Students and faculty joined together to honor and pay their respects to service members and recognize outstanding individuals at Thursday's veteran's celebration.
Professor and also retired Navy Lieutenant, Jack Rudnick welcomed all of the attendees in the saints center as the ceremony began with the Boone County Sheriff Honor Guard posting the flags. Afterward, Michelle Vezina took the podium to invite Thomas More graduate and Navy veteran Jon McClain ('19). Jon served active duty in the Navy from 200 to 2004 and is currently the Assistant Chief of the Bellevue Police Department. In addition, Jon earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice in 2019.
Next up was a special scholarship award recipient for a current TMU student veteran, Jesus Avilia ('18). Jesus joined the Army national guard in 2014 and then proceeded to join Thomas More's ROTC (Reserve Officer' Training Corps) program. While in the program, Jesus held several leadership roles and was the Battalion Commander his senior year. He returned in 2020 to earn his Master of Business Administration degree at Thomas More and will graduate in our 2022 commencement.
Thomas More students also were engaged in events revolving around veterans day as an essay contest was held to offer an opportunity to share stories about how veterans impacted their lives. This year's essay prompt was Veterans: Modeling the Way. Out of the many outstanding essays submitted, Madison Berberich took home first place with her essay: "The Call to Serve: A Young Man’s Decision to Model the Way". Her winning essay can be viewed here and is read by the Department Chair of the English Department, Dr. Julie Daoud.
The event ended with President Chillo sharing his respect and gratitude for the community and the veterans who have sacrificed so much to keep this country safe. The marching saints concluded the ceremony by sending attendees off with the Thomas More University fight song.
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