Military Insider: Graduates Edition

Celebrating our Military Graduates

During this unprecedented pandemic we are facing, we are incredibly proud to honor the remarkable achievements of Liberty University’s 2019-2020 military graduates and graduating military spouses. To honor this milestone achievement in the lives of so many of our military students, we’ve been collecting stories about their journeys to graduation. We are amazed at the tenacity and ferocious will to never give up that is exemplified in the testimonies of these graduates. May their words inspire you to keep pressing toward the mark in your own pursuit of your degree!

There are thousands of untold stories represented in each class of graduating Liberty students – stories of hard work, determination, and sacrifice. With 5,085 graduating military students, including active service members, veterans, and military spouses, the class of 2020 is no exception. To honor the accomplishments of all of our graduating military students, and to give encouragement to those still pressing toward the mark, we wanted to give voice to a few of their stories. Share your own graduation story with us on Facebook and Instagram using #LUMilGrad and keep scrolling to read about and be inspired by a few of these remarkable military graduates!

Read some of these featured stories in the articles below, and visit our #LUMilGrad Graduate Stories of 2019-20 photo album on Facebook to view all of the stories collected.

Congratulations to the Military Graduates and graduating Military Spouses of 2019 – 2020!

Christopher Back

SFC in the U.S. Army

Bachelor of Science in Christian Leadership Management

Serving in the Army for 12 years, I felt the call to ministry, and I needed the education. My pastoral team told me to check into Liberty. The Army helped me pay for all my college and now I am moving forward into an M.Div. as a Chaplain Candidate. Blessed by God, walking by faith.

Shammi K. Singh

P01 in the U.S. Navy

Master of Arts in Executive Leadership

Today I stand very proud with two Bachelors degrees in General Studies and Business Administration. I also possess a Six Sigma Green Belt, Lean Six Sigma and Six Sigma Black Belt from Villanova University and maintained an above 3.5 GPA for my Masters degree. I count it nothing but blessings as I am grateful and thankful to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for all his provisions and seeing me through the hard times. He has blessed me in abundance, and I am forever grateful and all glory to Him and Him alone. I have worked very hard and all these achievements listed above have been completed while I have been on active duty military, so thank you God. I wish both my parents were here today, with me, to see this day.

Janice Torres

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

Master of Arts in Worship Studies: Pastoral Counseling

I am a 12 year Marine Corps Veteran, mother of 4, and wife, who received the call to enter full time ministry in 2016. In 2019, after being medically separated from the Marine Corps, I finally had the opportunity to finish what I started and successfully completed 10 courses in 2 semesters leading to graduation. Upon graduation, I will continue to pursue my education and start my journey in Liberty’s Doctorate Program pursuing a Doctorate in Psychology. I credit all of my success to my Father in Heaven who has never failed me, and my family who has supported me through the many years of education in and out of the Marine Corps.

Walter Williams

U.S. Air Force Veteran

Master of Science in Cyber Security

As an online student, my thoughts focus on that method of earning my degree. I know that online is what most active duty, and many veterans, are using to complete their education. Working online can feel lonely at times; however, I found that by using email to encourage others in my classes and to ask questions, I am truly not alone, just not physically with classmates. The main action I have taken that helped me work through this Master’s degree is prayer. Not the “Lord, I need help with this exam” type prayer, but asking God to partner with me in all the study and work that takes place. When I am willing to take time to ask God to walk through a lab or a textbook chapter, I find that my focus is better, and I retain more of what I am studying or reading. Almost two years ago, when I started the online Master’s program at Liberty University, the end looked a long way off. You, too, can find the strength to place your hand in God’s hand and walk together to the end of your degree.

LaRyta Patterson

U.S. Army Spouse

Masters in Education Teaching and Learning: Leadership

I am the spouse of a retired Army Veteran who served for 18 plus years. In addition, I am a Training and Curriculum Specialist for the United States Army (Department of Defense). While working for the Army to include moving around the world with husband, I was able to work full time as well as earn two undergraduate degrees in Early Childhood Education and now a Master’s degree all through Liberty University of course!

Judy Staveley

U.S. Air Force Spouse

Education Specialist in Education Leadership

When I think about the past few years during my time at Liberty University, I can’t thank the Liberty University Military Affairs office enough for taking the time for being so patient with my education process and my journey. The professors and the Education department were all so kind and caring during my doctorate studies. I am beyond honored to be a “Champion of Christ” and a Liberty University Alumni. Forever Blessed.

If you are a military graduate, we want to hear your story! Leave your photo and message in the comments section of the #LUMilGrad Graduate Stories of 2019-2020 photo album on Facebook, and/or share your story on Instagram using #LUMilGrad to join the celebration.