KANSAS CITY, Mo. (January 17, 2019) – Grantham University, an online university based in Lenexa, Kansas, has been designated a Purple Heart University for its demonstrated commitment to the military veteran community, especially those wounded in battle. The award will be presented Jan. 29 by Walter Schley, Commander of the Purple Heart Chapter 115 of Greater Kansas City, at a Grantham-sponsored veteran transition and job fair at Overland Park Convention Center.

“We are honored to be designated a Purple Heart University,” said Anthony Petroy, D.M., Grantham University Provost and Interim President. “Since our founding in 1951, we have proudly served the unique needs of the military.The Purple Heart award is a special recognition of this focus, which is stronger than ever.

With already one of the lowest tuition rates in the nation, Grantham offers the military an even lower tuition and waives all textbook and technical fees for military, first responders, civil servants and their families. Additionally, Grantham is already approved for military education benefits, awards credit for military training, and offers the Commander Everett Alvarez Resilience Scholarship to help bridge the gap between when military tuition assistance (TA) benefits are depleted and replenished again.

With about half of its student base being military-affiliated, Grantham is ranked sixth on the Military Times’ Best for Vets list and has consistently been distinguished as a top Military Friendly University for more than 10 years.

“The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) is honored and proud to recognize Grantham University as a Purple Heart University,” said Walt Schley, Commander, Chapter 115, Military Order of the Purple Heart. “We found the support for veterans at Grantham University is immense and sincere. They pride themselves on being a military-friendly university. The MOPH recognition of Grantham University is a testament to their work to create and maintain a university that is supportive and accessible for all military members, both during and after they serve.”

The Purple Heart is the nation’s oldest military award, introduced as the “Badge of Military Merit” by Gen. George Washington in 1782. It is one of the most respected medals that U.S. military members can receive.

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About Grantham University and its military programs

Grantham University was founded in 1951 by Donald Grantham, a World War II veteran with a vision to make education achievable for military service members and veterans. Today, Grantham’s commitment to providing affordable, accessible higher education has evolved into a culture of service that extends to all adult learners. The university proudly helps students achieve their dreams through quality education that is enabled by a unique approach to comprehensive student support, one of the lowest tuitions in the country, and continual advancement in line with changing technologies.

Accredited since 1961 by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), Grantham University has earned a distinguished record as a respected distance learning university. The 100 percent online university offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate certificates and degree programs.

About Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. Inc. (MOPH)

The organization now known as the “Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. Inc.,” (MOPH) was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all combat wounded veterans and active duty men and women who have received the decoration. Chartered by the U.S. Congress, The MOPH is unique among veteran service organizations in that all its members were wounded in combat. For this sacrifice, they were awarded the Purple Heart Medal. With grants from the MOPH Service Foundation, the MOPH and its Ladies Auxiliary promote patriotism, fraternalism and the preservation of America’s military history. Most importantly, through veteran service, it provides comfort and assistance to all veterans and their families, especially those requiring claims assistance with the VA, those who are homeless and those requiring employment assistance.

Event Schedule:

10:35 a.m.                    Colors Posted by Sons of the American Revolution (SAR)

10:45 a.m.:                   Grantham University awarded Purple Heart University Award

Award to be presented by Walter Schley of The Purple Heart Chapter 115 of Greater Kansas City. Award to be accepted by Anthony Petroy, D.M., Grantham University Provost and Interim President

11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.:    Job Fair

11:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m.: Transition Expert Panel

1SG (Ret) Donnie Hash, Recruiter with Northrop Grumman
CSM (Ret) Mike Zaring, Realtor with Keller Williams Realty
CPT (Vet) Jounita Meekins, Cerner OR COL (Ret) Brad Hilton, Amazon
Chris Morrow, former Navy, former Mayor of Gardner, KS - currently a Realtor

12:30 p.m.-1:00 p.m.:    Human Resources Expert Panel

-Ursula McCarthy, US Chamber of Commerce (Hiring our Heroes, Ft. Leavenworth)

-Andy Traub, Director, Allied InclusionWorks

-Pending Confirmation by Matt Maciel

-Pending Confirmation by Matt Maciel

3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.:  Networking Reception

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MEDIA CONTACT
Liz Istas
913-309-4311
listas@grantham.edu