During Military Appreciation Month, Troy University proudly honors the service members, veterans and military families who have shaped the University community for generations. Among those stories is the inspiring journey of retired Peruvian Army Lieutenant General Jorge Celiz and his son, Major Jean Celiz, whose shared connection to TROY reflects the University’s lasting impact on military leaders around the world.

Their story is one of leadership, education and family legacy — a journey that began nearly three decades ago and continues today through TROY’s global graduate programs.

Building a Foundation at TROY

Nearly 28 years ago, Jorge Celiz was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia, serving as an instructor at what is now known as WHINSEC. Like many military professionals serving abroad, he was searching for opportunities to continue his education and strengthen his leadership skills. Fellow officers introduced him to Troy State University’s graduate programs, and he made the decision to pursue a Master of Science in Management.

“At that time, I was the only foreign officer who decided to study this master’s degree,” Jorge recalled. “After two years, I got my Master of Science in Management. Really, that was a very good experience.”

What began as a personal educational goal became a defining part of his military career. Jorge later rose to the highest rank in the Peruvian Army, serving as Army Chief of Staff, and credits Troy University with helping shape the strategic planning and decision-making skills that guided him throughout his service.

“When you are an Army officer, your decisions affect the lives of people,” he said. “The strategic planning and structure I learned at TROY improved the way I made decisions. The basis for all of that was TROY.”

Jorge explained that TROY’s curriculum helped bridge the gap between military strategy and civilian leadership principles, giving him a broader perspective that continued to benefit him throughout advanced studies at institutions such as the National Defense University.

“I say all the time, thank you God for permitting me to be here at that time,” he said.

Continuing the Legacy

For Major Celiz, Troy University was familiar long before he enrolled as a student himself.

“I remember TROY when I was nine years old,” he said, recalling the stories his father shared about his graduate experience and how it helped him become a stronger leader and manager within the Army.

Now serving as a foreign instructor at the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC), Jean chose to continue the family connection to TROY through the University’s Master of Science in International Relations (MSIR) program.

Rather than following the exact same academic path as his father, Celiz pursued a degree focused on diplomacy, military strategy, and international cooperation.

“I’m interested in how military strategy is accompanied with the grand strategy of the nation,” he said. “How we build relations between countries, and how military capabilities connect with those relationships.”

As a current online student balancing military responsibilities, Celiz said TROY’s flexible learning environment and faculty support have exceeded expectations.

“The professors are awesome,” he said. “They personally reach out and provide feedback. TROY has the infrastructure, materials and support to make online students feel fully connected.”

He noted that TROY’s online programs foster meaningful interaction between students around the world, challenging the misconception that online education lacks personal connection.

Experiencing the Troy Campus Together

Although Jorge Celiz completed his coursework through TROY’s Fort Benning and Montgomery locations decades ago, this visit marked the first time both father and son experienced the Troy, Alabama campus together.

During their visit, they reflected on the University’s growth, international reach and commitment to preserving culture and tradition while preparing students for the future.

Major Celiz, who expects to return for graduation this summer, said he was impressed by the campus atmosphere and cultural displays, including the Terracotta Warriors exhibit.

“This is my first time here. I love it,” he said. “You have a lot of culture and history here.”

Jorge echoed those sentiments, praising the University’s continued growth and global perspective.

“I saw how you preserve history — not just from the U.S.,” he said. “You maintain that culture, that tradition, and try to pass it on to your students.”

He also highlighted TROY’s expanding international community and the opportunities available to students across the globe through both in-person and online programs.

Jorge and Major Celiz spoke highly of TROY’s commitment to student success.

“I recommend TROY to anyone searching for an excellent place to prepare for life,” Celiz said.

Jorge added that TROY provides students with more than just classroom knowledge.

“TROY gives international students not just knowledge or theory, but the best experience to improve ourselves and become better professionals in our institutions and our countries,” he said.

For Jorge and Major Celiz, Troy University represents more than a degree. It represents opportunity, leadership and a legacy of lifelong learning shared between father and son.

This Military Appreciation Month, Troy University celebrates stories like the Celiz family’s — stories of service, leadership and education that transcend borders and generations. To show appreciation, TROY is offering the application fee waived for all actively-serving military, veterans and their families. Apply now at troy.edu/enroll.