November 30, 2022 – Marist College is deeply committed to the veteran community and honoring those who served for their service and sacrifice, including those who have not been able to come home. On November 27, Marist College unveiled the “Chair of Honor” inside McCann Arena, a tribute to Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action. 

The single chair serves as a solemn memorial and will remain empty as a permanent reminder of their service and await their return home. It is located near the main entrance of the arena. 

President Kevin Weinman presided over the halftime unveiling ceremony, with local veterans in attendance and Army Air National Guard troops unveiling the chair.

“I am the son of a Vietnam era father who served in the Army and the grandson of a grandfather who served in World War II in the Pacific Theater, so veterans and their service are extremely important to me and will always be,” said Weinman. “It will always be a top priority at Marist College to enroll and hire veterans. Veterans make our learning environment so much more special and so much more vibrant.”

The Chair of Honor unveiling at McCann Arena (Standing, from L-R: President Kevin Weinman, Associate Professor Tommy Zurhellen, Senator Sue Serino, Executive Vice President Geoffrey Brackett). Photo courtesy of Marist College Athletics.

The idea for the Chair of Honor was conceived within Marist’s Cross-Divisional Committee on Veterans Affairs, which meets throughout the year to support veterans’ initiatives across campus.

“It is our privilege to unveil the POW MIA Chair of Honor in McCann Center in support and recognition of our veteran community,” said Geoffrey Brackett, Marist Executive Vice President and Co-Chair of the Cross Divisional Committee on Veterans Affairs. “It is an important recognition of the service of those who fought for our country and have not yet been able to come home.”

“Just in the last 90 years, we've lost over 80,000 people whether to POW or Missing in Action,” said Kim Bodendorf, Marist Associate Director of Physical Plant and U.S. Navy Veteran. “So, for veterans and their loved ones, the chair is a constant vigil to remember those MIA and POWs that have not returned home.”

All veterans received free admission to the game. The first Veterans Appreciation Game took place last year when the men’s basketball team took on Navy at McCann Arena.