Washburn University
08/07/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/07/2026 10:15
Washburn University Honors Purple Heart Day and the Service Members it Represents
Topeka, Kan. - Washburn University joins Gov. Laura Kelly and fellow Kansans in honoring Purple Heart Day.
"Gov. Kelly's proclamation today that Kansas is a Purple Heart State and that we will observe Purple Heart Day, along with many others, every August 7 stands as a reminder of all the men and women who serve our country and sacrifice for our safety and freedoms," said Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, president, Washburn University. "Washburn honors those service members and their families."
Purple Heart Day is observed annually on Aug. 7th to honor service members who were wounded or killed in combat. It marks the creation of the Badge of Military Merit, America's oldest military decoration, established by Gen. George Washington on Aug. 7, 1782.
Purple Heart University
At Washburn University, recognition and appreciation of military service goes back to the institution's founding in 1865, when admission of Union veterans and their dependents was made a priority. Today, the University is proud to continue to provide resources and support to veteran students who have served our country with honor.
Washburn University was awarded the "Purple Heart University" status on Nov. 9, 2017, becoming the first university in the state of Kansas to receive the designation. A "Purple Heart University" is a special designation awarded by the Military Order of the Purple Heart to colleges and universities that have demonstrated exceptional dedication to supporting military members, veterans and their families.
"Not for Ourselves Alone is Washburn's motto, it is woven into the fabric of the Washburn community," said Dr. Kimberly Chestnut, vice president of student life, Washburn. "Our military community lives that value as well, and that is one of the reasons we are committed to honoring our veterans and helping our veteran students find success on our campuses."
Resources for Former and Active Service Members
In addition to being a Purple Heart University, Washburn also is recognized as a Military-Friendly® School and ranked as the 35th Best College for Veterans among regional universities in the Midwest, according to U.S. News and World Report. On-campus resources for active military and veteran students at Washburn include a Military-Student Success Center, a Military Benefits Specialist, a Washburn Student Military and Veteran Organization and a Veterans Law Clinic.
In addition, Washburn offers flexible programming options, including hybrid and online-only courses, and counselors who are knowledgeable in military benefits. Students wishing to learn more about using their military benefits at Washburn or Washburn Tech can contact Yvette Montgomery, Washburn's senior military benefits specialist, by phone at (785) 670-2329 or by email at [email protected] or visit Washburn.edu/veterans.
To learn more about Washburn University and to apply for free, visit Washburn.edu.
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Founded in 1865, Washburn University is a public institution with more than 8,000 students involved in more than 200 academic programs. Washburn's programs lead to certification, associate, bachelor's, master's degree or doctor of nursing practice and juris doctor degrees. The programs are offered through Washburn's six primary academic units - the College of Arts & Sciences, the School of Applied Studies, the Gregory D. and Ronda K. Brenneman School of Business, the Harmony J. Hines School of Nursing, the School of Law and Washburn Tech.
All programs are offered on either the 160-acre residential campus in the heart of Topeka, Kan., at Washburn Tech's McPherson Campus, Washburn Tech East or Washburn Tech North. Washburn University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association and many of the individual programs have additional accreditations.
For further information, contact:
Joy Bailes
Director of Internal Communications & Brand Management
Office: 785-670-2153
Cell: 785-230-1648
Email: [email protected]
Washburn University published this content on August 07, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 07, 2026 at 16:15 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]