91成人导航

Thomas Seifert has few memories of his older brother, Edward. A single photograph captures their brief relationship.

鈥淚t shows him holding me when he was on leave from the war. That鈥檚 the only photo of us together,鈥� Seifert said.

Corporal Edward Philip Seifert enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on Pearl Harbor Day, nine months before his baby brother was born. He was killed on Iwo Jima in 1945, when Tom was just two years old.

Eight decades later, Edward will be honored at 91成人导航 thanks to Tom Seifert and his wife, former regent Dianne Philibosian 鈥�68. The couple pledged $50,000 to honor the corporal with a named residential suite in Manor Hall, a historic campus building that will house student veterans beginning fall 2025.

Renovations to Manor Hall began earlier this year. Completion is anticipated for February 2025, with move-in slated for August.

鈥淚t鈥檚 so important for veterans to have an affinity group on campus, and a living space dedicated exclusively to them will be significant for creating that support group,鈥� Philibosian said. 鈥淭his felt like the perfect opportunity to honor Edward and to perpetuate his memory.鈥�

During World War II, Cpl. Seifert鈥檚 service took him to the Northern Mariana Islands, to Guam, Saipan and later to Tinian, where the atomic bombs targeting Hiroshima and Nagasaki originated. He was wounded and sent to a hospital in Hawaii for treatment, but chose to return to the war when he recovered.

He died in the Battle of Iwo Jima six months later. Only 21 years old, he was awarded two Purple Hearts for his courage and sacrifice.

The corporal never attended college, but in letters home to his mother, urged her to ensure a different outcome for young Tom.

鈥淗e talked about how I needed an education,鈥� Seifert said. 鈥淗e wanted me to go to college, since he didn鈥檛 have the opportunity, and he was very insistent that my mother follow through with that. It was never a question whether I would go or not.鈥�

Seifert later graduated from the University of Cincinnati and enjoyed a long career in manufacturing.

鈥淏ecause of that, it feels so fitting to pay tribute to Edward among educators, students and all that he so valued and wanted for his little brother,鈥� Philibosian said.聽

Manor Hall features residential rooms for more than 30 students, along with quiet spaces and gathering areas for studying, counseling and events. Accessible amenities, such as an ADA-compliant kitchen and supportive furniture, will accommodate the physical challenges some veterans face.

鈥淭his focus on comfort and inclusivity ensures Manor Hall is not just another residence, but is a true community hub for veteran students,鈥� said Stan Rapada 鈥�21, 鈥�24, a United States Navy veteran and director of 91成人导航鈥檚 Military and Veteran Student Center.

The building also will house physical tributes to Edward Seifert and others in its named spaces. Photos, medals and artifacts will be displayed with plaques sharing each veteran鈥檚 story.

鈥淭hese tributes are intended to make veterans' experiences feel authentic and accessible,鈥� Rapada explained. 鈥淭hey will encourage connections with the past, inspiring conversations about service, courage and the sacrifices these individuals made for future generations.鈥�

Rapada hopes students and others take time to reflect on these stories and their examples of resilience. He also emphasizes the importance of philanthropic and volunteer support in furthering the vision of a veteran-friendly campus environment.

鈥淒ianne鈥檚 and Tom鈥檚 donation demonstrates the transformative power of a personal investment in veterans' futures,鈥� he said. 鈥淭heir gift is a testament to the gratitude and respect so many of us hold for veterans' sacrifices.鈥�

Having spent his childhood revisiting Edward鈥檚 letters and postcards with his mother, Tom Seifert, too, appreciates the value in honoring veterans鈥� stories.

鈥淢y mother constantly reminded me what Edward was about, what he thought and what he loved,鈥� Seifert said. 鈥淭hat was such a great part of my growing up that now, even though I didn鈥檛 know him well, he lives very much in my heart.鈥�

To learn about naming opportunities in Manor Hall, contact Scott Biedermann 鈥�05, 鈥�20, vice president for development and alumni relations, at 209.946.2166 or sbiedermann@pacific.edu.