President James Smith's statement on the passing of war hero and EMU alumnus Charles Kettles

To interested media:

Below is a statement from Eastern Michigan University president James Smith on the passing of war hero and EMU alumnus Charles Kettles:

"We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Lt. Col. Charles Kettles, and will always remain so grateful for his profound contributions to our country as well as his deep history with Eastern Michigan University. Lt. Col. Kettles' actions in Vietnam were exceptional in terms of his bravery, his focus and his sense of duty. He stands as an inspiration to all of us, for his valor as well as his deep humility over what seemed to him the natural thing to do for his comrades.

“The University treasures its connections to Lt. Col. Kettles, which include his tenure in the College of Technology, the naming of our Military and Veterans Service Center in his honor and awarding him an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree in 2016, which I had the privilege of personally presenting to him in his home."

 

 

January 22, 2019

Written by:
Official Statements

Media Contact:
Geoff Larcom
glarcom@emich.edu
734-487-4400