Cortland plans Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 11

11/05/2020 

Peter Perkins, a U.S. Air Force medical technician from 1976 to 1982 and current vice president of Institutional Advancement at SUNY Cortland, will deliver the university’s virtual keynote address during the annual Veterans Day ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11.

Perkins, who rose to the rank of staff sergeant with the U.S.A.F., will begin at 3 p.m. Those who wish to attend the online gathering can access the ceremony through a link on the Cortland Veterans Day website.

Perkins will speak after a welcome by SUNY Cortland President Erik J. Bitterbaum and several other presenters, including Neve Polius ’17, who will share her recorded singing of the National Anthem; and Andrew Jensen, a Westpoint Military Academy graduate and captain in the U.S. Army from 2004 to 2009, who is the son-in-law of event co-organizer Sue Vleck. Jensen will read “What is a Veteran.”

Perkins encourages students to at least acknowledge and recognize the sacrifices made by those who have served, or who currently serve, the country.

“I think a lot of folks — particularly the younger generations — see this as just a national holiday and a day off,” Perkins said. “Whereas I see it as one to really celebrate the sacrifice that our veterans and their family members have made over the decades of service to their country.”

Since joining the university in 2015, Perkins has brought with him more than 30 years of progressive and broad experience working within SUNY, having previously worked with SUNY Empire State College and SUNY Polytechnic. In his current role, he has oversight responsibility for Alumni Engagement, Marketing, Communications, Development, and Foundation Operations. Perkins also serves as the executive director for the Cortland College Foundation, which currently is engaged in a $25 million capital campaign.

The Air Force veteran’s patriotism is deep-rooted in his family background. Perkins’ father served during World War II, and four of his brothers have been involved with the military.

During the ceremony, Perkins will discuss his experience in the military and assist in the remembrance of our veterans.

“I hope students take a few minutes to reflect on what Veterans Day really means,” Perkins said. “And the fact that men and women have served their country proudly, and have sacrificed a lot to serve and have the honor of serving our country.”

For more information, contact Special Events for the President.

Prepared by Communications Office writing intern Nicholas Boyer