Mercyhurst to host annual Celebration of Valor for Veterans Day
Mercyhurst University will hold its annual “Celebration of Valor” on Friday, Nov. 6, at 10 a.m. in the Mercy Heritage Room. Students, faculty, staff, and administrators are invited to attend and honor the courage, commitment, and sacrifices of military veterans and service members.
Dr. Greg Baker, vice president for mission, will lead an opening prayer, followed by welcoming remarks by Dr. Florentine Hoelker, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs.
This year’s guest speaker is Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Genard, US Army. His address is titled: “Eternal Thanks for Temporary Service.”
A 2009 Gannon University distinguished military graduate, Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Genard joined the military and took part in Operation Enduring Freedom Afghanistan in 2012 and Operation Inherent Resolve in 2015. He also served in the 1st Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 101st Airborne Division and the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.
LTC Genard completed his master’s at Gannon through the Army’s Advanced Civil Schooling scholarship before a follow-on assignment to the National Security Agency at Ft. Meade, Maryland. He served as the Senior Signal observer, coach, and trainer at the National Training Center, Ft. Irwin, California and the signal instructor for the Maneuver Center of Excellence at Ft. Benning, Georgia.
Awards and decorations he’s received include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Basic Space Badge. LTC Genard graduated from Airborne, Air Assault, and Ranger school as well as the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.
LTC Genard currently serves as professor of military science at Gannon University.
The annual ceremony will also include a Reveille ceremony by the Army ROTC Color Guard at 8 a.m. at the flagpole in front of Old Main, where a ceremonial cannon will start the day to honor the flag.
Mercyhurst community members are encouraged to join this opportunity to express gratitude for veterans and the impact they have on the university.
Planning for this year’s Celebration of Valor is under the direction of Veterans Service Coordinator Chris Popa. For more information, email him at cpopa@mercyhurst.edu.