Cleveland State University announced Larry D. Wilcox as the 2025 Northeast Ohio Foundation for Patriotism (NEOPAT) & CSU Veteran of the Year. A former U.S. Army combat veteran and a current first-year student in CSU's Master of Social Work program, Wilcox boasts a remarkable 3.83 GPA, signaling his academic excellence.
Over an eight-year tenure in the military, Wilcox accrued 23 medals, including the revered Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the Combat Action Badge. His membership in the Golden Key International Honor Society and the SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society mirrors his commitment to academic and community service endeavors. "It's an incredible honor — humbling, really — [to be named CSU Student Veteran of the Year]," Wilcox admitted in a statement obtained by Cleveland State University, adding, "this award means more than recognition; it’s a reminder that resilience and purpose can turn pain into power."
Wilcox's selection was influenced by more than his academic achievements; his active participation in the community played an a significant role. His work as center manager of the Frederick Douglass Neighborhood Resource and Recreation Center and founder of Turn It Up Motivational Speaking and Youth Success Club has made a notable impact in Cleveland. According to Cleveland State University, Jeff Johnston, assistant vice president for Student Excellence, Leadership and Involvement, acknowledged his remarkable journey, stating, “Larry's distinguished career in the United States Army, academic excellence at CSU, and community leadership through his work with the Frederick Douglass Neighborhood Resource & Recreation Center made him an excellent choice to receive this recognition."
Wilcox credits his time in the Army as a critical juncture that facilitated the cultivation of personal discipline and a solid foundation for his family. He remarked to Cleveland State University, "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." His impact isn't confined to his personal achievements but shapes the lives of the youth he mentors, empowering them to transcend adversity.
As Wilcox continues his educational journey, he remains a testament to the power of reinvention and the unyielding spirit of service. Through his leadership and mentorship, he's not merely imparting motivation but rather instigating genuine transformation within his community. With gratitude to his faith, family, professors, and the broader CSU community, he continues to embody a relentless drive to serve and uplift others. "Every chapter of my journey, from the battlefield to the classroom, has been about service," Wilcox told Cleveland State University. "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."
