By John Robert Morton, Student and Alumni Affairs Liaison, and Patrick “Snacks” Moore, AMU Graduate
Growing up in the military can be challenging for children. Different locations, environments, and people can throw off the balance of military families in many aspects of life.
Patrick “Snacks” Moore was no different. A self-proclaimed “Navy brat” who was constantly on the move, Patrick followed in his stepfather’s footsteps by enlisting in the Navy.
As an alumnus, Patrick now spends his time working with the University’s alumni community. He shares his knowledge and experience in the University’s mentoring program and the Alumni Advisory Council (AAC).
Finding a Place at the University
Before coming to the University, the military kept Patrick on his toes. He simply didn’t have the time to devote to formal and on-ground studies.
But with the assistance of a liaison office, Patrick learned about the flexibility of the University and how many military men and women were completing degrees online. The University provided Patrick with the support he needed.
At AMU, he completed an associate degree in hospitality, followed by a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management with a concentration in meeting and event planning.
Patrick is now working on another degree, seeking a master of business administration (MBA) with a concentration in event planning. “AMU has become the home school that I represent, and I plan to continue my studies through to a Ph.D!” Patrick says. Ultimately, Patrick hopes to start his own event planning business.
Serving the Alumni Community
In addition to his naval career and coursework, Patrick participates in several programs for alumni. In the University’s mentoring program, he spends time speaking to current and former students.
Mentoring is important to Patrick. As a servicemember, he understands the military lifestyle and encourages military students to talk about their future plans, either in the military or non-military world.
Patrick is also a member of the Alumni Advisory Council (AAC) where he provides input into university processes, services, and functions. His work with the AAC will ultimately benefit other alumni by supporting them and inspiring their participation in the University community.
His Greatest Accomplishment
Patrick feels that his greatest professional accomplishment is becoming a role model and mentor to so many people. “Being able to pay it forward and to watch others grow in ways that I am or greater is what makes me proud,” he says.
Patrick adds, “I have had some successes within my career, personal life, and generation-wise to obtain multiple degrees, which I cherish and found joy in those accomplishments. But truly the greatest accomplishment is when I see people who look up to me tell me they are going to succeed because of me, and they do it! That means the world to me.”
Advice to Future Students
Tough moments happen in everyone’s lives. But Patrick’s mother once gave him some advice that he has used to guide his life.
According to his mother, “No one ever has to accept you, but they will respect you because your presence demands it, and it doesn’t stray from a path. So don’t get caught up in a fool’s mess: intolerance, prejudice, or anything that isn’t outside of loving and respecting you.”
Patrick’s success in life is a result of care, dedication and fortitude. He has made his family, the University, the alumni community and his Navy community proud.
About the Author
John Robert Morton is a Student & Alumni Affairs Liaison and has been with the University for 14 years. His bachelor’s degree in European history is from Troy University in Troy, Alabama. He also completed master’s degrees in political science and sports management from American Military University. As a liaison, John Robert enjoys helping students and alumni to achieve their personal and professional goals.
About Our Department
The AMU and APU Alumni Affairs Office is dedicated to sustaining lifelong relationships with university alumni by providing engaging opportunities to stay involved and connected. We work closely with various stakeholders to strengthen the alumni experience and offer various benefits, services, activities, and events throughout the year.
As a team, the Alumni Affairs team works to build and sustain relationships with alumni along their personal and professional journeys. We actively look for ways to recognize and showcase alumni, telling their stories to motivate and encourage students to pursue their goals.
If you are a member of the alumni community and are looking for ways to remain actively involved, please contact [email protected] and speak with a member of the team.
Comments are closed.