Military Presence and Appreciation at Indiana University

Anti-aircraft guns and parts of the USS Indiana, including its mast, are displayed outside Memorial Stadium at Indiana University’s Bloomington campus. These display pieces honor the service of men and women from Indiana who served in the U.S. armed forces.

The connection between campus sports events and the military is evident. Indiana University often acknowledges the military’s importance, not just through tributes at games but also through historical preservation.

Vasiliios Koultourides, an IU senior and National Guard member, highlights the university’s respect for military personnel. He mentions that the military’s presence and importance are a crucial part of campus life.

“IU definitely has an upper echelon of military history, and they do really treat their military personnel with a lot of respect,” Koultourides said.

Indiana University doesn’t only showcase relics; it keeps detailed records of military service. A unique piece of history, the Golden Book, resides in the Memorial Student Union. This book documents the military ties of IU affiliates since 1898, carefully preserved for public viewing.

According to the Indiana University website, the Golden Book includes names of veterans and donors to IU’s Memorial Fund. This fund supported the construction of three campus buildings honoring military service: Memorial Hall, Indiana Memorial Union, and Memorial Stadium.

In 2016, IU digitized the Golden Book, which now includes over 25,000 names. Zainab Diouf, an IU student and National Guard member, finds its uniqueness exceptional and encourages students to see it.

“No other school has that,” said Diouf. “I really encourage if you’re here at IU to go see it.”

Koultourides remembers first seeing the Golden Book during a high school tour, feeling the impact of its historical and personal significance. He appreciated how IU remembers those who have served.

Beyond historical preservation, IU actively supports its military students through the Center for Veterans and Military Students. This center provides assistance with benefits, scholarships, and career resources.

“The Center for Veterans and Military Students is awesome,” Koultourides said.

Throughout campus, military members receive equal importance. Many athletic teams hold “Salute to Service” games annually, involving military students in numerous roles during events. Their presence is celebrated and appreciated, especially during football games where military students engage with the crowd through various activities.

Koultourides feels the gratitude from IU for military students and veterans.

“It’s a really nice experience for all of us to have the opportunity to be part of IU’s athletic culture,” he said.

Military appreciation at Indiana University exemplifies a commitment to respecting service members and integrating them into the community. This reflection on the military presence at a major university raises questions about how other campuses honor their military-connected students.