Veterans Week 2023

solider writing with pen

Press Release: October 23, 2023

Colorado Springs–October 23, 2023–Pikes Peak State College presents a week-long series of events honoring military and veterans. Events will take place Nov. 6–10 at various campuses. The media and the public are invited to attend.

Pikes Peak State College has been serving active duty military, veterans, and their families since the college’s inception in 1968. The college continually provides them with specialized support, guidance, and resources they need to transition to higher education and civilian life. Military and veteran affiliated students now make up over 30% of the PPSC student body.

“Pikes Peak State College has its roots in working with and supporting our military and veteran affiliated students. Our veterans day activities really are a public manifestation of this appreciation and support for our military and veteran students. But as importantly, these events give all of our students staff, and faculty, whether a veteran or not, an opportunity to interact with and learn about our veterans and their experiences, gaining an even greater appreciation for veterans day,” said Paul DeCecco, PPSC’s Director of Military and Veteran programs.

The Office of Military and Veterans Programs honor and celebrate these students throughout the year but Vet Week has become the largest. The week’s events include:

Field of Flags

On display Nov. 6–10, all campuses

To honor our military and veteran community, Pikes Peak State College students and employees will be placing a flag for each semester we have been an institution, at each of our campus locations.

Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame

On display Nov. 6-10, PPSC Center for Healthcare Education & Simulation and Rampart Range Campus

This year, the CWHF celebrates its 37th anniversary honoring and preserving the accomplishments of Colorado women veterans who have made significant contributions to the state, nation, and world.

Military/Veteran Photo Display

Nov. 6–10, tv monitors at all campuses

Students and employees have submitted photos of themselves or the veterans in their lives to honor them this week.

SITREP Magazine

Nov. 6-10, view on pikespeakparley.com/category/sitrep

SITREP is PPCC’s literary arts journal showcases student poetry, photography, fiction, non-fiction, and other creative works focused our veteran community.

Veterans Day Virtual Celebration

November 6-10, pikespeak.edu/vetweek

Virtually visit museums and see other virtual events on Pikes Peak State’s Veterans Day webpage dedicated to this day.

Veterans’ Voices Art Show

Reception: Nov. 3, 5-8 pm. Show runs Oct. 30 – Nov. 22

Gallery at Studio West, 22 N. Sierra Madre

An exhibition of original artwork by regional veterans at the Gallery at Studio West in downtown Colorado Springs. The gallery is open to the public from 8 am–noon and 1-5 pm, Monday-Friday.

Pikes Peak State College Veterans Day Presentation Series

Nov. 9, 1:30 pm, Rampart Range Campus

Listen to veterans and others talk about their experiences. The focus this year is on the first battle for Fallujah.

Wreath Laying Ceremony and Marines Birthday Cake Cutting

Nov. 10, 11 am, Centennial Campus Veterans Memorial (between Atrium and C Bldg.)

This is our traditional wreath laying ceremony put on by Pikes Peak State’s Student Veterans Organization to celebrate, remember and reflect upon the contributions that all our brave veterans have made to our country – living and deceased. Following the wreath laying, there will be a cake cutting honoring the 248th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Learn more and get the most updated event info at: pikespeak.edu/vetweek.

ABOUT PPSC’S MILITARY & VETERANS PROGRAMS

The Department of Military & Veterans Programs (DMVP) provides veterans, active-duty military members, and their dependents with support to help them make a successful transition to college and achieve academic goals. Services include GI Bill® support, tuition assistance support, academic advising, networking activities, mentoring, and a dedicated veteran services center. Locations include PPSC’s Centennial and Rampart Range Campuses as well Peterson Space Force Base and Fort Carson Army Post Learning Centers.

Media Contact:

Matt Radcliffe
Executive Director of Marketing and Communications
Pikes Peak State College
matt.radcliffe@pikespeak.edu
mobile: 719-726-0538

Event Contact:

Paul DeCecco
Director of Military and Veterans Programs Director
Pikes Peak State College
paul.dececco@pikespeak.edu
mobile: 719-502-4100