From Marine Corps to USF graduate: Roberto Mundo fulfills a family dream

• Andrea Knies
• May 6, 2026
• Students

Roberto Mundo, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and first-generation college graduate, will earn his bachelor's degree in finance from the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee this spring - a milestone rooted in perseverance, family sacrifice and a spark ignited years earlier during a middle school campus visit.

As a middle school student, Roberto Mundo visited the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus with the Boys and Girls Club. "That tour stuck with me," said Mundo. "At that age, I did not know exactly what my future would look like, but I knew USF was the right fit for me."

Luckily, that spark stayed with Mundo, even through difficult times and self-doubt. "By my sophomore year of high school, I was close to dropping out," said Mundo. "My grades were bad, I had no real sense of direction, and I felt like school was not for me." He turned to his parents for guidance. "I remember sitting with my dad and asking him questions about his childhood," said Mundo. "Hearing what he went through made me understand the sacrifices my parents made and why education meant so much to them." Motivated by his parents' deep value of education and belief in him, Mundo not only graduated high school, but also he then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps (USMC).

Mundo served four years as a USMC water support technician in Kaneohe Bay, Hawai'i. He shared that he was not a morning person and would often question his decision during early morning runs. Once again, Mundo's determination kept him going and this experience strengthened his perseverance and gave him a deep appreciation for community.

Camaraderie is one of the most important lessons that Mundo feels he learned from the Marine Corps. He recalls a moment in 29 Palms, California that exemplified this sentiment. "Some Marines slept in their foxholes under the stars, while I had to stand watch with one of my buddies, running on barely any sleep," said Mundo. "During the day it was hot, but at night it would get freezing. Our warming layers did absolutely nothing. So, there we were, me and my buddy, trying to survive the desert night by huddling together like penguins. I do not regret it one bit."

Upon completion of his service, he returned to a goal he nearly abandoned. Mundo decided that it was time to revisit the idea of enrolling at USF Sarasota-Manatee that was sparked in him when he was young. That feeling of belonging he remembered amplified as he became actively involved on campus.

Mundo held the positions of president of the Student Veterans Association and vice president of the SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society. He found that these roles gave him the opportunity to continue to serve others while also allowing him to grow as a leader. He also participated in the Capstone Strategic Management Simulation, a hands-on group project in which the students managed a company and was proud that his team finished first in the class. "Roberto is a dedicated and intentional student who consistently seeks opportunities to grow and excel both academically and professionally," said Mundo's academic advisor Victor Velasco. "His 'I can do it' mindset, paired with his positive and resilient attitude, is a powerful strength that will carry him far in life."

Operating at a high level of academic and community engagement was not always easy for Mundo and he admitted that he occasionally wondered if he would be able complete his degree. However, lessons that he learned during his service continued to motivate him. "What helped me push through was reminding myself why I started and taking it one step at a time," said Mundo. "Even when it was difficult, I kept showing up, kept studying and kept moving forward."

One of Mundo's most cherished USF experiences was his time working in the Office of Veteran Success. In this role, Mundo helped support more than 150 veterans, eligible dependents, active-duty service members and members of the Selected Reserve on the Sarasota-Manatee campus. Not only did this position provide him with the opportunity to connect with students, staff, faculty and the community, but he also found mentors and created lasting memories. Mundo shared that he genuinely looked forward to going to work thanks to his supervisor Carlos Moreira and former colleague Ashlie Cruz. He said that they both kept him motivated by their ability to see potential in others - often before they could see it themselves. "They showed me what real leadership looks like," said Mundo, "not just the title, but the presence, the patience and the way you treat people." He also fondly recalls the department's end of semester celebration which included an inflatable obstacle course. "I remember running through the course laughing and enjoying the moment without worrying about anything else," said Mundo. "It was one of those fun, simple memories that made me feel connected to the campus and the people around me."

"It has been a joy to watch Roberto's growth during his time at USF," said Carlos Moreira director of campus engagement for veteran success and alumni affairs. "He stepped into leadership roles and overcame many obstacles to excel personally, academically and professionally, while still remaining humble and dedicated."

In May 2026, Roberto Mundo graduates with a Bachelor of Science degree in finance. He plans to take some time to reflect during a hiking trip in the mountains before starting an apprenticeship with Solmart Media, a full-service media company focused on the local Spanish speaking audience. During this unique career experience at Solmart Media, Mundo will learn about running a business and continue building his entrepreneurial skills.

"At USF, the goals you carried quietly for years finally become something you can stand proudly in." Roberto Mundo

Through dedication and perseverance, Roberto Mundo has served his country, supported his fellow veterans and become the first in his family to earn a college degree. "In many ways, I feel like I am carrying my parents' dreams with me,' said Mundo. "They gave everything they had so I could have opportunities they never had, and their sacrifices, persistence and belief in me helped guide me back when I was close to giving up."

Mundo's mother said, "Me siento orgulloso, feliz de que la meta, que se propuso, gracias a su dedicación y con la ayuda de los profesores. Sé que hubo estrés, desvelos, momentos difíciles, pero todas las barreras que se atravesaron hoy son victorias." (I feel proud, happy that the goal he set for himself was accomplished, thanks to his dedication and with the help of his professors. I know there was stress, sleepless nights, difficult moments, but every barrier that was crossed today is a victory.)

Mundo's journey reflects USF Sarasota-Manatee's commitment to supporting student veterans and first-generation college students, helping them transition from service to academic and professional success.