Olympic gold medalist and bestselling author Scott Hamilton will deliver the keynote address for the sixth annual Middle Tennessee State University Veteran Impact Celebration.

The fundraiser benefiting MTSU’s Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center will be held in the Student Union Ballroom starting at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25. 

Open to the public, tickets remain available for the event. They are $250 per person, with tickets discounted to $100 for veterans, service members and their families. To buy tickets, which are limited, go online to www.mtsu.edu/veteranimpact.

The event features a three-course plated dinner, live and silent auctions and national anthem performed by country entertainer Rachel Lipsky. Speakers will include Keith M. Huber, MTSU senior adviser for veterans and leadership initiatives and a retired U.S. Army lieutenant general. MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee also plans to attend.

Hamilton, who lives in Nashville, Tennessee, is the most recognized figure skating star in the world. He has 70 titles and awards, including an Emmy Award nomination, induction into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame and a privileged member of the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame.

A cancer survivor, Hamilton launched the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation (Cancer Alliance for Research, Education and Survivorship). He is founder of the Scott Hamilton Skating Academy at the Ford Ice Centers in Antioch and Bellevue, Tennessee.

“Our Veteran Impact Celebration is an evening of recognition and appreciation,” Huber said. “Our attending veterans and their families will recognize the invaluable and impressive support of our community during their transition challenges.  

“Our community and business leaders will recognize the significant positive impact of Veterans joining their organizations. 

“For me personally I remain ever thankful for the unparalleled support provided by MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee as we serve veterans and their families worldwide without any required affiliation with MTSU. If you have a question or have a need for assistance, we will help you.”

WSMV News 4 morning anchor and MTSU alumna Holly Thompson will be master of ceremonies.

The Veteran Impact Celebration’s title sponsor is Nashville-based Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electrical. 

USAA is thegeneral’s sponsor. Censis Technologies Inc., The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project, CoreCivic Foundation, Delta Dental of Tennessee and the Nashville Predators are diamond sponsors. 

Daniels, who died in July 2020, was a staunch supporter of the military and gave his time and talent to numerous charitable organizations, including The Journey Home Project, he founded in 2014 with his manager, David Corlew, to help U.S. veterans.

About the Daniels Center

The Daniels Center is one of the largest and is the most comprehensive veterans center on any Tennessee higher education campus. It enables the campus’ 1,200-plus military-connected student population to have a one-stop shop to meet a variety of academic and social needs.

The 3,200-square-foot center is located in the Keathley University Center, in the heart of the MTSU campus. The center is a place for MTSU’s student veterans to study, gather and receive help from fellow veterans, who will serve as peer advisers and sponsors. The Transition Home Center assists any veteran, service member, or military-connected family member — in making the transition from military service to the civilian world. 

 For more information, call 615-904-8347 or visit https://www.mtsu.edu/military/index.php.

— Randy Weiler (Randy.Weiler@mtsu.edu)