State Senate-elecect David Knezek.

DEARBORN — The University of Michigan- Dearborn and the Student Veterans Association (SVA) hosted a scholarship dinner on the eve of Veterans Day, Nov. 10, in honor of the veterans who continue to serve the community. 

Scholarships will be awarded to student veterans and proceeds from the dinner will help pay for the scholarship.

The event started off with a short speech by SVA President Brian Stone, who served as master of ceremonies for the event. He said the dinner was the first student veterans’ scholarship dinner at the UM-D campus. 

He also said the SVA has advocated for change on campus. In 2013, UM-D changed its residency policy, allowing all veterans to receive in-state tuition rates. 

“We need our veterans to speak up,” Stone said in his speech before introducing State Rep. David Knezek, the keynote speaker. 

Knezek, a Democrat who represents the 11th district in Dearborn Heights, was elected to the state senate last week. The UM-D graduate and Iraq War veteran thanked the SVA and UM-D for their advocacy to the veterans of the community. He said in his speech that one of the greatest challenges in Michigan is addressing the needs of veterans. 

Knezek stressed the importance that veterans should receive the same protections as everyone else and should be valued in the community. “Making that healthy transition home and getting them a job helps veterans not become a statistic,” he said.

Knezek also mentioned the importance of mental health and said it is an obstacle for veterans to receive services they earned after their service to their country. 

“We’re doing everything we can to make sure veterans are getting access to health care, specifically the mental health care they need,” he said, to a round of applause. 

“We value their service and we’re willing to do anything in our power to make them feel welcome here in Michigan,” Knezek added. 

Knezek ended by saying that he is impressed and thankful for UM-D and its inclusion for everyone, especially veterans. He mentioned how important it is to find the best possible way to get involved on campus and in the community. 

Other dignitaries in attendance included U.S. Representative-elect Debbie Dingell and State Rep. George Darany.