Veterans Earn Academic Honors at Commencement

Adam Moseley ’25 received the Dean’s Medal of Excellence Award and the Dean’s Service Award and was the school’s undergraduate student speaker, and Shing Ming Wong ’25 received the A.A. Berti Award for Outstanding Scholarship. Jessica Modisette ’25 was recognized by the Financial Management Association honor society.

Moseley, who earned a BS in business administration with a major in management, enrolled at USF after a 20-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps.

“I was a senior in high school when 9/11 happened, and I joined the Marine Corps three months after,” Moseley said. “Also, as the oldest of three kids, I knew my parents wouldn’t be able to pay for my college education so I wanted to be able to pay for myself.”

He earned two meritorious service medals and four Navy and Marine Corps commendation medals during his military career. At USF he maintained a 3.98 GPA while serving as president of the Veterans Club.

Moseley used his leadership role to advocate for fellow veterans on campus, pushing for priority registration and dedicated space where veterans could study together.

"Our needs are very different," Moseley said. "We are required to have in-person classes and we want to maximize our benefits, so things like priority registration would be very useful for us. Our classes also need to be approved through the VA, and when we can't take the classes we need, it makes it very difficult for veterans to get their education."

His advice to veterans considering undergraduate education: "Take the time to enjoy the learning experience. Our mindset is to identify a task and then complete the task — it’s just the way we are geared. But don't overdo it and burn out."

Wong moved to the U.S. from Shenzhen, China, at age 14. After earning a justice studies degree, he enlisted in the Navy as an electrical engineer.

Wong served 10 years, receiving five Navy and Marine Corps achievement medals and deploying overseas three times. He used his GI Bill benefits to pursue a second bachelor's degree in accounting at USF.

"I chose accounting intentionally because I wanted to transition away from a career centered on weapons and conflict and toward a more peaceful, analytical profession," Wong said. "Accounting offers clarity, structure, and truth, as numbers do not lie."

Along with pursuing a master's degree in taxation at Golden Gate University, Wong plans to spend time with his wife and three children, ages 14, 5, and 3.

"I missed significant time with my family due to three overseas deployments," he said. "My priority now is spending time with them."

Advice he’d give to other veterans in his shoes?

“Do it. You have nothing to lose. Your education is funded, you receive a substantial tax-free housing allowance, and you are investing in yourself.