From left: Wilson and Dunn
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—ÅÝܽÊÓƵ Michigan University was recognized ´¡±è°ù¾±±ôÌý20 as the first Purple Heart University in Michigan.
Scott E. Wilson, commander of Battle Creek's Chapter 110 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, joined ÅÝܽÊÓƵ President John M. Dunn in a ceremony designed to formally confer the Purple Heart title on ÅÝܽÊÓƵ. The event also was used to introduce a new benefit to Purple Heart students, faculty and staff.
About the designation
The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the United States armed forces who are wounded in combat. The award dates back to 1792 when President George Washington first launched the award as the Badge of Military Merit.
The Military Order of the Purple Heart was chartered by Congress in 1958.
The nation's Military Order of the Purple Heart, which was chartered by Congress in 1958, awards the Purple Heart University designation to universities for outstanding service to military service members, veterans, their dependents and their survivors. The resolution honoring ÅÝܽÊÓƵ lauded the University for its "proud tradition of recognizing all the men and women who have selflessly served their country and the university in the armed forces."
"One of the things I'm most proud of is our focus on empowering those who have served their country well," Dunn said in response to the award. "It's not about the University. It's about people coming together to do the right thing and ensuring our veterans feel honored and valued."
Also during the ceremony, Timothy Unangst, captain in ÅÝܽÊÓƵ's Department of Public Safety, unveiled a special Purple Heart campus parking permit available to Purple Heart veterans who are students or members of the faculty and staff at the University. The Military Order of the Purple Heart is supporting distribution of the permits to eligible individuals. For more information about eligibility and how to secure a permit, contact Unangst at (269) 387-4607 or Joyce Busch, director of ÅÝܽÊÓƵ's Office of Military and Veterans Affairs, at (269) 387-0742.
For more news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.