In November 2025, LRCC President Patrick Cate launched a new community partnership initiative. BRAVO—Building Relationships and Veteran Outreach—was created to strengthen LRCC’s connection with New Hampshire’s veteran community through service and shared experiences.
The mission is simple but powerful: celebrate the service of New Hampshire’s veterans while building lasting bonds between LRCC students, faculty, staff, and our local veterans. The program kicked off with volunteer events at the NH Veterans Home in Tilton. Since BRAVO began, LRCC volunteers have participated in a variety of events, each one offering a chance to connect, support, and learn.
- Coffee Hour with Phi Theta Kappa (PTK): Members of LRCC’s PTK honor society spent time with residents during a coffee hour, delivering handwritten thank you cards and donations to mark Veterans Day. Some of our students even learned a new card game! The gratitude shared on both sides was heartwarming for all involved.
- Art Studio Collaboration: LRCC’s student art club brought creativity and companionship to the Veterans Home art studio. Students worked side‑by‑side with residents, helping them paint and express themselves through art. The students returned to campus and immediately asked about helping at future art events.
- Gardening Group Support: LRCC staff joined the Veterans Home gardening group, assisting residents as they planted and watered vegetables. The work was hands‑on, and the shared tasks and stories made it a fun morning.
- Coffee Socials: LRCC faculty and staff have attended coffee socials, offering conversation, connection, and a friendly presence. These informal gatherings are a great way to build relationships.
This month, LRCC volunteers are looking forward to assisting with BINGO, a resident favorite. It’s another opportunity to have fun and engage with our veteran community. And that’s really what BRAVO is all about.
