Belmont University

Belmont University Celebrates Veterans Week 2024 with Special Events, Stories of Service

veterans week 2024 shirts stacked with a red ribbon on a table
Students

Belmont University Celebrates Veterans Week 2024 with Special Events, Stories of Service

November 7, 2024 | by Cara Davis

Gold-Level Military Friendly® School hosts week of events honoring service members, showcasing veteran stories 

Belmont University, recently recognized as a Gold-level Military Friendly® School, announces its Veterans Week 2024 celebration with a series of events designed to honor and support its military community of over 340 active duty, veteran, ROTC and military-affiliated students. This year's celebration puts a special focus on "Stories of Service," highlighting the diverse experiences and achievements of Belmont's student veterans. 

The week-long celebration kicks off Friday, Nov. 8, with Military Appreciation Night at the Belmont vs. Furman Men's Basketball game. The event will feature student veteran Nathaniel Eulentrop (commercial music) performing the national anthem, Baker Lockhart (political science) coordinating game-day activities and Ulus Terry (ministry) delivering the invocation. 

Key events include: 

  • A panel discussion on military community wellbeing and after hours lighting of the Bell Tower and fountain in honor of Veterans Day (Nov. 11) 
  • Annual "Thanking Those Who Served" luncheon sponsored by Truist Bank and Belmont University Athletics (Nov. 12) 
  • Guitars 4 Vets presentation featuring former U.S. Marine Nigel Fischer (Nov. 13) 
  • Massey Mixer connecting student veterans with veteran alumni (Nov. 13) 
  • R.E.D. Friday campus-wide recognition (Nov. 15) 

Throughout Veterans Week, the University will showcase "Stories of Service" (see images below) featuring veterans and military-connected students from across campus on digital displays, social media platforms and during the Military Appreciation Night basketball game. 

"These stories of service remind us of the extraordinary individuals who make up our military community," said Jim McIntyre, dean of the College of Education and assistant provost for academic excellence. "Each veteran brings unique experiences and perspectives that enrich our campus life and reflect our ongoing commitment to those who have served our nation." 

The week concludes with a letter-writing campaign to deployed service members, reinforcing Belmont's dedication to supporting active military personnel worldwide. 

"A promotional image for Veterans Week 2024 featuring a profile of Elise Rowland, a former U.S. Navy Topside Petty Officer studying Photography '25. The image shows a person holding a camera against a studio background, with text overlaid on an American flag background including her quote: 'My military service opened doors I never imagined possible [and] made my dream of studying photography a reality.'"
A Veterans Week 2024 profile featuring James Jones, a former U.S. Army SPC Infantry member pursuing an MBA '25. The image shows a person in business attire against a studio background, with text overlaid on an American flag background including his quote: 'No one chooses where they come from, but we all have the right to fight for the life we want.'
Khadijah Faison, a Chief Petty Officer on active duty with the U.S. Navy ROTC studying Nursing '26. The image shows a person in Naval digital camouflage uniform against a studio background, with text overlaid on an American flag background including her quote: 'Our differences make us stronger. Through our diverse perspectives, we piece together one beautiful puzzle where every role is vital.'
Ulus Terry, a former U.S. Army Ranger and Military Intelligence officer studying Ministry '25. The image shows a person wearing a navy blue button-down shirt against a studio background, with text overlaid on an American flag background including his quote: 'My time in service instilled in me an unwavering commitment and resilience that defines who I am today.'
Richard Kemp, a former U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant and Iraqi War veteran pursuing an MBA '25. The image shows a person in a white polo shirt in an office setting, with text overlaid on an American flag background including his quote: 'The events of 9/11 shaped my path to service. I felt a deep calling to defend our nation. It was my responsibility.'
Steve Whitson, a former U.S. Air Force Lt. Colonel and Juris Doctor Candidate '27. The image shows a person wearing a black quarter-zip pullover against a studio background, with text overlaid on an American flag background including his quote: 'When we trust each other and put service before self, [we] can change the world.'
Gigi Ellis, Combat Medic, U.S. Army & Reserves, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology '27'. Below is her quote: 'The brave female soldiers who came before me paved the way for a girl like me to not only serve her country but serve in combat arms.' On the right side is a professional portrait of a young woman wearing a white top against a dark background. The bottom text reads 'Veterans Week 2024: Stories of Service'.
Baker Lockhart, Former Sergeant, U.S. Army, Political Science Major '25'. Below is his quote: 'Veterans Day is an opportunity to recognize all who have served and let them know their service has meaning.' On the right side is a professional portrait of a young man wearing a white polo shirt against a gray background. The bottom text reads 'Veterans Week 2024: Stories of Service'.
Nathaniel Eulentrop, Music Unit TN Army National Guard, Commercial Music '26'. Below is his quote: 'I feel that my military history gives me so much confidence on my educational journey as I remember with joy that I have already lived through particularly tough circumstances and have overcome.' On the right side is a professional portrait of a young man wearing a white button-up shirt against a gray background, smiling at the camera. The bottom text reads 'Veterans Week 2024: Stories of Service'.