As Keiser University celebrates Independence Day, it joins the nation in paying tribute to its Veteran students and alumni as they are regularly recognized for their military service and their programmatic success.

Most recently, Keiser University College of Golf student Edwin Cruz, a 24-year United States Army Veteran, was presented the Hall of Fame Medal as part of his induction into the prestigious US Army Quartermaster Corps Hall of Fame held at Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia. Cruz earned his commission through the Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia in 1987 and fulfilled a variety of command and staff assignments in the United States, Germany, South Korea, Central America, and the Middle East.

Once entering civilian life, Cruz also found success as a Keiser University College of Golf student and equates many of the leadership, time management, and organizational skills he’d gained as a serviceman to success in the golf industry.

When asked what advice he’d give to incoming students, Cruz shared a recipe for success that included both practical and social pointers. “Manage your time effectively. Create a schedule, prioritize tasks, and avoid procrastination. Don’t get distracted. Remember your goal and mission here. Focus on academics. Attend classes regularly, complete assignments on time, and actively participate in discussions…,” he said. “College is an excellent opportunity to meet diverse people and form lasting connections. Network with professors, as they can be valuable mentors and provide guidance. Take care of yourself. Get enough sleep, eat healthily, exercise regularly, and manage stress effectively. Find activities that help you relax and recharge. Have fun and find balance. While academics are important, remember to have fun and enjoy your college experience. Engage in activities you enjoy, socialize with friends, and make time for hobbies,” he said.

The KUCOG also congratulates recent winners of the Veterans Golf Association (VGA) tournament held at the Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto, Florida. Student participants Antonio Rivera, the Assistant State Director of the Florida VGA, and Gabriel LaDue won their respective flights. The VGA is dedicated to enriching the lives of Veterans and their family members through the camaraderie and sportsmanship of golf. Annually, the VGA hosts more than 450 local tournaments across the country, culminating in a VGA National Championship each fall.

Located at Keiser University’s Flagship campus, the College of Golf offers a 1,500-square-foot indoor training facility, which includes a putting area, advanced launch monitor technology, V-1 and Swing Guru video analysis systems, an interactive golf simulator powered by Sports Coach Systems, a Motion Analysis Technology by TaylorMade (MAT-T), a 3-D swing analysis system, and a golf club repair lab equipped by Mitchell Golf Equipment. Keiser University’s PGA-credentialed faculty are available to College of Golf students for individual and group instruction, and those same faculty are available to assist the Seahawk intercollegiate squads to improve their golf skills.  In addition to the indoor facility, students also have access to a 6-acre outdoor, on-campus golf range facility with 12 hitting stations, a 9,000-square-foot putting green, and a 14,000-square-foot chipping/pitching/bunker green.

With approximately 20% of students being Veterans, active-duty military, and family members, Keiser University is proud to support veterans and continues to be a valuable partner to employers and community partners.

Keiser University is a private, independent, non-profit university serving nearly 20,000 students at 21 Florida campuses, online, and two international sites. Co-founded in 1977 by Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., and Evelyn Keiser, Keiser University currently offers more than 100 degrees from associate to the doctoral level. Keiser University is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and was ranked No. 1 in the U.S. in providing Social Mobility by U.S. News and World Report in 2023.