In April 2019, Tommy Zurhellen set out on 2,860-mile cross-country trek from Portland, Oregon, to Poughkeepsie, NY, to raise awareness of the issues of veteran suicide and homelessness and to raise funds for organizations assisting local veterans. After four and a half months of walking, he returned to campus on August 23. He joined Amy Woods '97 to speak about his trek, the organizations he's supporting, and how life has changed as a result of his adventure.

Tommy is an associate Professor of English at Marist, author of the award-winning Messiah Trilogy of novels, and co-host of the popular writing podcast, FICTION SCHOOL. A United States Navy Veteran, Tommy served as a nuclear electrician from 1991 to 1997 in the Persian Gulf.