Showcasing unwavering support and gratitude, Marymount University hosted its annual Veterans Day Luncheon on Thursday and drew together students, faculty, staff and distinguished guests to honor those who have worn the uniform in the U.S. Armed Forces.
The yearly event highlights the institution’s dedication to supporting its military-affiliated students, who bring invaluable perspectives to campus and embody the University’s values of service, respect and integrity.
“At Marymount, we strive to meet the unique needs of our military-affiliated students through our Military and Veteran Services, offering personalized support – from financial assistance with the G.I. Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program to guidance as they transition into the next chapter after college,” said Marymount University President Irma Becerra. “We take great pride in being recognized as a Best for Vets College and a College of Military Support by Colleges of Distinction. Our commitment to serving our veterans reflects our gratitude and is a testament to the values they inspire in all of us.”
Major General William Bowers of the U.S. Marine Corps Recruiting Command delivered the Veterans Day Luncheon’s keynote address. Since his commission in 1990 after graduating with distinction from the Virginia Military Institute, he has served in every Marine Expeditionary Force and every element of the Marine Air Ground Task Force. He has commanded units from platoon-size to all Marine Corps recruiting operations globally, with multiple tours overseas.
In his remarks, he discussed the history of Veterans Day, what unites veterans and what inspires them to serve.
“Since America’s inception, countless men and women have dedicated themselves to service in the United States military. They make this commitment with the understanding that it will take them away from the comforts of home, their families, loved ones and into a life that’s marked by challenges, frequent deployments and personal sacrifice. But they do it willingly, voluntarily and proudly,” Maj. Gen. Bowers said. “Marymount University has seen many of its alumni serve in all branches of the U.S. military. These alumni have carried the University’s core values of intellectual curiosity, service to others and having a global perspective not only in their military careers but in their lives as civilians contributing to defending the security and greatness of our nation.”
Interim Provost Dr. Pamela Slaven-Lee, herself a military spouse, offered a personal perspective while sharing with the audience how Marymount is committed to serving those who have served.
“My husband has been a Marine for going on 23 years, so I know about the sacrifices that he and our family have made. It’s a special privilege,” she reflected. “Our service members live a life of significance, and it’s so important to remember their service and honor their loved ones while teaching young people about the cost of freedom.”
Several Marymount student veterans were in attendance and recognized for their service. They included Richard Flores, an Air Force veteran who was deployed to Iraq twice to serve through law enforcement at an Army base and train Iraqi police. He transferred to Marymount from Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) to study Information Technology and will be interning at the U.S. Department of State next summer.
“The University’s staff and advisors have been great – everyone I have met here has been so supportive,” Flores said. “They’ve all been familiar with the G.I. Bill and the programs I had questions about.”
Isaac Shaw, a Marymount sophomore studying Neuroscience, is a Navy veteran and served as a corpsman in clinics and hospitals during his three years of service. In addition to his studies, he currently works as a Student Ambassador and within Marymount’s Military and Veterans Services office.
“I’ve been through the process of enrolling as both a veteran and a transfer student, so I can assist individuals from either category who are considering Marymount and help them understand what to expect,” Shaw explained. “When I was transferring here, the University was very responsive and focused on my needs – much faster than other colleges I applied to.”
“While I primarily work with over 160 students who utilize VA benefits, I know Marymount is also home to many more individuals connected to veterans and active-duty service members,” added Daniella Alexander, Military Admission Coordinator and School Certifying Official. “From our faculty and staff who have served, to students who’ve moved countless times with a parent in service to the proud and devoted spouses of fallen heroes, Marymount is a community that understands service and sacrifice.”
