Larry D. Wilcox a first-year student in 51����’s Master of Social Work program and a distinguished U.S. Army combat veteran, was named the 2025 Northeast Ohio Foundation for Patriotism (NEOPAT) and 51���� Veteran of the Year during the university’s annual Veterans Day ceremony.

Wilcox served honorably for eight years, earning 23 medals and accolades, including the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Combat Action Badge and two Good Conduct Medals. In the classroom, he maintains a 3.83 GPA and previously earned degrees in organizational management and teaching and learning with technology. He is a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society and the SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society, reflecting his commitment to scholarship, service and leadership.

“It’s an incredible honor — humbling, really — [to be named 51���� Student Veteran of the Year]. And when I think about where I came from and the journey it took to get here, this award means more than recognition; it’s a reminder that resilience and purpose can turn pain into power,” he said. “I accept it on behalf of every veteran still fighting battles that people don’t see and every student trying to balance life, family and education. It motivates me to keep serving and to represent what ‘never giving up’ looks like.”

NEOPAT was founded in 2011 by local business leaders who shared a passion for the United States, Northeast Ohio and the region’s military families and is dedicated to strengthening patriotism in the community.  

Jeff Johnston, assistant vice president for Student Excellence, Leadership and Involvement on the Student Belonging and Success Leadership Team, said the nominations reflected the best of 51���� and that Wilcox’s decorated career was one of the factors in his selection.

“Larry's distinguished career in the United States Army, academic excellence at 51����, and community leadership through his work with the Frederick Douglass Neighborhood Resource & Recreation Center made him an excellent choice to receive this recognition from the University."  

Wilcox’s decision to join the Army came at what he called a crossroads in his life at age 21.

“I had faced some hard lessons and could’ve easily gone down the wrong path, but joining the U.S. Army was my chance to rewrite my story, to live and, if necessary, die for something that mattered,” said Wilcox. “I wanted to build discipline, stability and a better life for my family. The Army gave me that structure; it taught me toughness, humility and what it means to serve with honor, and those years shaped the man I am today.”

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM: MAKING AN IMPACT

Wilcox’s impact extends throughout Cleveland. As center manager of the Frederick Douglass Neighborhood Resource and Recreation Center, he leads programs that serve youth, families and seniors citywide. In 2017, he founded Turn It Up Motivational Speaking and Youth Success Club, an initiative that empowers urban youth to build confidence, purpose and resilience.

“Turn It Up was born out of my own struggles growing up in poverty and finding mentorship through sports and positive role models,” he said. “I wanted to be that same bridge for the next generation, especially young men who feel unseen or misunderstood. Through Turn It Up, I use sports, mentorship and real-life conversations to help youth discover purpose, confidence and leadership within themselves. My hope is that they don’t just hear motivation; they feel transformation.”

Wilcox is quick to credit 51���� for his success, which he calls a game changer.

“The faculty, veteran services, and the VikesCare team have provided more than just academic support, they’ve given me a sense of belonging,” he said. “Being in an environment that values diversity, resilience, and community have allowed me to bring my full self, student, veteran, mentor, and leader, to the table. 51���� helped me align my purpose with my profession.”

He added:

“I’m just grateful to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, my family, my professors and the 51���� community. Every chapter of my journey, from the battlefield to the classroom, has been about service. My mission is to keep turning pain into purpose and show others that no matter where you start, you can rise, lead and turn it up a notch.”