Roger Miranda, Alum

Roger Miranda, who entered the Marine Corps after 9/11, said his military experience led him to explore attending college, and the birth of his son, Danny, reinforced the decision. The youngest of eight children, he is the first in his family to attend college.   “Watching my mom struggle to raise eight children on her own has taught me to never accept defeat. I wanted to spend every moment with Danny and fight to give him the guidance that was missing during my youth,” Miranda said.

According to Miranda, Duquesne’s School of Leadership stood out because of the welcoming staff and its unique military program, which is tailored for the working parent and service member. While attending Duquesne University, he was advancing his education “along with juggling the responsibilities of a Marine, a father and a husband,” said Miranda.

Miranda plans to continue his education with law school. He is a member of the Hispanic Attorney’s Committee; the Pittsburgh Federal Executive Board’s Hispanic Employment Program Committee, which helps the local Hispanic community find more access to jobs and develop a competitive advantage in the job market; the Marine Color Guard; and the Marine Corps High School Physical Training programs.

“Part of being a leader is sharing a success with those around you,” said Miranda, who is responsible for five Marine comrades enrolling at the University. “By pushing other Marines to enroll with Duquesne, I feel that I am sharing a goal that we as military members all have in common. My strengths are my experiences and my achievements will be my legacy.”

While a Duquesne University student, the University Continuing Education Association (UCEA) named Marine Sgt. Roger Miranda its Outstanding Continuing Education Student of the year.  Miranda was selected from approximately 1,000 adult students because of his inspirational desire for academic success and continued dedication to the community.