On Dec. 5 at 3:30 p.m., the arts and humanities department and the Bellevue College Association of Veterans, will be unveiling the brand new veterans’ memorial statue. The statue, designed by BC instructor Ross Brown, will be located directly in front of the Library and Media Center.
Aaron Malec, president of BCAV, is more than ready to have something for veterans to be present on the BC campus.
“Most of the veteran students don’t know that there is support for them out there. Most of them don’t hang out on campus, so something that catches their attention to let them know that there’s support here is important,” said Malec.
With the statue being located right in front of the library, it’ll be something that most students see every day.
“It’s going to be very visible. There are a lot of spots for people to sit and do their homework or just to hang out during classes and they’ll have this monument to look at instead of just staring into blank space. Who knows, maybe it’ll get a message across to somebody, someday,” said Malec.
The other options for the location of the statue were mostly on the outskirts of campus or on the side of the parking garage. In front of the library was the best location in terms of visibility and the possible impact it will have on students.
“It’s a good spot. It’s near a location on campus where it is guaranteed to have students nearby and assures that students will come across it,” said Jeffrey Nguyen, BC student.
“Veterans are a huge factor of our history and a huge part of why we have the rights we do today. Showing our thanks through something small like a statue should be encouraged,” said Nguyen.
As far as getting involved with any of the veterans’ projects or volunteering with veterans, Malec said that the best way to do so is to most importantly, get in touch with veterans and to make sure that veterans are interacting with the veteran community. In addition to reading the BC Veteran’s Newsletter will always have opportunities for students to take part in.
For those who are interested in getting more involved with BCAV, they are going to be hiring all new staff at the beginning of winter quarter. The best way to ensure that you have a shot is to talk to any one of the officers in C212. If you plan on attending the unveiling of the new veteran’s memorial statue, RSVP to Lisa Corcoran at lisa.corcoran@bellevuecollege.edu.