LA VERNE, CA — The University of La Verne volleyball team recently hosted theme nights celebrating first responders and military service members.

During the Leopards' game against Chapman, the Leopards celebrated First Responders Night to recognize the men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our community. Members of the La Verne Fire and Police departments were invited to the game and were honored during an on-court presentation.

Later, when La Verne played Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, the Leopards celebrated Military Appreciation Night and honored U.S. Army veteran Tomas Diaz as the Military Hero of the Game. La Verne Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12034 Band of Brothers Color Guard presented the nation's colors before the National Anthem.

University of La Verne President Risa Dickson presented Diaz with a certificate of recognition during an on-court ceremony. Diaz served as a Human Intelligence Collector, including a deployment to Afghanistan. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration at the University of La Verne, continuing a professional and academic journey that has taken him from military service to business, aerospace, and higher education. He is a member of the University of La Verne Student Veterans of America chapter. was recently selected as a recipient of the 2026 RTX Patriot Scholarship, one of only two veterans selected nationwide.