FGCU Service & Sacrifice Week honors area veterans Nov. 9-13
- Drew Sterwald
- Community
- Contributors: James Greco, Photos
6 – minute read
Florida Gulf Coast University invites the campus community and the public to join veterans and military families in celebrating FGCU Service & Sacrifice Week Nov. 9-13. By broadening the annual commemorations beyond Veterans Day during the nation’s semiquincentennial, the university aims to amplify the spirit of gratitude shown to the men and women of the U.S. armed forces.
“We are expanding Veterans Day into a week of recognition, education and engagement because service and sacrifice deserve more than a moment of appreciation,” said Joseph Buhain, assistant vice president for veteran and military programs and a combat Army veteran and Navy medical officer. “Our mission is to bring the campus and Southwest Florida community together to honor our veterans, learn from their experiences and demonstrate through action that their service continues to matter long after they take off the uniform.”
Each branch of the armed services will be spotlighted during the weeklong tribute to 250 years of American military history. There will be displays of military artifacts and vehicles, veterans speaking about their service experiences, musical performances and informational tables where attendees can connect with organizations that serve veterans.
Ceremonial events include recognition of approximately 250 area veterans, a “13 Folds” formal flag folding and an official presentation and proclamation by the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 696, Lee, Hendry and Collier Counties designating FGCU as a Purple Heart University.
“Being recognized as a Purple Heart University is more than an honor. It is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by the men and women who have been wounded or paid a lasting price in defense of our nation,” Buhain said. “The Purple Heart represents courage, sacrifice and a commitment to something greater than oneself. This designation challenges us to ensure that the values our service members defended are reflected in how we welcome, support and serve our veteran community.”
Last year, FGCU received the Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campus designation, a testament to its comprehensive benefits and services for veterans and military-connected students. These include priority course registration, a designated military liaison, resources for military students and families, student-led transition programs, and professional development and training opportunities. Earlier this fall, FGCU tied at No. 9 in U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of Best Colleges for Veterans – Regional Universities (South).
Through its Military and Veteran Success office, FGCU served 509 military-connected students and families using Veterans Affairs education benefits in 2025-26. Collaborating with the Student Veterans of America chapter and a growing network of community partners, the university works to link military-connected students and families with resources, advocacy, education and opportunities that help them succeed.
“At FGCU, our commitment to veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members and military-connected families is a mission — not a slogan,” Buhain said. “Our responsibility does not end with welcoming veterans to campus. It means standing beside them throughout their academic journey, supporting their families, recognizing their leadership and helping them translate the discipline, resilience and experience gained through service into lifelong success.
“When our veterans succeed, our campus and our community are stronger.”
The following are highlights of FGCU Service & Sacrifice Week. For full event details, go the event website.
Nov. 9: Military Heritage & Vehicle Display/Army Day
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., a military historical collection will be displayed in the Cohen Student Union, Room 214, featuring artifacts and exhibits that reflect on what military life was like across generations, telling the human side of military service. Vendors and tactical medical simulation technology will be in Cohen 201, while military vehicles and antique cars will also be positioned near the building for viewing.
Nov. 10: Flag-Folding Ceremony/Marines Day
Because there are no classes on Veterans Day, the ceremonial flag-folding takes place the day before the national holiday. Starting at 11 a.m. at the Veterans Pavilion, the event will include FGCU President Aysegul Timur as guest speaker, a color guard and saber team, and musical performances featuring bagpipes and Bower School of Music & the Arts students. A reception will follow in the Cohen Student Union ballroom in honor of the Marine Corps’ anniversary.
Historical displays and informational tables will again be available in the student union, along with a veteran leadership panel discussion at 2 p.m.
Nov. 11: “Salute to Service Night”
FGCU Athletics will host “Salute to Service Night” during the women’s basketball game against Ave Maria University. A color guard procession will precede the national anthem, with the game beginning at 7 p.m. at Alico Arena. Tickets are available online.
Nov. 12: Veterans Expo/Navy & Coast Guard Day
The event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the student union ballroom will bring together the Eagle family, veterans and active-duty service members and their families, military organizations, historical museums and community partners for a day of connection, education and remembrance. The expo will showcase historical military artifacts and displays and personal reflections on military life across generations — with special emphasis on U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard traditions, missions and contributions to the nation’s defense. FGCU’s Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program will also showcase alumni businesses.
Representatives will be on hand from organizations providing resources and services for veterans and military-connected families.
Nov. 13: Grand Recognition Ceremony | Air Force & Space Force Day
This celebration in the student union ballroom will honor all veterans, with a special emphasis on the U.S. Air Force and Space Force to recognize their contributions to the nation’s defense, innovation, aviation, aerospace and future of military operations.
A special showcase of musical selections honoring America’s military services and the traditions of those who have served will be performed by the Lee County Community Band, leading up to ceremonial recognition of approximately 250 veterans from across FGCU and the Southwest Florida community. Ceremonies are 9-10:30 a.m., with a second presentation 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
FGCU Athletics will host “Salute to Service Night” during the men’s basketball game. A color guard procession will precede the national anthem, with the game beginning at 7 p.m. at Alico Arena. Tickets are available online.