UDALLAS MEDIA ADVISORY: University of Dallas Plans Second Annual Veterans Ceremony

University Honors Veterans and Their Canine Buddies

Irving, TX (11/06/2017) — Honor the heroism of those who fought to protect our freedom on Friday, Nov. 10, 2017, as the University of Dallas community gathers to commend its veterans and their canine companions.

WHO: University of Dallas Veterans

WHAT: Second Annual University Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony: "Honoring Our Veterans and Their Canine Buddies"

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 10, 2017, starting at 11 a.m.

WHERE: 1845 E. Northgate Dr., Irving, Texas (in front of the Patrick E. Haggerty Science Building)

HIGHLIGHTS: Retired Army Sgt. Charles Steadman, director of Campus Safety, will serve as master of ceremonies, and University Trustee Terry O'Halloran, MBA '83, retired U.S. Marine, will deliver the welcoming address. Additionally, student cadets, part of the university's Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), will present the colors for their first time during the ceremony.

Baseball Hall of Famer Gary Morris, BA '63, retired lieutenant colonel of the U.S. Marine Corps, will give a brief two-minute speech before the closing prayer, at which point he will present the university with a large eagle-head print from a painting he created after Sept. 11, 2001, for then-President George W. Bush. "I went from a very good life to a very tough life, which made me appreciate much more in life than if I hadn't experienced the Vietnam War," said Morris. "How wonderful it is to come back to my alma mater wearing my Marine blues."

PatriotPAWS service canines will also be present during the event. Guest speakers include LaShawnda Boykin, retired master sergeant of the U.S. Air Force, and Bob Hannah, retired lieutenant colonel of the U.S. Army.

Veterans will be available to speak with members of the media. Arrangements may be made in advance by contacting the University of Dallas Marketing & Communications Department at 972-521-5143 or aclaycomb@udallas.edu.

The University of Dallas, located in a metropolitan area of nearly 7 million people, is a leading Catholic university widely recognized for academic excellence by well-known publications, organizations and accrediting bodies. It offers distinctive undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs in the liberal arts, business and ministry that are characterized by an exceptional faculty, a commitment to shaping principled leaders and academic rigor in the Catholic intellectual tradition. For more information, visit www.udallas.edu.