Roosevelt Honors Student and Faculty Veterans

This Veterans Week, we recognize the sacrifices and service of those who have worn the uniform, including many members of the Roosevelt community, and we want to extend our deepest gratitude for their dedication, strength and sacrifices they've made in service to our country. To honor them, the University has placed poster boards throughout campus to spotlight their military accomplishments and ongoing academic success stories. You can find these posters in the Auditorium Building and Wabash Building lobbies, Fainman Lounge and Laker Union on the Wabash Building third floor. The veterans honored this year are:

Nicholas Mizowek
U.S. Marine Corps | 0311/8154

Nicholas Mizowek proudly served five years in the U.S. Marine Corps as an 0311 Infantry Rifleman and 8154 Close Quarters Battle Instructor. After his service, he joined Roosevelt University as a Test Proctor, where his involvement with the veterans community led to an opportunity to join the team professionally. Nicholas is currently pursuing a degree in Finance and encourages student veterans to "reach out to the veterans office at your school to be guided in the right direction."

Levert Mckinnie
U.S. Army | Combat Engineer (21B20)

Levert Mckinnie proudly served 15 years in the U.S. Army as a Combat Engineer (21B20), earning multiple awards and commendations throughout his military career. He is currently pursuing his studies in the Paralegal Program at Roosevelt University, with plans to enter politics after graduation. Levert continues to stay connected with fellow soldiers he served alongside and offers this advice to student veterans: "Life has its ups and downs - be thankful you get to choose one."

Mark Devereux
U.S. Navy | Petty Officer First Class (E-6)

Mark Devereux honorably served 10 years on active duty in the U.S. Navy, earning numerous commendations including five Navy Achievement Medals, three Good Conduct Medals and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Roosevelt University. Mark plans to build a career in systems administration and digital forensics, combining his Navy experience with his education to strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure in both public and private sectors.

Mark stays connected through veteran outreach at Navy Great Lakes and online support networks. His advice to fellow student veterans: "Don't isolate yourself - get involved early and find your rhythm again! Use every resource available, stay disciplined and give yourself grace as you transition. You've already proven you can adapt under pressure."

Mustafa Almawri
U.S. Marine Corps | Aviation Supply Specialist

Mustafa Almawri served four years in the United States Marine Corps as an Aviation Supply Specialist, earning two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals for his dedication and excellence. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Roosevelt University, with plans to advance his expertise through an industry career before transitioning into entrepreneurship or executive management. Mustafa encourages fellow student veterans to remember the strength they bring from their service: "Maintain your military discipline. It's underrated but extremely valuable."

Grace Mei
U.S. Army | Human Resources & Postal Operations

Grace Mei served 10 years in the U.S. Army, where she specialized in Human Resources and Postal Operations. Her dedication to service was recognized when she was honored as the 2024 Boeing Chicago Bears Military Salute Honoree. Grace is currently pursuing a degree in Allied Health at Roosevelt University, with plans to begin a career in the medical imaging field. She continues to serve the veteran community through her volunteer work at the Jesse Brown VA Radiography Department, helping veterans with their imaging appointments. Grace offers this advice to fellow student veterans: "Stay the course. Plan, embrace risk, seize opportunities, build strong connections, and always stay true to yourself."

Harmoni Jordan
U.S. Air Force | Flightline Supply Specialist

Harmoni Jordan served two years in the U.S. Air Force as a Flightline Supply Specialist, earning several honors including the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. She now serves as a Student Success Advisor for HOPE and PLEDGE Scholars at Roosevelt University, supporting students from marginalized backgrounds by providing guidance, tracking scholarship progress and connecting them with resources to help them thrive academically and personally.

Harmoni is also pursuing an EdD in Higher Education Leadership, focusing on student success and leadership practices in higher education. She remains active in the veteran community through the Streamwood Veterans Commission and Chicago Veterans Organization. Her advice to fellow student veterans: "Keep asking for what you need and use the resources available to you. You've already proven you can handle challenge and change-stay connected, speak up and remember that you belong here. Your goals are worth the effort."

Pablo Murillo
U.S. Army | Signal Support Systems Specialist

Pablo Murillo served four years in the U.S. Army as a Signal Support Systems Specialist, earning the National Defense Service Medal for his dedication and service. He is currently pursuing a degree in Journalism at Roosevelt University, aiming to build a meaningful career that allows him to find fulfillment through storytelling and travel. Pablo also works at the Testing Center, where he enjoys collaborating with fellow veterans. His advice to other student veterans: "Find friends who are also student veterans - it helps to have people who understand the stage of life you're in."

Marcus Summers
U.S. Army | Transportation & Personnel Administration

Professor Marcus Summers, MBA, CSCS, BRM, served six years in the U.S. Army (May 2002-May 2008), earning multiple honors including the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M" Device, Army Service Ribbon and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.

He is currently the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, Exercise Science Professor and ENHS Advisory Board Member at Roosevelt University, where he develops performance programs for NCAA DII athletes, teaches exercise science courses, and contributes to program growth and student career development. Marcus also supports veterans through Catch-A-Lift Fund, a fitness initiative for veterans.

His advice to student veterans: "Commit to your own research to discover opportunities as a military-connected student. Join groups, talk to military family members and peers, and ask questions - the more you ask, the more information will present itself. Hoorah!"

Edwin Serna
U.S. Marine Corps | Aviation Support

Edwin Serna served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps at Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina. He supported operational plans, maintained flight records, managed navigational data and compiled aviation safety reports, helping his unit achieve its annual flight hour goals.

Edwin now works at Roosevelt University as a Veteran Representative and Testing Proctor, assisting veterans and supporting academic and professional testing. He is pursuing a degree in Finance and plans to become a financial advisor after graduation. His advice to student veterans: "Don't be timid - ask every question you have. The more you know, the easier it is to navigate school and your benefits. Understanding how your benefits work sets you up for success."

Nathenial Buckley
U.S. Army | Medic

Nathenial Buckley served four years in the U.S. Army as a Medic, where his dedication to excellence earned him the Army Achievement Medal for achieving 100% compliance with the Army Corrections System.

He now works at Roosevelt University as a Test Administrator in the Testing Center and is pursuing a degree in Computer Science, with plans to become a software developer after graduation. Nathenial also serves as President of the Student Veterans of America at Roosevelt, helping to build community and support among student veterans.

His advice to fellow veterans: "Take it one day at a time, and don't forget to rely on each other if you need someone."

Anastasia Carter
U.S. Navy | Aircrew Survival Equipmentman

Anastasia Carter served eight years in the U.S. Navy as an Aircrew Survival Equipmentman, where she managed survival gear and records for 109 aircrew members and 15 MH-60S aircraft, ensuring mission readiness. In her final command, she supervised a team of seven, leading the successful completion of 1,353 maintenance actions on both gear and aircraft.

Anastasia now serves as a Veteran Representative for Roosevelt University's Veterans Center and a Test Proctor in the Testing Center, where she helps administer academic and professional exams. She is pursuing a degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography and plans to become a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) specializing in echocardiography.

As Vice President of the RU Student Veterans of America, Anastasia continues her commitment to supporting her peers. Her advice to other student veterans: "Never be afraid to ask for help and know the veteran community is always here to support you."

Juan Mejia
U.S. Marine Corps

Juan Mejia proudly served four years in the United States Marine Corps, earning six medals in recognition of his dedication and service. He is currently pursuing his bachelor's degree at Roosevelt University, with plans to build a career in the medical field as a radiology technician at a major hospital.

Juan's advice to fellow student veterans is simple but powerful: "Once you step a foot past the starting line, don't go back. Finish what you started. Fear only exists when you let it."

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