By Townhall Chicago News Staff
Saint Xavier University on Wednesday announced it will host a Veterans Day event on Nov. 11 from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Butler Reception Room on its southwest-side Chicago campus, honoring university Chief of Police Dan Murphy for his Air Force service.
The university’s Student Veterans Alliance is partnering with the McCarthy Brigade to organize the event, which is open to the public, according to an SXU news release published Wednesday.
Murphy served in the United States Air Force from 1987 to 1991 as a security specialist, reaching the rank of sergeant, the release said. He was assigned to the 86th Security Police Squadron at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, where he protected aircraft, flightlines, base facilities and weapons while also working German Town Patrol with local police. He later served at Grand Forks Air Force Base in support of Minuteman III missile security and Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
“We are excited to honor Dan Murphy on our Veteran’s Day Event this year. Dan has been an integral part of the Saint Xavier University community for several years, and his service to our country, school and community will be recognized on this day,” Matthew Maltese, veterans and athletics compliance advisor, said in the release.
Murphy’s military honors include the Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal.
“My service in the United States Air Force gave me the confidence and determination to face challenges and keep moving forward,” Murphy said in the release. “Those lessons have stayed with me through my career and now as a student at Saint Xavier University. Being honored here on Veteran’s Day is especially meaningful because being a veteran continues to shape how I lead, learn and serve.”
After receiving an honorable discharge, Murphy built a 30-year career in law enforcement, rising from patrolman to roles including sergeant, chief of investigations and acting chief of police. He founded Child Safety Zone in 2002 to teach children about safety, drugs, gangs and violence prevention. His law enforcement honors include the Medal of Honor, Combat Cross and Wounded in Combat awards, according to the release.
Murphy joined SXU in 2022 in emergency management and campus safety, later becoming chief of police. He is currently pursuing a college degree at the university.
“Veteran’s Day is a time to honor the men and women who have served our country and recognize the sacrifices they have made to protect our freedom,” Karely Padilla, SVA president, said in the release. “As a veteran and president of SVA, I’m proud to help bring our campus community together to recognize those who have served.”
Saint Xavier University is located at 3700 W. 103rd St. in Chicago.
