In what has become an annual tradition, Lisa Lewis Dubois, Chancellor Philip L. Dubois’ wife, is again honoring female veterans, as well as the family of veterans. She will host the Women in Military luncheon on April 27 at Bissell House, the chancellor’s residence.
UNC Charlotte certainly has strong veteran roots. Originally known as “Charlotte Center,” the institution was founded to serve veterans returning from World War II. In 1946, the center opened for 278 students, many utilizing the GI Bill.
UNC Charlotte has continued to recognize and aid the veteran population through the Office of Veteran Services, the Academy for Veteran and Military Health and the annual Veteran’s Health Conference. UNC Charlotte’s Graduate School also offers veteran assistantships that cover tutition and health insurance and provide a $12,000 stipend for student veterans pursuing master’s degrees.
But Mrs. Dubois was looking for more – she wanted to not only honor and thank women who have served but also women in families with a service member. “I have tremendous respect and gratitude for our veterans and a deep empathy for the sacrifices that they and their families make,” she said. Dubois wanted to allow these women to connect with each other and share their experiences. Thus, the Women in Military Luncheon was born.
(From left to right, College of Health and Human Services dean Nan Fey-Yensan, Lisa Lewis Dubois and Christine Elnitsky from the Academy of Veteran and Military Health)
This year’s luncheon is open to all female veterans, as well as women with a family member who has served or is currently serving. Dr. Christine Elnitsky, director of UNC Charlotte’s Academy for Veteran and Military Health, will be the keynote speaker. If you would like to attend or have questions, please email Stefanie McKenzie, or call (704) 687.5494.