CSI will become New York City's first Purple Heart University on May 1.

The College of Staten Island has announced that on May 1, 2018, President William J. Fritz will proclaim the College of Staten Island as a “Purple Heart University.”

By taking this action, the College of Staten Island pays tribute to New York City’s veterans who were wounded or killed in combat in defense of the United States.

The ceremony, which is open to the public, will begin at 10:30am, on the north side of campus, at our 9/11 Memorial. The event will begin with the New York Navy Reserves presentation of the colors. At 11:00am, President Fritz will present a Proclamation on behalf of the College of Staten Island. William Nazario, Commander of MOPH Region I, will accept the Proclamation on behalf of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and all veterans from the State of New York who were killed or wounded on the battlefield.

CSI has a proud tradition of supporting and honoring our nation’s veterans, active duty military, Guards, Reserves, and their families, and has received national recognition, including a Number 1 in the nation Military Friendly® School designation from Victory Media.

As a result of this Proclamation, members of the College community and the community at large who are Purple Heart recipients will now have a designated parking spot in front of the Building 2A.

Attending the ceremony will be State and City officials, members of the Staten Island Veterans Task Force, and representatives of Staten Island Veteran Service Organizations. Other Purple Heart recipients from throughout the State and the greater New York metropolitan area will also be in attendance.

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 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, they provide 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. Programs of the MOPH include VA Volunteer Service, First Responder Recognition, JROTC Leadership Award, Scholarships, Americanism, Purple Heart Trail and Cities, Welfare, and numerous community service programs, all with the objective of service to veterans and their families.