The University of Toledo was one of 37 employers from across the nation honored by the chief of Navy Reserve for exceptional support of America’s Navy Reserve sailors.
During the Chief of Navy Reserve Navy Employer Recognition Event this summer in Norfolk, Va., Dr. Barbara Kopp Miller, dean of University College, accepted a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the University for UT’s dedication and support of employees who serve in the Navy Reserve.
Dr. Barbara Kopp Miller, center, and Navy Reserve Lt. Haraz Ghanbari, on behalf of The University of Toledo, received a Navy Employer Support Certificate of Appreciation from Chief of Navy Reserve Vice Adm. Robin Braun during a ceremony this summer in Norfolk, Va.
“The University of Toledo is committed to making sure all men and women who serve our great nation have everything they need to succeed, and that includes flexibility,” Kopp Miller said.
The June 24 event also was a Navy familiarization day and provided employers an opportunity to see firsthand what reserve sailors do every day. Selected employers are chosen from nominations submitted by their reserve sailor employees.
Throughout the one-day recognition event, Kopp Miller and the other employers had the opportunity to get an up-close and personal look at the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, tour the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan at Naval Station Norfolk, view a static display of aircraft from Naval Air Force Reserve, and witness a demonstration by Reserve SEAL Team 18.
“It was an honor to have this behind-the-scenes look at the Navy,” Kopp Miller said.
“Our hope is that the employers gain a better understanding of what their Navy Reserve sailors are doing when they leave to support Navy missions around the world,” Braun said. “In many cases, their sailors are deploying and leaving their company for a year at a time to mobilize, so today gives them a better picture of the capabilities the Navy brings to our nation, and also the type of support our reserve sailors provide to the Navy.”
Employers invited to this year’s event were nominated by their employees who are also Navy Reserve sailors. Guests included CEOs, company owners and senior executives from small, medium and large companies.
Navy Reserve Lt. Haraz N. Ghanbari, director of military and veteran affairs, nominated the University for the honor.
“Here at UT, service members and veterans are employed in a variety of
positions across our campuses,” Ghanbari said. “Collectively, these
employees bring with them a wealth of knowledge gathered through years of military service, and I am honored to work alongside them.”
