Drury University Host Veteran’s Day Event

Drury University will hold a public event in honor of Veterans Day on Friday, Nov. 11. It will take place at 11 a.m. in the Trustee Science Center’s Reed Auditorium.

During the ceremony, fourth generation U.S. Army veteran and Director of Academic Affairs Support Services Jeff Riggins, will speak about honoring the roles of military families as they support active duty and veteran family members.

Riggins’ family served in World War I, World War II, the Korea War, the Vietnam War and the Afghanistan War. He grew up on Army bases around the world, including in Europe and Asia, and was the first person in his family to graduate college. 

 “We are honored to continue our annual tradition of celebrating Veterans Day,” said Aaron Jones, interim chief operating officer and executive vice president for university relations and general counsel. “We are especially pleased to have a message from a member of the Drury community who is one in several generations of his family to have served.”

Drury’s tradition of serving those who have served our country dates back to the days following WWII, when buses brought soldiers from Fort Leonard Wood to classes held on the Springfield campus. The commitment continues today through Drury’s dedication to serving active and retired military personnel across all degree programs and branch locations – including a location on the Fort Leonard Wood base. Drury supports federal initiatives that help veterans and active-duty service members apply for, pay for and complete their degrees and has designated staff to help coordinate these services.