#uncobears

Well, the student Bears at UNCO do!

One of the best things about Fall is the abundance of pumpkins. With Halloween almost here, it’s safe to assume you will be carving pumpkins with your friends soon. Be sure to save the pumpkin seeds – don’t throw them away. They are easy to roast and make a great snack!

There are so many recipes online for roasting your own pumpkin seeds, so just search and find one you like. 

Yes, you’ll need to get your hands dirty for this task – be sure to clean off most of the strings and pulp from your seeds before roasting them.

 Helpful Tip: Using a colander seems to be one of the easiest methods to clean the seeds.

If you have enough pumpkin seeds, you could try making several different flavors. If you just want a classic roasted pumpkin seed, you could just go with salt and your favorite oil. But if you want to try something different, you could try one of these flavor combinations:

Interesting Ideas: 

sea salt, garlic salt, seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, Cajun seasoning, Greek seasoning, ground fennel seeds, red chile flakes, honey, maple syrup, ginger

 Sweet: cinnamon, sugar (don’t use any –or much– salt when you toss them with the oil)

Indian: garam masala; mix with currants after roasting for an extra special treat

Spanish: smoked paprika; mix with slivered almonds after roasting

Italian: grated parmesan and dried oregano

BBQ: brown sugar, chipotle chile powder, and ground cumin

Regardless of what flavor combination you choose, you will be happy to know that pumpkin seeds are pretty good for you. These little seeds are low in calories, high in fiber and protein, and are packed full of vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Zinc, and Magnesium.

Last week, UNC hosted the first annual Veterans Week on the main campus. IT could not have been more successful and many were made aware of our military and veterans on campus. However, it could not have been accomplished without the long hours sacrificed by our staff and volunteers. For that we send out a huge Bravo Zulu.

I knew that UNC was a supportive campus for our military members. Yet, I did not know how supportive. I was astounded by the number of faculty and staff that came out braving the sub-freezing temperatures to attend numerous events, like the Vet Zone training and even the Military Challenge (an obstacle 1.5 mile obstacle course created to mimic bootcamp). On behalf of our military and veteran population on campus I want to extend a huge Thank You.

For those who missed out, don't worry. This will be an annual affair. You will get your chance! 

However, occasionally we do get recognition for our dedication and excellence. It may be through a Navy Achievement Medal or a Bronze Star. Whatever the award, it is usually when we go "above and beyond the call of duty." That is why I am proud to brag on the student veterans and staff that work here at UNC's Veterans Services.

The University of Northern Colorado has just been awarded the 2015 Military Friendly® School designation. "The Military Friendly® Schools designation is awarded to the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace military students, and to dedicate resources to ensure their success in the classroom and after graduation." - Military Friendly®

This is an honor to receive, because it really showcases the effort of those who work diligently to serve our military student population at UNC. Over the past year, our veteran student employees at Veterans Services have created and implemented numerous programs dedicated to assisting our military and veteran students. And they continue to bring new ideas to the table.

So, when you are in the neighborhood, please stop by and congratulate the students who are working in Roudebush Cottage. They are the backbone of Veterans Services. Without them, this award would not be possible. 

Ever since the Principles of Excellence came out four years ago, higher education institutions have been working towards being more welcoming to military students. The University of Northern Colorado, in its foresight, created the Veterans Services office three years earlier, in 2009, specifically to meet the needs of this student population. 

Much has changed since the inception of Veterans Services here on campus. UNC Veterans Services has increased its military/veteran student population and offers many programs to support them while here on campus. The leadership of UNC consistently shows their support for the military/veteran students on campus by adopting new programs and initiatives to help these students not just survive, but strive in their pursuit of a degree. 

That is why I am excited to announce that UNC has created military/veteran housing and dining options that will not exceed the 2014-15 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Along with this initiative, UNC has also dedicated Decker Hall to be a military/veteran student learning community. This will allow military/veteran students to be around like minded students, yet still integrate into the greater student population to grow and gain knowledge while earning their degree. 

Memorial Day tends to be a bittersweet weekend for some. Granted, it is often the gateway to summer including BBQ, pool parties, boats on the lake, or working in your very own backyard. 

However, it also serves as another entry point. This weekend can be a time to reflect on what many men and women gave for the freedom that we enjoy and do so by celebrating by the pool, lake, or backyard.

This Memorial Day, I ask that you enjoy yourself. Have fun with your family and friends. Get that first sunburn of the season and soak up that extra day off of work.

I also ask that you take a moment to remember those brave souls that gave their life for ours. Attend a local memorial ceremony. Bring the kids. Teach them to look into the eyes of the WWII and Vietnam veterans and thank them for their service with a handshake and a smile. Start a conversation with an Iraqi/Afghanistan War veteran or active duty service member. Let them know that they are not alone. I promise you, they will appreciate it.

 If you would like more information on Memorial Day or its history, check out this Time Magazine article from 2009. Pretty cool stuff. That is all. Carry On!

Tis the season... for graduation. Campuses around the country will be holding their ceremonies, ushering a mass of young professionals into the workforce. Many of these graduates will be walking across that stage with regalia from honors societies and official student organizations. These ceremonial pieces are more than just bragging rights, they prove that they belong to a select group of individuals. For UNC, our Veteran and military students are no exception.

I enjoy, nay, love the honor of issuing out our Veteran stoles to our Veteran and military students. This is my chance to take part in their story and meet them face to face and to have the privilege of listening to their journey of triumphs and heartaches, successes and failures. This is the time that I get to honor their achievements and observe their own realization that they are not done. They still have greatness within themselves. This is what makes my job worth every ounce of blood, sweat, and tear. 

So, as you are sitting there this graduation season on those comfortable bleachers and folding chairs, I ask you to keep an eye out and cheer for all of the students wearing their awards. Even if they are not your student, give them some recognition. They deserve it. However, when you catch a glimpse of that student walking across with a United States Veteran stole around their neck, I request that you please stand up and cheer like your life depended on it, for they may have offered their life for yours. Thank you.