Governance
Essex County College Facts
Discover
Degrees & Programs
Academics
Continuing Education
Workforce Training & Business Solutions
Paying for College
Path to ECC
Student Life
Campus Information
Student Services
Why ECC?
NEWARK, N.J. — Essex County College marked Veterans Day on Wednesday, Nov. 11, with a noon flag-raising ceremony at the flagpoles on West Market Street at the Newark campus. Students, faculty, staff and community members gathered to honor those who have served.
Hosted by the offices of Student Affairs and Military and Veterans Services, the program opened with a presentation of colors by the ECC Color Guard. It also included the national anthem, patriotic tributes, remarks from College leadership and student veterans, and a moment of silence for fallen service members.
Dr. Augustine A. Boakye, president of the College, acknowledged the challenges of military service. “It is not an easy task to put on that uniform and protect the freedom of our country,” he said. “They decided to do that, and they have done it well.”
He urged the College community to support others. “I implore everyone at the College to work from where we sit or stand and bring comfort, light, and hope to everyone who comes our way.”
Dr. Keith Kirkland, dean of Student Affairs and an Army veteran who served for three and a half years, recognized veterans within the College community.
“There are many ECC employees who are veterans that served in the Marines, Army, Navy, and Air Force,” he said. “As an Army veteran, I know what it means to step away from family and home to serve. Today we honor every veteran, including the students, faculty, and staff here at Essex County College who wore the uniform. Their service continues in our classrooms and our community.”
Brian Basque, the College’s military and veterans coordinator, recognized service members and the families and friends who support them.
“We are here today to honor your sacrifice … the friends that become family and the family that stood behind you through it all,” he said.
The student keynote speaker, Alexa Cordero, is a supply chain management student and a specialist in the Army National Guard. She has attended ECC for a year.
Cordero spoke about how military service changed her direction. “I used to say that I simply needed a change … the experience and opportunities that the military has provided … has been life changing,” she said. “If you’re looking for a drastic change, join the military.”
Shawn Yearwood, a professor in the Business Division and a 24-year Army veteran, served as master of ceremonies.
The College thanks all of its veterans for their service.
For information about military education benefits and support for veterans and military-affiliated students, visit Essex County College’s veterans services page.
