Highlands College Honors Veterans at Annual Celebration

Birmingham, Alabama, Nov. 12, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Highlands College, a private biblical higher education institution founded in 2011, honored veterans and military families at its fourth annual Veterans Day Celebration on Wednesday. The event drew 1,120 attendees, who participated in military honors, student-led musical performances, and a keynote address from U.S. Army Col. Edward Graham.

Col. Graham, a West Point graduate and a 16-year U.S. Army veteran, shared his insights with the gathered veterans and students. As the chief operating officer of Samaritan’s Purse, Graham emphasized the importance of veterans not resting on their past accomplishments but looking forward to what God can still do through their lives. He encouraged veterans to step beyond their comfort zones and continue using the training, discipline, and experience gained through military service.

Graham’s message resonated with both veterans and students. He praised the way Highlands College students welcomed and interacted with veterans, urging them to act on the education and formation they were receiving. “I hope you came to change the world.”

The celebration also included recognition of veterans representing all six branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. During the service anthems, Highlands College students presented veterans with commemorative challenge coins. Students also shared breakfast with veterans and led campus tours, giving them opportunities to hear veterans’ stories and personally thank them for their service.

Benton Nissan, the sponsor of the Veterans Day Celebration for the fourth consecutive year, awarded a truck to Alabama Army veteran Travis Reynolds. Reynolds, who has dedicated his post-military service to helping fellow veterans facing mental health challenges, launched a nonprofit in spring 2026 to provide long-term support and build a community of veterans who care for one another.

Highlands College Chancellor Chris Hodges said honoring veterans reflects the culture the college seeks to cultivate in its students.

The fifth annual Veterans Day Celebration is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 11, 2027. Benton Nissan will return as event sponsor for a fifth consecutive year. Highlands College, with connections to more than 15,000 churches and ministries worldwide, continues to develop ministry leaders of competence, character, and spiritual maturity, holistically trained to expand the Kingdom of God. Students earn an accredited bachelor’s degree while specializing in one of eight ministry concentrations and completing more than 800 hours of real-world training. With graduates leading in ministries in 23 countries, 37 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, Highlands College remains committed to making an eternal impact.