DeSales University Honors Veterans in Ceremony Celebrating “All Who Served”

DeSales University honored its veterans, service members and Gold Star families on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, with a ceremony in the University Center that blended remembrance, gratitude and a look at the next chapter for student veterans.

Wendy Badman, director of Veterans and Military Services and VA school certifying official, opened the program with a welcome to all. John Rivers Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 11322 of Quakertown performed the posting of colors, and Tanya O’Brien, assistant bursar, sang the national anthem. Cadets from the Louis E. Dieruff High School Air Force Junior ROTC then presented a moving POW-MIA Empty Chair Ceremony.

What a Veteran Looks Like

Dr. Carrie Ellis, PT, DPT, OCS, associate professor of physical therapy and an Army veteran, was the featured guest speaker. She noted that she may not look like the typical veteran and spoke to the vast diversity of the military population.

Reflecting on what service means to her, Ellis encouraged veterans to share their stories to inspire others. “Service is using your strengths, talents, and abilities to make a positive difference in the lives of others,” she said.

Remarking that DeSales and the military share the University’s core value of hospitality, she praised DeSales for ceremonies like this one and for accommodations such as special parking, all of which show respect for the veteran community.

Carrying a Soldier’s Story Home

Carl Tyce, M.Ed. ’24, teacher at Pennridge High School, introduced his student Max Meenan, who spoke about his experience as recipient of the 2026 Albert H. Small Institute award. The award funds travel to Washington and Normandy, France, to research the life of Pfc. Donald Eugene Hoffman. Hoffman, a 1934 Quakertown High School graduate, was killed in action during World War II and is buried at Normandy American Cemetery.

Scholarships Announced

Several scholarships were announced during the ceremony:

• DeSales University Veterans Fall 2026 Scholarship: Luis Alvarado (Army veteran, FNP ’29) and Frank Ferreras (Army veteran, BSN ’29), presented by Badman.
• Andrew Budraitis Foundation Veterans Scholarship Award: John Visco (Army veteran, Homeland Security ’27), presented by Alyssa, Brian and Laura Budraitis.
• Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council Veteran Scholarships: Kenney Jordan (Army veteran, Business Finance ’28) and Giovanny Zarete (Army Reserve, Steel Battalion Army ROTC, MACJ ’29), presented by retired Air Force Lt. Col. Alexander Alex, council president.
• Steel Battalion Army ROTC National Scholarship (three-year): Cadet Katherine Gomez, Criminal Justice ’29.
• Folds of Honor Scholarships: Dana Gianinni (Human Resources ’28), Keara McCafferty (Sports Management ’29) and Jacob Moyer (Supply Chain Management ’27).

Seven of the nine recipients are first-generation students.

A Flag for a Gold Star Mother

The Lehigh Valley Sea Cadets performed a flag-folding ceremony. The flag flown over the U.S. Capitol, courtesy of Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Pa., was presented to Carol Resh, Gold Star mother of Army Capt. Mark T. Resh. The ceremony closed with the retiring of the colors by VFW Post 11322.

“Hospitality Is More Than a Warm Welcome”

“Pope Leo XIV reminds us that educational communities guided by Christ build bridges, not walls,” Badman said. “Today, in the spirit of Salesian hospitality, DeSales opens its doors wide. Community partners, veterans service organizations, veterans, and those still serving are here to welcome our veterans home and to thank them and their families for all they have given.”

“In one room we have high school students who carried Pfc. Donald Hoffman’s story home from Normandy, a Gold Star mother whose son will never be forgotten, and first-generation student veterans beginning their next chapter,” Badman continued. “Hospitality is more than a warm welcome. It’s walking with humility alongside our student veterans and their families on their academic, professional, and military journeys. As St. Francis de Sales taught us, we help each of them ‘be who you are and be that well.’”