Clark College News and Events

Graphic–Clark College News and Events

Clark College News and Events


October 30, 2008
For Immediate Release
For additional information: 
Barbara Kerr, Executive Director of Communications and Marketing
Telephone:
360-992-2921
E-mail:  bkerr@clark.edu

HONORING VETERANS
AND THE FLAG THEY DEFEND

 

On Friday, Nov. 7, in honor of Veterans Day,
Clark College will host a dedication ceremony for the college’s new flagpole on Fort Vancouver Blvd.

 

VANCOUVER, Wash. – In honor of Veterans Day, Clark College will host a dedication ceremony for the college’s new flagpole, located near the college’s Penguin Union Building.  The event will take place on Friday, Nov. 7 at 1 p.m. 

Scheduled speakers include Clark College President Robert K. Knight, Vancouver Mayor Royce Pollard, Associated Students of Clark College (ASCC) President Patrick Mehigan and Jenny Grimani, President of the Student Veterans of America at Clark College.

Following the remarks, the flag will be raised by Vancouver VFW Post #7824 Color Guard members Richard Alvarez, Ben Asanova, Ben Long and Maj. Bill Wegledge as the Clark College Band plays the National Anthem.   The band will perform under the direction of Clark College music professor Rich Inouye.  Inouye retired from the United States Air Force (USAF) after 20 years of active duty during which he served as a member of the USAF Academy Band.

The event is free and open to the public.  Clark College is located 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver.   Maps and directions are available at http://www.clark.edu/maps/In the event of inclement weather (heavy rain), the ceremony would be postponed.

The college is relocating the location of its primary flagpole from in front of the Baird Administration Building to its new site next to the college’s Welcome Center.  Clark College President Robert K. Knight said, “Gaiser Hall and the Penguin Union Building are the hub for student life at Clark College.  We changed our street address to 1933 Fort Vancouver Way to reflect that and we are doing so again through the presence of our new flagpole, which will now greet students, staff and guests to the college.” 

Jenny Grimani noted, “The flag represents our country.  It is an honor to be able to take part in this event -- not only on behalf of Clark College but in honor of all those that have served and those who, like my grandparents, support those that serve.”

Established in 1933 and currently celebrating its 75th anniversary, Clark College is the second largest community and technical college in Washington state.

 

About the Clark College Veterans Affairs Office

The Veterans Affairs (VA) Office at Clark College provides general information about VA education benefits, advises and facilitates VA eligibility, assists eligible persons in applying for VA education benefits, serves as a liaison between the school and student and the Department of Veterans Affairs to maintain compliance with all VA education regulations and continuing receipt of benefits for eligible students.

The Veterans Affairs Office also determines eligibility for the college’s 50% tuition waiver for veterans, determines eligibility for the college’s 100% tuition waiver for eligible dependents of fallen veterans, evaluates military training and experience, and verifies receipt of VA education benefits for financial aid.

It is estimated that, at any given time, the VA Office at Clark College assists from 330 to 375 students who are eligible for VA education benefits.

Mike Gibson, program coordinator of the Clark College Veterans Affairs Office, said, “As a veteran who returned home and continued my education at Clark College, I have felt the sense of pride and caring that our community holds towards veterans.”  Gibson noted that Clark employs a full-time Veteran Representative (known at the V.A. as the school’s Certifying Official), which “allows us to take a little more time to concentrate on the needs of the students – not only their educational needs but also ensuring they know about all the other services available to veterans in their community.”

Gibson serves as a member of the Clark College Veterans Resource Fund committee.  The fund provides assistance and support to veterans in need.  The committee is currently creating a comprehensive list of Southwest Washington resources that area available to assist veterans.  Gibson added that he considers Clark College “to be one of the most vet-friendly schools in the state.”

The Clark College Veterans Affairs Office Mission Statement

The mission of the Clark College Veterans Affairs Office is to provide assistance and information to all persons eligible for VA educational benefits.  This office serves as a liaison between the college and Student and the Department of Veterans Affairs in maintaining optimum service to those people eligible for VA education benefits and to maintain compliance with all VA education regulations and continuing receipt of benefits for eligible students.

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