veterans Day, observed every year on November 11^th, is one of our nation’s most enduring holidays because it provides an opportunity for American citizens to take a moment to appreciate the brave individuals who help secure and protect our freedoms.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our veterans, on campus and in the communities we serve, for everything they do to protect our ideals and uphold democratic values.

Veterans Day has always been an occasion we take pride in at Central Washington University. Over the past century, CWU’s commitment to veterans has never waned, and today we are considered a destination for student-veterans from around the Northwest.

In fact, CWU has always been a place where veterans are welcomed, respected, and appreciated. During World War I, we established more formal support for our student-veterans when we created a Veterans Affairs Office. The on-campus headquarters was named the Veterans Center in 2009, and it was relocated into a larger space in Bouillon Hall in 2019.

We also rarely miss an opportunity to tout the successes of courageous Wildcats who have enjoyed decorated military careers. The list includes, but is not limited to, former Secretary of Defense General James N. Mattis; Army Colonel Curt Schroeder; Air Force Colonel Richard Iverson; National Guard Brigadier General Myron Dobashi; National Guard Brigadier General John R. Croft; and Air Force Colonel Brad Readnour. 

Veterans Day is a reminder that those who have served in the armed forces share a sense of purpose that has the power to inspire all of us. To all of the Wildcats who have served, and the many who have made sacrifices along the way, I would like to express my sincere gratitude on behalf of the entire CWU community. Thank you for your service.

Sincerely,

A. James Wohlpart
President