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naturecoaster · 2 years

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Saint Leo University Honors Veterans

Saint Leo University welcomed “a soldier’s soldier” today (Tuesday, November 8) as the university held its Veterans Day observance for the community. Saint Leo University Honors Veterans with Ceremony Featuring Retired USSOCOM Commander While the weather kept members of the US-A Team from parachuting on to campus, the university hosted retired U.S. Army General Raymond A. “Tony” Thomas III, former commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, as the special guest speaker for the ceremony. Not only did Tuesday’s observance honor the nearly 20 million U.S. veterans, but it also kicked off Saint Leo University’s celebration of 50 years of military education. The university’s 50th anniversary celebration will include several events taking place from November 2022 through November 2023. Members of the Saint Leo University ROTC color guard presented the U.S. and military flags, which was followed by U.S. Air Force veteran Jacquelene Kritzer singing the national anthem. Kritzer, of Zephyrhills, is majoring in psychology at Saint Leo. Pastor Ken Nahrwold, retired U.S. Air Force master sergeant, provided the invocation for the ceremony, while welcomes were given by Dr. Larry Braue, director of the Office of Military Affairs and Services, and University President Edward Dadez. Braue, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, noted that while he did not serve under Thomas, everyone recognizes him as “a soldier’s general. A soldier’s soldier.” As the SOCOM commander, he was responsible for leading the nation’s force of 80,000 commandos. And in his speech at Saint Leo, he acknowledged all who are serving or who have served the country. “There are tens of thousands of U.S. servicemembers down range, protecting our freedoms,” Thomas said. “Please keep them in your prayers and thoughts.” He also recognized Saint Leo’s ROTC cadets and the journey they are on to serve the nation. For those who will join the military, “You cannot take the support of the American people for granted,” he said, after recognizing the Vietnam veterans in the crowd, and noting how they were vilified upon return to the United States. Thomas said he and others who served in the past 40 years were supported by Americans, but that servicemembers “must earn that support.” “’Ask not what your country can do for you–ask what you can do for your country;’ if you don’t know who said that, you need to go back to Government 101,” Thomas said, quoting President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration address. “But today, especially on Election Day, if a politician stood on a stage and said that, they probably would be laughed off.” Thomas said that the U.S. military do not take an oath to a king or dictator, but rather to the U.S. Constitution. And, those who serve are committed not only to their country, but to each other. “We fight for each other,” he said. “I have never met a racist—or an atheist for that matter—in a firefight.” He said that he would not trade his nearly 40 years of military service because of that commitment. The retired general said that the country needs, “our best and brightest to pursue serving this great country.” He also recognized Saint Leo for its commitment to veterans and the military. Dadez, the university president, said, “since 1973, Saint Leo has dedicated ourselves to serving active duty military, veterans, and military affiliated families. On June 23, 2007, U.S. Master Sergeant Gary Gustafson graduated via satellite while serving in Iraq, and he now is serving as president of the Saint Leo Alumni Association.” He also noted that Saint Leo is the first university in the country to offer a four-year bachelor’s degree in veteran studies, and encouraged everyone to consider this degree program. “The Office of Military Affairs and Services and Saint Leo University wants to thank all of you for being here today,” said Braue, “and I hope you take General Thomas’ words to heart.” Saint Leo University recently received top honors from the 2022 Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges—the university earned rankings of No. 24 among all schools in the United States, No. 3 among online schools, No. 5 among private schools, and No. 7 among schools in the Southeast. More than one-quarter of Saint Leo’s student population is affiliated with the military, and this includes members of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard, National Guard members, retired military officers and enlisted veterans, military spouses, dependents, and others. Saint Leo hosted its ceremony on Tuesday ahead of Veterans Day as the university will be closed Friday, November 11. Read the full article

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nuceassc · 2 years

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"Oath-Taking Ceremony"

Issue #01 by Sigrid Doux Mia

It is indeed the beginning of a new era, especially for the newly elected officers who partook in the Oath-Taking Ceremony for the incoming 2022 to 2023 academic year last August 10. The event was spearheaded by the College of Education, Arts & Sciences (CEAS) Student Council and hosted by fellow CEAS students: Ms. Gwenell Buenaseda and Ms. Luvlene Ferrer.

Despite the event occurring virtually via Zoom and Facebook live, the Oath Taking Ceremony was dutifully fulfilled by all the student leaders from the student council and the Registered Student Organizations (RSO) under the courses in CEAS. Promptly starting around 10 am, the hosts formally greeted all the attendees and reminded them of the proper decorum to be expected during the ceremony. Dr. Leo S. Del Rosario, the Dean of CEAS, welcomed all the attendees to the event by recognizing this momentous day for student leaders as they promised service and commitment to their positions as newly elected officers. He imparted the message that there will always be opportunities to showcase our skills and that we, as students, must soar high and reach our dreams. Before ending his welcoming remarks, Dr. Del Rosario commended everyone – the students, faculty, and organizations who made this event possible.

Following the Dean of CEAS was the Director of the Student Development and Activities Office (SDAO), Mr. Marc Rey Galido, with a message for students and officers alike. "As student leaders, it is important to represent your constituents – always have your ears open," said Mr. Galido. He enlisted three things expected from student leaders, especially with the campus' transition into a hybrid blended learning setup. First is to have empathy, next is to have an action plan, and lastly to produce results. The SDAO Director provided a lovely metaphor for setting perspectives regarding the concerns of the students. As officers who provide service to the CEAS community, they are expected to represent and amplify the varying circumstances of students with appropriate resolutions. With that, he wished all the officers the best of luck and ended at that.

Ms. Maribel Belleza's presence was then acknowledged in place of the absence of Dr. Del Rosario in taking charge of the oath-taking process of the newly appointed CEAS Student Council Officers and its course organization officers. Afterward, the Student Council officers presented their general plan of action for this academic year. A very dynamic, diverse, and educational event will be set in stone with their Welcoming of the Freshmen, Battle of the Bands, Know Your Status: HIV Awareness Month, Drink or Spill: NU's Untold Love Stories, and so much more. As all the attendees look forward to the awaited promised events, the new administration's promises are all waiting to be fulfilled like prophecies. The outgoing CEAS President, Miss Elyedhia Quillopo, provided her insights as a leader. She recalled how fast the time went, how it was only yesterday that she was taking the same oath these new officers were taking. Miss Quillopo learned four essential things in serving as a student leader; first is to believe in yourself; second is to know your purpose and why you serve; third is to remember that even as a leader, you are not alone; lastly, is learning how to rest.

As the ceremony was coming to a close, from the outgoing president to the next, Mr. Ulysson Buere provided his warm 'thank you's to everyone who had made this event possible. Mr. Buere recognized that the task and responsibility of being a student leader is no small feat. Working both as a representative of the student body and as a student himself, he instills the ethos of working smart and hard to be able to balance the responsibilities of both positions and recognizing Ms. Quillopo's anecdote that, at the end of the day, we, students, and officers, should learn how to rest and to take it slow. Congratulatory remarks to all the officers were given as well as the presentation of certificates for the outgoing Student Council and a certificate to Ms. Bellaza on behalf of the Dean.

As the Oath Taking Ceremony ended, it marked a new era for the CEAS administration. Faced with their difficulties, especially the demanding transition of the HyBlend Learning setup, students from all walks of life look forward to the promise of a smooth academic year. The responsibilities of being student leaders will stay with these officers for the rest of the year, and their journey has just begun.

#NUCEASSC #08102022 #Features

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