Latest news with #JohnRamirez
Business Wire
21-05-2025
- General
- Business Wire
University of Phoenix Holds 16 th Annual Memorial Day Flag-Planting Event
PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- University of Phoenix held its annual Memorial Day flag-planting event May 20 on its Phoenix campus in Arizona, honoring the sacrifices of those who served and died in the Armed Forces. This was the 16 th year of the event, with volunteers from university employees and community members planting more than 10,000 flags spelling out, 'Grateful Nation.' 'University of Phoenix welcomes the community taking part in our Memorial Day flag-planting,' stated John Ramirez, MBA, MS/AJS-GHS, retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj., and dean of operations for the University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies. 'The event and this year's message help us connect with each other as we remember with gratitude our loved ones, our friends and so many who gave their all.' Following the flag-planting, Sandra Perez, vice president, Student Administrative Services, led a ceremony that featured performances of the national anthem and 'Taps,' a Color Guard presentation by Luke Air Force Base, and guest speaker Arizona Supreme Court Justice William Montgomery, U.S. Army, who served 1989-1995. 'The service and sacrifices of American servicemembers light the way for each of us, for students, faculty, and staff,' Perez shared. 'It's humbling to spend this time together, honoring the sacrifice of those heroes, alongside our volunteers and community members." On Friday, May 23, the flags will be collected by the nonprofit Arizona Heroes to Hometowns to be distributed at local military cemeteries ahead of Memorial Day. A time-lapse video of the flag-planting is available here. University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor's and master's degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
University of Phoenix Holds 16th Annual Memorial Day Flag-Planting Event
Annual event honors fallen servicemembers and features Color Guard Presentation by Luke Air Force Base Guard PHOENIX, May 21, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--University of Phoenix held its annual Memorial Day flag-planting event May 20 on its Phoenix campus in Arizona, honoring the sacrifices of those who served and died in the Armed Forces. This was the 16th year of the event, with volunteers from university employees and community members planting more than 10,000 flags spelling out, "Grateful Nation." "University of Phoenix welcomes the community taking part in our Memorial Day flag-planting," stated John Ramirez, MBA, MS/AJS-GHS, retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj., and dean of operations for the University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies. "The event and this year's message help us connect with each other as we remember with gratitude our loved ones, our friends and so many who gave their all." Following the flag-planting, Sandra Perez, vice president, Student Administrative Services, led a ceremony that featured performances of the national anthem and "Taps," a Color Guard presentation by Luke Air Force Base, and guest speaker Arizona Supreme Court Justice William Montgomery, U.S. Army, who served 1989-1995. "The service and sacrifices of American servicemembers light the way for each of us, for students, faculty, and staff," Perez shared. "It's humbling to spend this time together, honoring the sacrifice of those heroes, alongside our volunteers and community members." On Friday, May 23, the flags will be collected by the nonprofit Arizona Heroes to Hometowns to be distributed at local military cemeteries ahead of Memorial Day. A time-lapse video of the flag-planting is available here. About University of Phoenix University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor's and master's degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit View source version on Contacts MEDIA CONTACT: Sharla HooperUniversity of Sign in to access your portfolio
CBS News
13-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
"Sons of Thunder" helps young men rise above homelessness and hardship
In a small room filled with determination and hope, a group of young men speak in unison: "I am the creator of my life." For teens grappling with the harsh realities of homelessness and aging out of foster care, these words are more than a mantra, they are a declaration of self-worth and a vision for a future they're still learning to believe in. That belief is being nurtured through Sons of Thunder, a mentorship initiative launched in partnership with the Chapman Partnership and led by members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Nu Nu Chapter. The program offers consistent mentorship, life skills coaching and a safe space for teenage boys to redefine their narratives—and their futures. A purpose-driven mission "I understood that a lot of the kids in the program are aging out and there's no opportunity for them," said life coach John Ramirez, one of the program's lead facilitators. "I saw there was an opportunity if we give them some tools—resiliency, self-advocacy—so they can thrive and live a thriving life." For Ramirez, who overcame a childhood marked by trauma, poverty and disempowerment, this work is deeply personal. "This is how I took myself out of the trauma, victimhood and entitlement life I used to live," he said. "This fills my heart. This is my life's purpose." Ramirez has been mentored for over 16 years by Zeta Nu Nu Vice Basileus Pat Lawrence, who was instrumental in forming the collaboration with Chapman Partnership. The two saw a critical need: not just to provide shelter, but to provide a roadmap for long-term success. "We want to have things they can take away and implement in their life to help them better themselves and better their situation," Lawrence said. Beyond shelter: Building life skills and confidence Each month, the Sons of Thunder meet at Chapman Partnership's Downtown Miami and Homestead campuses to explore topics like emotional regulation, communication and relationship management. These aren't just workshops—they're opportunities to break generational cycles. "If we can do that and get people out of survival mode, into believing that they can thrive, it's about as noble a thing as you can do," said Scott Hansel, CEO of Chapman Partnership. Hansel's organization is celebrating 30 years of service this year, marking three decades of helping individuals and families in Miami transition out of homelessness with dignity, stability, and hope. Creating their own stories At the heart of Sons of Thunder is the belief that no matter where a young man starts, he has the power to rewrite his story. And it starts with one simple, powerful affirmation. "I am the creator of my life." Send us your story at MiamiProud@
