Warren Mulston, a 101-year-old World War II combat veteran who undertook 52 missions as a radar navigator with the Ninth Air Force, was awarded an honorary doctorate at the university’s 23rd annual Veterans Day Celebration.

While serving, Mulston earned numerous commendations, including the Distinguished Unit Citation and the European-African Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon with five Bronze Stars.

Honored, as well, were the 120 veteran students enrolled in the university. At this year’s ceremony, the school honored nine veterans, with Mulston getting special attention.

After spending two and a half years at the City College of New York, Mulston enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps; the aerial warfare service component of the U.S. Army from 1926 to 1941. He served there for 16 years. Along with this and the start of his family halted his plans of getting a doctorate that he had since his time in Bethany College before having received his MS and BS in Microbiology and Biochemistry from UCONN.
“Seventy-two years later, you all took the plans off the shelf, and made my dream a reality,” said Mulston as he addressed the university’s leadership. “I am truly honored, grateful, ecstatic, and a lot of other emotions, and I thank you all for all of this, thank you.”

The school’s Military and Veteran’s Affairs (VA) office was first made aware of Mulston after Taritha Middleton, of the registrar’s office, connected Ryan Noonan, manager of Military and Veteran’s Affairs, a week before Mulston’s 101st birthday in August. Noonan and VA work study student Vinny Franco decided to put together a gift for Mulston, and when collecting signatures for a birthday card, others got excited about the gesture.

After celebrating the occasion with Mulston and friends at Orange Ale House & Grille, Noonan and his colleagues came up with the idea of getting Mulston an honorary degree.

“Somewhere along the way my colleagues and I had wondered if an honorary degree was possible and so I submitted a formal nomination to the Board of Governors and the rest is history,” said Noonan.

On Oct. 10, President Jens Frederiksen sent Mulston the letter notifying him that he would be receiving an honorary doctorate from the university: “On behalf of the Board of Governors and the entire University community, it is my distinct pleasure to congratulate you on being selected to receive an honorary doctorate from the University of New Haven,” Frederiksen said.

In the same letter, Frederiksen praised Mulston’s continued legacy in his community, “Your philanthropic efforts, particularly your support for the Scleroderma Research Foundation and other institutions, showcase your generous spirit and dedication to bettering the world around you. The legacy you continue to build is one of kindness, service, and inspiration.”

The ceremony was also used to provide nine veterans, including Mulston, with the Connecticut Wartime Service Medal. Those honored were:
-Warren Mulston, U.S. Army
-Kevin Borchert, U.S. Marine Corps
-Dennis Brown, U.S. Navy
-Adam Dusfresne, U.S. Army
-Vincent Franco, U.S. Marine Corps
-Samuel Guttman, U.S. Marine Corps
-Kevin Hago, U.S. Navy
-Nicole Hernandez, U.S. Marine Corps
-Christopher Rynich, U.S. Air Force