Loyola Marymount University proudly celebrates Veteran Appreciation Week to honor the service of our student veterans to our country and the LMU community. This celebration coincides with Veterans Day, celebrated nationally on Thursday, Nov. 11.
Every year we recognize our LMU veterans to bring awareness to the population and highlight their incredible contributions to this university. We invite the LMU community to see the exhibit in Hannon Library and read stories from veteran students; learn about their experiences and how they enrich our community with diverse perspectives; and how they embody what it means to be people with and for others. Meet two of the student veterans below who are featured in the exhibit.
Kevin Gonzalez ’23
Major: Finance
Hometown: Santa Clarita, California
Branch: Marine Corps
Kevin Gonzalez was a high mobility artillery rocket system operator in the Marine Corps. He got to drive, operate, and reload a multi-million dollar tactical vehicle capable of shooting six guided rockets at its target. In a word, he describes his service experience as discipline. “When I reflect on my life before service and see where I’m at now, the discipline the Marine Corps gave me helped me get to where I’m at,” said Gonzalez. “After earning my degree in finance at LMU, I hope to secure employment, purchase a multi-family home, and judge whether pursuing an MBA is viable for me.”
R.C. Wright III ’23
Major: History
Hometown: Spokane, Washington
Branch: Marine Corps
R.C. Wright was inspired by his grandfather’s service for 20 years in the U.S. Army going back to World War II and watching the World Trade Center towers fall on 9/11 to join the Marine Corps. Wright had the chance to lead a platoon of 70 infantry marines as their platoon sergeant. “Building teams and enabling small unit leaders to develop their Marines was an extremely humbling experience,” said Wright. “This leadership experience allowed me to watch Marines in my charge grow from inexperienced boys into men who could lead and influence their own Marines.”
To learn more about student veterans at LMU and Veteran Programs, view the full list of events for the week below.
Monday, Nov. 8 | All day | Virtual
Virtual Kickoff Celebration
We are going to highlight our Veteran Programs department and veteran student population. Catch the posts all day via the LMU Student Success Instagram account: @lmustudentsuccess
Tuesday, Nov. 9 | All day | Virtual
LMU Student Veteran Organization Instagram Takeover
What is the Student Veteran Organization? Learn more about this registered student org from the current President Michaelis Sanchez ’23. Catch the posts all day via the LMU Student EXP Instagram account: @lmustudentexp
Wednesday, Nov. 10 | 4:30 p.m. | Hannon Library
Annual Veterans Appreciation Week Exhibit Opening | Hannon Library
Join us for the opening of our library exhibit. This exhibit will showcase our student veterans from their time in service to their time at LMU to provide a deeper understanding of the skills and talents they bring to the LMU community. We invite you to attend to read their stories, learn about their experiences and understand how they impact LMU by enriching our community with diverse perspectives, and embodying what it means to be people with and for others. RSVP if you plan to attend.
Thursday, Nov. 11 | 6 p.m. | The Loft
Veteran Night at the Loft
We will be celebrating the end to an amazing Veteran Appreciation Week in the Loft which is finally open. RSVP if you plan to attend.
LMU’s Veteran Programs office supports the transition, persistence, and graduation of student veterans, reservists, and veteran dependents by providing individualized services, programming and resources. To learn more about Veteran Programs, visit their website. For the full list of events and to RSVP, visit LEO.