Veterans Day: Mercyhurst hosts annual ‘Celebration of Valor’

Students, faculty, staff, and administrators are invited to attend Mercyhurst’s “Celebration of Valor” on Friday, Nov. 10, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in Mercy Heritage Room.

The annual observance offers the university a chance to highlight the contribution of veterans to the academic and cultural community of the college and for the community to express its gratitude.

An opening prayer will be offered by Vice President for Mission Dr. Greg Baker, with welcoming remarks made by President Kathleen A. Getz, Ph.D.  She will be followed by this year’s guest speaker who is one of Mercyhurst’s own: U.S. Army Lt. Col. (Ret.) Peter Correa, assistant professor of Intelligence Studies. His address is titled: "Thank you AND YOU for your Service...It Takes a Village."

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Correa immigrated to the U.S. as a child and finished high school in Fort Myers, Florida. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering/Leadership. He earned his master’s degree in financial management from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, and spent 24 years as an Army officer, retiring from active duty in 1996 as a lieutenant colonel.

A brief reception will be held at the conclusion of the celebration. 

Planning for this year’s event is under the direction of Veterans Services Coordinator Chris Popa. The day will also include Reveille by the Army ROTC Color Guard at 8 a.m. at the flagpole in front of Old Main.