VETERANS DAY CEREMONY 2024
On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, the American International College (AIC) community gathered in the Campus Center Auditorium, located in the upper level of the Schwartz Campus Center, to honor the bravery and sacrifices of those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
AIC’s Veterans Day Ceremony, a time-honored tradition sponsored by the Alumni Veterans Committee, brought together alumni, students, faculty, and staff in a moving tribute that spanned more than fifty years of alumni representation.
The program began with a solemn and symbolic presentation of the Missing Man Table by the Veterans Alumni Committee, honoring those who could not be present. Interim President Nicole Cestero then recognized Outstanding Veteran Alumna Colonel (Ret.) Beth Dion ’93 for her remarkable service and contributions. During her remarks, Colonel Dion reflected on the deep and often unseen sacrifices made by those in service, sharing:
“After my first deployment, holding the hands of those fallen when their parents could not be there as a nurse, was what was so rewarding and making sure their loved ones were always taken care of. We gave a lot — and you cannot see it all — so the wounds could be deep and people should appreciate that because freedom was not free.”
The ceremony also celebrated student veteran achievements with the presentation of the Admiral Hines Pin, a prestigious honor awarded to senior veteran Lantaben Williams ’25 for their dedication and excellence.
A highlight of the program was the powerful recitation of It Is the Soldier by Douglas Mattson ’70, which resonated deeply with all in attendance. The ceremony concluded with a wreath presentation and the playing of Taps, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by so many in service to our nation.
AIC was honored to welcome Senior Airman (SrA) Adriana Nastasha Tavarez as the keynote speaker for the Veterans Day Ceremony. In a deeply inspiring speech, SrA Tavarez shared her remarkable journey of enlisting in the Air Force just two days before her 40th birthday—a testament to the belief that it’s never too late to answer the call to serve.
Drawing on her unique experiences, SrA Tavarez delivered three powerful lessons:
- Age is No Barrier to Dreams – She reminded attendees that age should never limit ambition, emphasizing that life’s potential for impact is boundless, regardless of when a journey begins.
- Every Experience Shapes Leadership – SrA Tavarez highlighted how her diverse life experiences have shaped her leadership style, encouraging the audience to value their own unique paths as critical building blocks for future leadership.
- Service Transcends Generations – She underscored that service extends beyond military duty, urging everyone to find ways to serve their communities and leave a lasting legacy.
Her heartfelt words resonated with the audience, inspiring them to pursue their dreams with courage, embrace life’s lessons as a foundation for leadership, and commit to service in all its forms.
AIC is grateful to SrA Tavarez for sharing her journey and for exemplifying the enduring spirit of service.
AIC extends heartfelt gratitude to all veterans, past and present, for their selfless service to our country. This ceremony serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of our nation’s heroes and the college’s commitment to honoring their sacrifices.
Are You Interested in Joining the AIC Veterans Alumni Committee?
The AIC Veterans Alumni Committee is looking to expand its membership! Our mission is to honor, support, and recognize AIC students who have returned from deployment or been on active military duty.
We meet monthly on Zoom to engage our alumni who are near and far!
Each year, the committee sponsors an annual Veterans Day Ceremony with a moment of recognition for graduating student veterans, supports the campus Veterans Resource Center, and advances other initiatives aligned with our mission.
To learn more, please email the Alumni Office at alumni@aic.edu.