November is a time to honor the sacrifices and dedication of our veterans, and as part of Paradise Valley Community’s College’s ongoing commitment to supporting veterans and all who have served in the armed forces, the college has several special events planned in the Union Hills Campus’ Cordova Plaza.
“November is about gratitude, and honoring veterans reminds us to be thankful for the sacrifices that protect our freedoms,” said Aaron Marsh, PVCC VA Work Study, Navy Veteran.
Dr. Jana Schwartz, PVCC president added, “I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks to our veterans for their service to our country. Their dedication and sacrifices have paved the way for the freedoms we cherish and the opportunities we enjoy. At Paradise Valley Community College, we are so proud to have veterans as part of our community; their resilience, leadership, and commitment to excellence inspire us all.”
Already, PVCC has been collecting messages of gratitude for our veteran students, staff, and community members in anticipation of Veterans Day on November 11. These messages are proudly being displayed on PVCC’s website and in the Veterans Lounge located in the K building.
- Field of Flags
As a visible symbol of our respect and honor, the Veterans Office is setting up an American flag display in Cordova Plaza. The flags will be on display from November 4 through November 15, creating a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by our veterans.
- Express your Gratitude, Grab a Donut and Coffee
PVCC is hosting a pop-up tent in Cordova Plaza with donuts, coffee, and veteran appreciation cards to sign from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 5th. This is an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to swing by and express their gratitude to the veterans utilizing benefits at PVCC. Whether you're writing a heartfelt message or simply adding your signature, every gesture counts!
- Veterans Appreciation BBQ
A free Veterans Appreciation BBQ is taking place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., on Wednesday, November 6, in Cordova Plaza. Open to the first 200 people, hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, and drinks will be served. Alongside lunch, attendees can test their skills with field games and military trivia! This event will run in conjunction with PVCC’s Human Resources Benefit Fair, providing a chance to mingle, learn, and enjoy a meal in honor of our veterans.
Veterans Services Support
PVCC's Veterans Services Office (VSO) is dedicated to supporting veterans as they navigate their academic journeys. Acting as a liaison between PVCC and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the VSO ensures veterans receive the support they need to access their GI Bill® education benefits. Our goal is to help veterans achieve their personal and academic aspirations by connecting them with resources, services, and a supportive community.
Rob Stimson, a 12-year United States Army veteran, PVCC alumnus and now working as a student services specialist in the VSO, said that while helping vets with their education benefits is important, the office acts like a one-stop shop in supporting vets in many more ways including counseling services.
“Every one of our veteran students is personally important to me because we’ve all walked the walk; we’re going through the same things. Readjustment into the civilian world is not always the easiest thing, but education is a very important part of that, and I love being there to see our students cross that finish line,” he shared. “I love to see veteran students succeed… to watch them walk across the stage at graduation – there is nothing like it. It’s a feeling of joy.”
Christina Calderon, veterans services manager at PVCC, relayed the same sentiment and stated, “I am truly honored and privileged to serve our veterans and military-connected students here at PVCC.” She added that the Veterans Services Office has a family atmosphere. “While few fully understand the sacrifices our veterans have made in service to our country, it’s important our vets know that all of us at PVCC deeply appreciate them.”
PVCC’s VSO is located in K108 on the Union Hills campus. To learn more about PVCC and veterans services, visit the website, email veterans@paradisevalley.edu or call 602-787-7045.