Students, faculty, staff, veterans and community members gathered to recognize military service on Tuesday in Dr. E. J. and Margaret O’Brien Hall. Marquette University’s College of Business Administration hosted the event in recognition of Veterans Day and brought together Marquette’s campus and veteran communities, centered on the theme “Honoring service. Building connections.”
The Marquette University Naval ROTC Color Guard opened the formal program with the presentation of the colors and the national anthem. Speakers included Senior Airman Dominic Castro, a U.S. Air Force veteran and Marquette Business student; Rear Admiral Matthew T. Pottenburgh, U.S. Navy, commander of Naval Service Training Command; and Major General (Ret.) Brian E. Winski, U.S. Army, chief executive officer of the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center.
“Veterans Day gives us an opportunity not only to express our gratitude, but also to think about what service means in our own lives,” said Andrew DeGuire, dean of the College of Business Administration. “At Marquette, we talk frequently about forming women and men who will use their talents in service to others. Our veterans provide an extraordinary example of what that commitment can look like.”
Castro spoke about how his military experience continues to influence his education and plans for the future.
“One of the things I value about Marquette is being part of a community where the experiences veterans bring with them are recognized and valued,” Castro said. “Military service teaches you a great deal about responsibility, teamwork and looking out for the people around you. Those lessons continue to shape how I approach my education and what I hope to do next.”
Alejandro Monarrez, assistant professor of practice in business law and a veteran of both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps, co-hosted the event. He emphasized the importance of helping veterans find their place on campus and in professional life.
“For veterans, the transition from military service into college or a civilian career can feel like moving between two very different worlds,” Monarrez said. “Events like this help bridge those worlds. They remind veterans that their experience is an asset, while giving the broader Marquette community an opportunity to better understand the people who have served.”
After the program, guests enjoyed dinner donated by Mission BBQ and celebrated the U.S. Marine Corps birthday with a traditional Marine Corps cake cutting ceremony. Robert Simi, executive director of the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center, donated the birthday cake.
DeGuire said he hopes the gathering will lead to lasting relationships among Marquette’s student veterans, ROTC students, alumni, faculty and staff, and the Milwaukee-area military and veteran community.
“This shouldn’t be something we think about only one day a year,” DeGuire said. “Veterans bring leadership, resilience, perspective and a deep understanding of service to our classrooms and our community. We want Marquette to be a place where those experiences are welcomed and where meaningful connections can grow from them.”
