The sixth annual Veteran Graduation/Salute Banquet was on May 21 in the SURC Ballroom. The event recognized student veterans that are graduating this year or have graduated within the past academic school year. The event also inducted the newest class of veteran honors society members for their service, academics, leadership, unity, tribute and excellence (SALUTE).

To qualify for the SALUTE award, student veterans must be an undergraduate or graduate student, a full time student at CWU and have a minimum gpa of 3.0 or higher throughout their academics. SALUTE is a national award and is the first honors society award designed for veterans or active duty personnel that recognizes academic excellence.

“CWU was the first university in the pacific northwest to have a chapter of SALUTE, so we’re very proud of that,” Associate Professor of Psychology Ralf Greenwald said.

The graduating veterans are a combination of students who have served a period in active duty, national guard or reserves prior to attending CWU. The veterans were treated with free food, drinks and desert while guest speaker and President James L. Gaudino shared his experiences while he was in the Air Force.

“Having been through the [military] experience and having to transition from the military to civilian life, it can be pretty challenging.” Greenwald said. “CWU is a great place for veterans.”

The graduating veterans that were in attendance all received a veteran alumni coin and veteran book presented by Gaudino and Provost Katherine Frank. James Robertson, Christine Roening, Clifton Taylor and Jordan Murphy were the four SALUTE inductees this year.

“The fact that we can do this for our students is important,” CWU Veterans Center Director Ruben Cardenas said. “The idea resonates with me because it’s so close to me being an Army vet. It has a special place in my heart.”