Our Sint Maarten campus gathered in the Courtyard this afternoon to celebrate Veterans Day and honor those who have served. Though Veterans Day was officially observed on November 11th, the event was an opportunity for those who had Monday off to thank our veteran students and staff.
“It was a great event and a special way for all of us at AUC to show our support,” said Miguel Rivera, interim director of wellness counseling at AUC. “It’s important that we acknowledge our veterans’ service and recognize their sacrifice.”
Miguel, who advises AUC’s Veterans Support team, planned the event with the support of the Office of Student Affairs. As a veteran himself—he served in the military in the late 80s and early 90s and specialized in infantry and airborne forces—Miguel understands the unique journey of our veteran students and the perspectives and experiences that they bring to medical school. It’s part of why he has dedicated time to establishing the Veterans Support team and creating resources and spaces where our veteran students can meet and support each other.
While the event was an opportunity to celebrate all veterans, we were proud to acknowledge two veteran students in attendance: 4th semester student Andrew Vierra, who served in the Navy, and 3rd semester student Edmund Fahoury, who served in the Marine Corps.
