PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — Hundreds of Brown University students, faculty, staff and local community members gathered on Brown’s campus on Wednesday, Nov. 11, to commemorate Veterans Day, honor the service of the nation’s veteran and active-duty military, and reaffirm Brown’s commitment to welcoming and supporting military-affiliated students.
The ceremony brought together decorated military veterans, including U.S. Army veteran and Brown trustee Joseph P. Healey and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Jared Yee, a member of Brown’s Class of 2027.
“We honor Brown veterans today because preparing students for lives of public service — including military service — is central to our mission,” said Brown President Christina H. Paxson in her remarks. “We believe that the U.S. military is stronger and more effective when it includes individuals who have studied a wide range of subjects and been exposed to a wide range of views. We admit talented student veterans not only to recognize their service to our country, but also for all that they bring to Brown.”
Paxson addressed recent actions that have threatened to disrupt elements of Brown’s longstanding relationships with military organizations, including news this week that the University’s partnerships with the Naval War College in Newport, R.I., are at risk of cancellation. The development comes less than one year after the Pentagon canceled military fellowship programs at 13 colleges and universities, including Brown.
Paxson said the changes are “especially saddening,” as Brown has taken significant steps over the past 15 years to deepen its engagement with the military and expand opportunities for veterans.
Through a sweeping veterans initiative launched in 2019 and renewed ROTC partnerships with U.S. military branches, the University has more than tripled its undergraduate student veteran population; raised scholarship and mentorship support for veterans through gifts from generous alumni; developed a Military Fellows program at the Watson School; and expanded its participation in the federal Yellow Ribbon Program for veterans pursuing graduate degrees at Brown. Today, 67 undergraduate and 90 graduate student veterans are enrolled at Brown, alongside 53 ROTC participants preparing to serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps.
“Taking classes alongside student veterans, learning from military fellows, and engaging with them in discussions and debates, is invaluable to deepening our students’ understanding of complex global issues,” Paxson said.
The ceremony included remarks from Healey and Yee; an ROTC contracting ceremony; the presentation of the Brown Alumni Association's Leadership Award to Larry Eichler, parent of a 2009 Brown graduate and founder of the Brown University Veterans Alumni Council; and the announcement of the Brown University Military-Affiliated Community Leadership Award, which will recognize a graduating student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and service in support of Brown’s military-affiliated community.
This is a developing story and will be updated.