Saluting our Student Veterans

"We don't know them all, but we owe them all." - Unknown

This Veteran's Day, we are spotlighting John B. Floyd III, Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) student and soon-to-be Florida Atlantic graduate. From 2005 to 2010, Floyd served in the United States Marine Corps as a meteorological and oceanographic observer. Throughout his enlistment, Floyd learned the Corp’s core values of honor, courage, and commitment. After various deployments to Iraq, Kuwait, Germany, Ireland, Spain, and Greece, Floyd received an honorable discharge from the military and returned to civilian life. Shortly thereafter, he earned an associate degree and began a new career as an automotive service technician.

"Although I serviced many vehicles, I didn't feel as though I provided enough service to my community," Floyd said.

One of Floyd’s siblings and many of his friends were FAU alumni, and they often talked about the quality education they received. While attending an FAU commencement ceremony, Floyd found himself watching the graduates cross the stage and imagined himself doing the same.

“I had used all my military education benefits by that point, so becoming an Owl seemed like more of a dream than a goal," Floyd said.

Fortunately for Floyd, several individuals began mentoring him and connected him with resources that made it possible to enroll at FAU and pursue his degree in social work. Jacquesta Paul, LCSW, an FAU MSW alumnus; Kellie-Ann Davis, case manager for the Urban League of Broward County; and Thomas Bizarre, LCSW, from Veterans Affairs, are among those whom Floyd credits with helping him achieve his dream of becoming an Owl. One additional person seems to have made a particularly meaningful impact on Floyd’s academic journey.

“After enrolling in other institutions, I can confidently say that Fabio Rojas has been the best advisor I have ever had,” Floyd said. “Time after time, this gentleman went above and beyond his job for me. On one occasion, I almost missed the opportunity to register and had he not contacted me I would not be about to graduate. I am greatly appreciative for all the assistance I have received thus far, including access to the tools I desperately needed to advance my career as a social worker.”

John B. Floyd III, we salute you. Thank you for your service to our country, and congratulations on your upcoming graduation when you will join your friends and family as a fellow Florida Atlantic graduate! We are confident you will change lives during your next chapter of service – this time as an honorable, courageous social worker and a committed alumnus of the College of Social Work & Criminal Justice.