Seminole State named a premier “Purple Heart Institution”

Photo: (L-R) Seminole State Board of Trustees Vice-Chair Alex Setzer, Trustee Daniel O'Keefe, Vice Commander of the Military Order of The Purple Heart Chapter 400 Ernie Rivera Sr., Barry Pickett from the Military Order of The Purple Heart Chapter 400, Trustee Amy Lockhart,Trustee Tina Calderone, and service dog Xander.  

Seminole State College has been designated as a premier “Purple Heart Institution” by the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) in recognition of the College’s support of military members, including veterans and their families.

The Purple Heart was created in 1782 by General George Washington and is the nation’s oldest military honor award. It is awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces who are wounded or killed in combat.

“Being a graduate of Seminole State College, it is truly an honor for me be to be able to recognize the College and everything they did for me when I was a student,” said Ernie Rivera Sr., vice commander of the Military Order of The Purple Heart Chapter 400.

“Being named a ‘Purple Heart College’ is a true honor for Seminole State College,” said Seminole State President Dr. Georgia Lorenz. “We are so proud of the many veterans we have among both our students and employees. It is important to us to give back to our veterans for their service to our country.” 

For the fifth year, Seminole State has been named a Military Friendly School in recognition of the College's strong commitment to the success of not only veterans who attend Seminole State but also their spouses and children who take classes on our campuses. Over the past five years, Seminole State has awarded credentials to 16 active duty military students, 628 veterans, 82 students who serve in the reserve forces, and 215 spouses and children of veterans.