I reported directly to Gilbert (Dean of Students) for over two years as the Director of the SSG Matthew Thompson Veterans Resource Center. Gilbert was an integral part of moving to our 3rd location in two years and advocated for the military connected students. Gilbert strategically helped me develop methods of overcoming budgetary constraints, removing barriers for recruitment and retention of veterans. Though currently on hold due to covid 19, he helped with the passing of the proposal to increase our space by adding a patio on the outside of our office. What I enjoyed most about working with Gilbert is that he always placed the students first and would quickly respond to all of his direct reports by end of day prioritizing what needs to be done. He taught a handful of our veterans in the introductory and online bachelor programs and is well liked by our students. For the Spring 2020 semester the VRC chose Gilbert as our “Hero of Heroes” for his highest advocacy for our student population. Gilbert would do whatever was in his authority to help the students and would always volunteer himself to lead the way in whatever initiatives was best for our institution. As Dean of Students, Gilbert was on the front lines for everything that the student touched at Concordia and has great knowledge of the many facets of higher education.