Bryant Students, Faculty and Staff,

In recognition of Veteran’s Day on November 11, this week we thank all veterans who have served our country with great pride and honor. We are grateful to every individual for their service and proud to be included on the Military Friendly^® Schools list with a "Top 10" designation, the highest designation possible. Bryant is ranked #2 for our category (Private Not Offering a Doctorate), recognized as a military friendly spouse school, and also ranked as one of the nation’s Best Colleges for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report.

The perspectives of our veterans make a significant contribution to Bryant’s community. The University is honored to work with students who are eligible to receive benefits through the military and participates in the Yellow Ribbon program for students eligible for chapter 33 benefits. Nearly five percent of Bryant faculty and staff are veterans and each year approximately three percent of our graduate student body and one percent of all undergraduates is comprised of veterans. Since 1954, Bryant has commissioned 146 Bryant University Lieutenants. 

I am very proud of their service and the service of our Bryant veterans, and I know firsthand how much of an impact our veterans have on the soul and substance of our nation.

Some of our most accomplished students are veterans and Bryant’s current ROTC enrollment is nine students. Our alumni records show we have more than 350 veterans: 157 who have served in the U.S. Navy, 107 with service in the U.S. Army, 33 who have served in the U.S. Air Force, 19 who have served in the U.S. National Guard, 13 with service in the U.S. Marine Corps, seven who have served in the U.S. Army Reserve, and three with service in the U.S. Coast Guard. There were more than 500 alumnae/ni engaged in World War II.

On Veteran’s Day, you can meet Bryant's Veteran students in the Rotunda from 10am-2pm and military awareness ribbons will be available for $1 each, to show support for our fellow students and faculty who have served. On Wednesday, November 17, the University will highlight veterans’ experiences in higher education through a Green Zone training initiative for faculty and staff. Named for the secure international zone in Baghdad, Iraq, the training is designed to provide information about military service and ways to support military and veteran students. Green Zone allies provide a sympathetic ear and can refer a student veteran to appropriate on-campus resources.

My grandfather, Jules Jacobs, and father, Irwin Gittell, CPA, served in World War I and World War II respectively, both as Sergeant Majors in the Army. My father attained his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting through the GI Bill. I am very proud of their service and the service of our Bryant veterans, and I know firsthand how much of an impact our veterans have on the soul and substance of our nation.

I hope you will join me in remembering and thanking all veterans this week.

Sincerely,

President Ross Gittell, Ph.D.