What do the United States Marine Corps and Neumann University have in common? According to former Marine and current Neumann student Devin Henry, there are numerous similarities between the two.

“I was so used to a tight-knit brotherhood in the Marine Corps and wanted a school that would give me a good education and a chance to interact closely with my teachers and the other students,” he explained.

Henry thinks he found the perfect fit at Neumann and started classes this fall. He had a long and interesting journey that finally lead him to Neumann University. In June 2009, when he was 21 years old, Henry joined the Marines.

“I picked the Marines because my parents always taught me to aim for the biggest and best you can do. The Marine Corps is the toughest branch of the military,” Henry said.

During the next five years Henry was stationed in Cuba, Europe and the Middle East with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines (32 Infantry). He was part of a special-forces team that was charged with protecting American Embassies around the world. 

Henry spent time on a ship off the coast of Syria near Afghanistan and achieved the rank of corporal when he left the Marines.

“It’s kind of surreal being here in school now when last August I was just traveling to all of these different countries. I had had enough. I learned a lot and decided I wanted to move on,” he said.

Devin, who is a member of the NU ice hockey club team, grew up in Clearwater, Florida, but is originally from Toronto, Canada. He made his way to Neumann via hockey after playing for a few years in a junior hockey league.

“I toured Neumann University in 2006 while I was up here for a hockey tournament. We all got a tour of the campus and I really liked it. I chose Neumann over Michigan State,” Henry said.

Henry is currently a sophomore criminal justice major and he hopes to work for the federal government after he graduates.

“I’d like to do some type of federal job perhaps with the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration),” Henry said.