VIDEO: President Armacost welcomes Tony Drees back to UND

November 9, 2023

Published in: Affinity, armacost, Equity, president

Drees, a U.S. Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient, returned to Grand Forks for Veterans Day presentation

President Andrew Armacost is joined by U.S. Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient Tony Drees for the president’s latest video address to campus.

Drees, who grew up in Grand Forks and attended UND for a time, was in Grand Forks for a Wednesday evening speaking engagement on campus in recognition of Veterans Day.

Armacost asks Drees about his youth in Grand Forks, his military service and how he moved to a life of inspiration and education as a motivational speaker and adaptive athlete.

Drees shares how his mantra, “No Lies, No Excuses, Never Quit,” – also the title of his presentation – lines up with much of the UND LEADS Strategic Plan.

Drees also talks about being welcomed at UND’s Armory, where the University’s ROTC units are located, and how education is an important piece in creating a well-rounded, military-affiliated community.

For more information on Drees’ background and journey, visit his website.

Armacost closes by inviting the campus community to the University’s Veterans Day Ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Gorecki Alumni Center. The event is free and open to the public.