(Left) Greg McLean, the GPC Jazz Ensemble and the college’s own “Andrews Sisters” entertain at the USO-style dance. (Right) At a symposium, WWII Marine Sgt. W.H. Sperry, 91, talks to GPC student Noah Hagerman, who recently served in the U.S. Marines. (Photos by Bill Roa)

Veterans Day took a toe-tapping twist at Georgia Perimeter College, as the college honored World War II veterans with a special USO-style dance and benefit.

The veterans were among 250 people who attended the Stage Door Canteen Dinner & Dance at GPC’s Clarkston Campus Nov. 11. They, along with faculty, staff, students and community members, danced—or relaxed—to the Big Band sounds of Greg McLean and the GPC Jazz Ensemble. The crowd also was treated to GPC’s own “Andrews Sisters”—professors Dr. Maggie Ehrlich, Susan McEwen and Sally Robertson—as well as messages and testimonials of featured speakers and GPC student veterans.

The evening, along with symposia throughout the week, celebrated the contributions of World War II veterans and brought attention to GPC’s Military Outreach Initiative. GPC serves more veterans and their dependents than any other University System of Georgia institution.

The event’s sponsor, the Merrill Lynch CRS Group, welcomed the opportunity to honor veterans’ service, said Tom Singh, resident director of the group. Kelli Rogan of Merrill Lynch recalled her own father’s service in Vietnam and spoke about GPC’s efforts to support students when they return from active duty.

“We have seen the great work Georgia Perimeter College is doing with its Military Outreach Initiative. This initiative has really helped our troops, and we wanted to support that cause to pay tribute to their service for our country,” Rogan says.

Also represented was Delta Air Lines, which received a special award for its continued support of veterans.

“We do a great job of celebrating our troops when they are away, but we know it’s important that we do more when they come home,” says Tracey Knight, GPC’s director of strategic partnerships and access programs. “This benefit was an opportunity for us to really show our support.”

To view more photos, please see the GPC Military Outreach slideshow.

Please click here to see a video of this event.

For more information, please visit the GPC Foundation website.