Columbus State to commemorate Veterans Day with Nov. 11 campus events

November 2, 2026

Columbus State University will mark Veterans Day with a full day of events on Wednesday, Nov. 11 and invites students, employees and the public to attend.

Veterans Day Ceremony, 10 a.m.

Those events begin with a 10 a.m. ceremony in the Columbus Room of the Davidson Student Center [map], featuring remarks by John House. A Columbus native and retired U.S. Army colonel, House held prominent roles during his 26-year military career, including field artillery officer, commander during Operation Desert Storm, and garrison commander at Camp Humphreys in South Korea. He also served five years as a Columbus at-large city councilor and remains active through the university’s military history collections in the Thomas Archives & Special Collections and programs at the National Infantry Museum.

"Boots and Bites," 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., “Boots and Bites” at the Whitley Clock Tower will highlight the military experience and military-connected programs on campus. The university’s Military-Connected Student Services team will coordinate military-themed activities, including an obstacle course challenge provided by the National Guard and samples of Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) hosted by CSU’s ROTC Cougar Battalion.

In addition, Cougars Outfitters will provide music, CSU’s Student Activities Committee will provide treats, and students, employees and the public can learn more about military service while honoring the sacrifices of our nation’s veterans.

Green Zone employee training, 2 p.m.

At 2 p.m., the Military-Connected Student Services team will conduct Green Zone Training for university employees. The training equips faculty and staff to better understand and appreciate the challenges military-affiliated students face when transitioning to college, as well as the strengths and skills they bring to their college experience. It will be held in 130 Schuster Student Success Center. Those interested in attending should contact Susan Lovell.

Columbus State and the military

For more than a decade, MilitaryFriendly.com has ranked Columbus State among its top tier of military-friendly schools. It recently added the university to its list of top military-friendly spouse schools. Nearly 20% of Columbus State’s students have a military connection—as active-duty soldiers, veterans, retirees or family members. In addition, 6% of its employees have direct military experience.

Staff in the university’s Military-Connected Student Services office coordinate educational assistance and transfer credit programs for more than 1,500 active-duty service members, military retirees, veterans, spouses and dependents. They also help students maximize financial aid through the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Military Tuition Assistance Program, and military-earmarked scholarships.

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Media contact: Michael Tullier, APR