Serving with Purpose: Army Veteran Tom Witman ’73 Reflects on His Time at La Roche

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 11, 2026 — Behind every veteran is a story of service, and many of those stories belong to members of the La Roche community. This Veterans Day, we honor all who have served and share the story of one alumnus whose military experience helped shape his future.

When Tom Witman ’73 left the U.S. Army after three years of service, he wasn’t sure what came next. He ultimately turned his military experience and passion for art and design into a degree and a 42-year career.

After high school, Tom earned an associate degree from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. In 1967, he enlisted in the Army and served for three years, including a tour in Vietnam. As an Army Intelligence Image Interpreter, he analyzed aerial imagery to provide military leaders with critical information about enemy forces, potential battle areas, and combat operations. His work helped inform military decisions and support troops on the ground.  

Following his service, Tom attended La Roche College from 1971 to 1972, earning a bachelor’s degree in Art & Design. He was able to apply credits from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh toward his degree and use the GI Bill benefits to help cover college expenses.

After graduation, Tom combined his education with his love of art and design to establish a printed sportswear business, specializing in screen printing, embroidery, and logo design. He operated the business for 42 years.

“I am proud of my family’s contributions to the military,” Tom said. “My family has a long history in the military. Some of my relatives were in the Civil War, my dad was in WWII, and I served in Vietnam. Fun fact: a relative on my dad’s side of the family was George Washington’s Surgeon General.”

Tom also credits his military experience and La Roche education with helping prepare him for his career.

“I’m grateful that I was able to earn my bachelor’s degree at La Roche, and I’m currently on the alumni board because I wanted to give back to the University,” he said. “Being in the military taught me discipline and respect, which translated into my successful career in design. I enjoyed my time at La Roche because it was a small campus, and our professors were able to give students one-on-one attention.”

Tom and his wife, Karen, have been married for 58 years and live in Sigel, Pa., near the Allegheny National Forest.

This Veteran’s Day, La Roche University extends its gratitude to Tom and all veterans and service members in our community. We honor their service and the contributions they continue to make.

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