Montgomery Veterans Center to open formally at MSU

Contact: Sammy McDavid

STARKVILLE, Miss.--Dedication ceremonies for the new G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery Center for America's Veterans at Mississippi State will take place Nov. 18 at its south campus location.

The public program, which includes an open house, begins at 10 a.m. at 45 Magruder St. Formerly home to the university's honors program, the one-time faculty residential unit is next door to Hathorn Residence Hall.

The dedication will be among numerous activities preceding MSU's final home football game. The Bulldogs continue Southeastern Conference play when they go against the University of Arkansas Razorbacks at 1:30 p.m. at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field.

The Montgomery Center was conceived earlier this year by MSU President Robert H. "Doc" Foglesong, a retired four-star Air Force general and longtime friend of the late Mississippi congressman and MSU alumnus for whom it is named. Montgomery's extensive work on behalf of service men and women earned the Meridian native an honorary U.S. House of Representatives title of "Mr. Veteran."

A part of the Division of Student Affairs, the center's primary missions include the recruiting of veterans as MSU students, supporting their academic and career goals, and assisting with job placement following graduation.

Andrew S. Rendon, a Starkville native and MSU alumnus, is center director. An Army Reserve captain and Blackhawk helicopter pilot, he is a veteran of the Balkan peacekeeping force.

For more information on the dedication program or the center's missions, telephone 662-325-6719.

For more information about Mississippi State University, see http://www.msstate.edu/.