FORT MYERS – Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) has earned the Purple Star Campus designation, recognizing the college's commitment to supporting veterans, active-duty service members and military-connected students as they transition into higher education.

The announcement comes as FSW recognizes veterans with three campus ceremonies in November, bringing together students, employees and community members to honor those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

“Honoring veterans cannot be something we do once a year; it must be reflected in what we do every day,” said FSW President Jeff Allbritten. “I believe that those who serve our country deserve to be served by us now. I am proud that FSW has a long tradition of excellence when it comes to supporting veterans and military-connected students. This new designation adds to that commitment and reflects the culture of service we work to maintain across our college.”

The Purple Star Campus designation recognizes educational institutions that demonstrate a commitment to creating a supportive environment for military-connected students and their families. FSW met all criteria for the designation, including:

• Providing a dedicated military liaison to assist students and families.
• Maintaining a military webpage with accessible information and resources.
• Offering a student-led transition program to help military-connected students navigate college life.
• Providing professional development for faculty and staff on issues affecting military-connected students.
• Offering priority registration for military students and their families.

The designation adds to a growing list of national and statewide recognitions for FSW's support of the military community. FSW is a Purple Heart Campus and was the first state college in Southwest Florida to receive that designation. The college has also been recognized as a Best for Vets College by Military Times, earned Military Friendly College recognition, including Silver Status, for four consecutive years, and was named a Top Online College for Military Students by Newsweek.

These distinctions reflect the college's efforts to make higher education accessible and welcoming to those who have served, including students balancing family responsibilities, employment and ongoing military obligations.

Veterans Day Ceremony

• FSW is hosting a ceremony at its Lee Campus, Building U, Room U-102 in Fort Myers, on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., to recognize and honor the service and sacrifices of U.S. military veterans. Hosted in partnership with the Southwest Florida Rotary.

For more information about FSW's veteran resources and services, visit www.fsw.edu/veteranservices.