Honoring Military and First Responders – 9/11
Governors State University (GSU) commemorates the September 11th attacks by remembering the heroic acts of the first responders who risked and gave their lives on that tragic day. This year GSU launched an on-campus message board campaign. The 9/11 Commemoration Boards were available in the Academic Resource Center (ARC) Cove near the Student Success Commons for members of the GSU community to leave encouraging notes. The posters will later be delivered to local first responders.
The campaign was sponsored by GSU’s Center for Student Engagement and Intercultural Programs and the Veterans Resource Center (VRC). Kevin Smith, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, is Director of the Veterans Resource Center which provides award-winning services to hundreds of military-connected families at Governors State University. For nearly a decade, the VRC has been voted “Best of the Best” by U.S. Veterans Magazine as a Top Veteran-Friendly School. 
In speaking of the upcoming 21st anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Smith said:
“The defense and care of our great nation depends upon our willingness to serve, and that service frequently involves great sacrifice. Governors State University is proud to be the home of so many defenders and first responders who serve selflessly. We invite all faculty, staff, and students to take a moment and remember those who gave their life to serve others.” Kevin Smith.