Across its 100-year history, The University of Baltimore has long been a welcoming haven for veterans and the military-affiliated community.
UBalt has been a safe harbor educating veterans of every major conflict from World War I through to the Global War on Terror, said Josiah Guthland, director of The Bob Parsons Veterans Center at UBalt and a U.S. Army Iraq veteran.
“UBalt created pathways and removed barriers so that our veteran students could attend our institution in a way that best worked for them,” he shared during the University’s annual Veterans Day ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 11.
UBalt’s first veteran was part of the inaugural class; William “Bill” Baxter was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War I. Twenty-one UBalt alumni lost their lives during the second World War.
The namesake for the University’s veterans center, Bob Parsons, a Marine Corps Vietnam veteran, came to UBalt because it accepted veterans without an entrance exam. He loved the community so much, that in 2013, he gave support through The Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation to establish The Bob Parsons Veteran Center. Today, the center serves as the physical and social hub for our veteran and military-affiliated students.
During Tuesday’s ceremony, Guthland welcomed two students to share about their connection to the University and its veterans center.
Here are the speeches they gave during the ceremony.
Nicholas Salicdo, a B.A. in Digital Communication student and retired U.S. Army, sergeant first class.
Good morning, friends, colleagues, guests and fellow veterans. I am honored to be here this morning speaking to you all on a brisk November day.
Veterans Day. An observance began in 1919 as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I on November 11th, 1918. It became a legal holiday in 1938 dedicated to world peace and honoring WWI veterans.
In 1954, the holiday’s name was officially changed to Veterans Day to honor veterans of all wars.
My name is Nicholas Salcido, or Sergeant Sal to those I served with proudly in the United States Army for 20 years. After retiring, I served almost another decade as an Army civilian grateful to continue my service to the American people alongside those in uniform I respect so deeply.
I have served in units across all four time zones here in the United States. I’ve had the honor of serving tours in Europe, Asia and all across the Middle East. I have trained, served and led alongside Americans and volunteers from all walks of life who were willing to put on the uniform and show up every day wherever, and whenever, they were needed.
During this day, we take time to thank and honor all military veterans, those still with us and those who aren’t, for their service.
I stand here thinking of my brothers and sisters-in-arms that cannot join us but are never forgotten – for me, it’s Soldiers like Sgt. Major Teresa Coble and Capt. Travis Patriquin.
It’s those we can still cherish, like my wife SSG Jennifer Kennemer, a veteran of the war in Afghanistan.
And it’s those that inspired us to service, like my father, SSG Nicholas Salcido Sr.
I was asked to speak to you all today about what Veterans Day means to me and if I could sum it up in one word, it would be Service.
Service to country. Service to something larger than ourselves.
And most importantly, Service to each other.
It means a commitment to duty and a willingness to endure hardship and often sacrifice.
But it is also thousands of incredible moments in a shared experience that will never be forgotten.
As much as it is blood, sweat and tears it is hurrying up together, and waiting together, and laughing so much we have tears. It is duty, camaraderie and love.
Today, I especially want to emphasize the importance of supporting veterans.
Many return home with wounds -— both visible and invisible — that require understanding, compassion, and support. It's our responsibility as a nation to honor our commitments to those who have worn the uniform, served and sacrificed.
Veterans Day is also a reminder of the ideals we fought for: liberty, justice, and peace.
While peace may not always be the option we are afforded, may we continue to strive for it. Let it start here with us at home as we work together to foster unity, tolerance, and respect for one another.
In closing, I want to thank every service member, past and present. Your sacrifice and willingness to serve has ensured the freedoms we enjoy today. It is a lifelong commitment to uphold the values that make this country great.
To my fellow veterans, I say, your service matters. You are appreciated more than words can express. Please reach out anytime wherever, and whenever, you need us.
May we continue to honor the spirit of service and remember that our duty does not end with wearing the uniform.
Thank you for allowing me this time with you today and this honor.
Bria Howard, a B.S. in Forensic Studies student and veteran ambassador
I am currently an undergraduate student, majoring in Forensic Investigation, and slated to graduate in spring 2026. You may also recognize me through some of my other roles on campus, but the one that is very dear and important to me is that as a Student Veteran Ambassador for The Bob Parsons Veterans Center. To understand why, I'd like to take you back a year.
In the summer of 2024, I had recently graduated from Howard Community College and now had to prepare for my next steps. During my application process for UBalt, my mother informed me that I qualified as a military dependent. At that time, the only significance I drew from that was that I now get a housing allowance. I did not have the typical experience of a military-dependent student. I was not raised by my stepfather, through whom I receive my benefits, so there was no moving around or growing up on a base or within that community.
It was at my orientation where I met one of the most important points of contact for military-affiliated students, Dena. She helped me with all the essential and told me that if I needed work, I should come to the BPVC. In my goal of being more connected to my campus, I agreed and started on Oct. 1, 2024.
On my first day at The Bob Parsons Center, I was nervous. I expected the center to be filled with serious tough guys who would be withdrawn, mysterious, and not particularly welcoming to a kid with no actual military background. However, it was after my first week that I started to believe the center could be a place of comfort. This was further reinforced by the fact that the office embodies a supportive community for military-related students.
When you pass by or enter our office, you will find dedicated individuals with diverse backgrounds who have all come to UBalt with their own unique purpose. You will also hear conversation, laughter, and possibly even see us dressed up as ghosts and posing for marketing. Dena is the Auntie who will always give you the most straightforward and honest advice. I know that I can stop by her office to ask any questions or to have a yap session about AI music groups. Andy is the big brother you bicker with, but who will always be in your corner as a pillar of support. Especially when combating Jahod on one of his hot takes. Speaking of Jahod, he is the true definition of Unc, the one you must keep informed about pop culture, but also passes down his own hidden gems. These range from personal anecdotes to his own experiences serving in the Army. On an almost daily basis, he will find a way to constantly say “join the military”. And Josiah... he's cool, I guess. It is nice that he’s a familiar face in campus-wide meetings, but that also makes me susceptible to his corny dad jokes.
Special shout out to the BPVC girlies, or as we sometimes call ourselves, “Women in STEM.” I have the pleasure of having a bond with them that carries outside of the BPVC. With Kaitlyn specifically, I have seen movies, both good and unrendered, visited haunted attractions, and established connections to other students within our program. But all in our group are always prepared for a food run. Hopefully, we can do a Korean BBQ trip next.
I have also been fortunate to meet and get to know other ambassadors, students, and employees in other offices through our events. It is at Paint Night that we all paint happy little trees with our own unique flair. The Memorial Day baseball game allows us to honor those lost while coming together for the perfect outing, even better when the O’s actually win the game. It is at the Women Veterans Luncheon where you honor women for their service and learn about their personal stories. Some are even part of a Secret Organization of Trench Rats, a group that all in attendance can agree had an off-putting name, but a valuable mission.
It is through this support system that I have learned more. I have received truthful and honest feedback in all areas of life, including the possibility of active-duty service. Before, when a recruiter would stop and ask if I was interested in joining, I would say no and go about my day. But now I can engage in conversations where I voice my concerns and questions and gain a better understanding. Joining the military full-time is a door that has only slightly crept open; if I do it, it will definitely be the Air Force.
However, what has been completely opened is a new dedication to connecting with veterans and dependents at UBalt, and in my work in Baltimore. I hope that the connections I have built now will enable me to move forward and contribute to services that support our veterans, dependents, and military-affiliated peers. The Bob Parsons Veterans Center is the true embodiment of family. It is why, for every Veterans Day and any other day, I will continue to carry the respect and admiration for the military community that has been instilled in me. Thank You.