SXU to Host Veterans Day Event
Saint Xavier University's (SXU) Student Veterans Alliance is partnering with the McCarthy Brigade for a Veterans Day Event on November 11 from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Butler Reception Room. Student veterans will recognize SXU Chief of Police Dan Murphy, honoring his esteemed Air Force service.
SVA selected Murphy for his honorable service to the country and community. Murphy served in the United States Air Force from 1987 to 1991 as a security specialist, attaining the rank of sergeant.
Murphy's service as a sergeant was with the 86th Security Police Squadron at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, protecting aircraft, flightlines, base facilities, and weapons while also working German Town Patrol with the Polizei, before later serving at Grand Forks Air Force Base in support of Minuteman III missile security and Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
"We are excited to honor Dan Murphy on our Veteran's Day Event this year. Dan has been an integral part of the Saint Xavier University community for several years, and his service to our country, school and community will be recognized on this day. We are thankful that Dan has given us the opportunity to spotlight his career on this very important day," said Matthew Maltese, Veterans and Athletics Compliance Advisor.
Murphy's military honors include the Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.
"My service in the United States Air Force gave me the confidence and determination to face challenges and keep moving forward. Those lessons have stayed with me through my career and now as a student at Saint Xavier University. Being honored here on Veteran's Day is especially meaningful because being a veteran continues to shape how I lead, learn and serve," said Murphy.
After Murphy's honorable discharge, he continued serving others through a 30-year career, rising from patrolman to leadership roles including sergeant, chief of investigations, and acting chief of police. He founded Child Safety Zone in 2002 to teach children and the community about safety, drugs, gangs and violence prevention, and earned numerous honors, including the Medal of Honor, Combat Cross, Wounded in Combat, and valor awards. In 2022, he joined SXU in emergency management and campus safety, later becoming Chief of Police, and he is currently pursuing the college degree he had long hoped to earn.
Murphy is admired by many across campus, especially SVA members.
"Veteran's Day is a time to honor the men and women who have served our country and recognize the sacrifices they have made to protect our freedom. As a veteran and president of SVA, I'm proud to help bring our campus community together to recognize those who have served. It means a lot to see our school create a space where veterans feel appreciated, supported and remembered -- not just on Veteran's Day but throughout the entire year. We look forward to welcoming our SXU community to this special event as we come together to honor and celebrate our veterans. We hope to see you there!" said Karely Padilla, SVA president.
The event is open to all, including the local community.
"You've never lived until you've almost died. For those who fight for it, life has a flavor that the protected will never know." – Pat McAuley, McCarthy Brigade