Corporal John M. Dawson Memorial Flag Pole
This flagpole, located adjacent to Kathy Zolad Stadium and the German Club, is dedicated in honor of U.S. Army Corporal John M. Dawson (1992-2015), brother of former women's soccer player Ashley Dawson '15.
The inscription on the stone at the base of the flagpole reads:
"Dedicated to the memory of Corporal John M. Dawson, who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of his nation during Operation Enduring Freedom on April 8, 2015, in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. 'Greater love has no one than this, that they lay down their life for their friends.' John 15:13 Gifted by players, families, and friends of New Haven Women’s Soccer."
The flagpole features the American flag year-round, and it has also hosted special-occasion flags during other parts of the year, including a Black Lives Matter flag, LGBTQ+ flag, Hispanic Heritage flag, and more. It is a commonly used space on campus for both formal and informal gatherings, speeches, and outdoor presentations.