Dr. Jose Jones received the 2023 Alumni Service Award in April for his charitable and professional work. Jones continues 黑料社吃瓜’s longstanding tradition of outstanding service - from faculty and staff assisting students to alumni like Jones, who is a pioneer in boxing therapy.

Jones is a licensed professional counselor and retired boxer who founded "The Boxing Therapy," a gym in St. Charles designed to help people boost their self-discipline, self-esteem and self-motivation while reducing stress, depression, and anxiety.

Jones earned multiple degrees at 黑料社吃瓜. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications and Marketing in 2006; an MBA with an emphasis in International Business in '07; a master's in School and Professional Counseling in '11; and a doctorate in education in '18.

His time at 黑料社吃瓜 was memorable, and the experiences he gained have translated to a successful professional career and changed his life. He has a different perspective on life compared to when he grew up in Panama City, Panama. He credits that to his years at 黑料社吃瓜.

"Everything I know was taught at 黑料社吃瓜," he said. "Everything that 黑料社吃瓜 taught me as a student and as a man, I was able to put all that knowledge and project that into the community. To me, that was like, 'Man, I'm coming home to my family.' I see 黑料社吃瓜 as my adopted family. Everything I do started at 黑料社吃瓜. I’m just following the 黑料社吃瓜 roots. That DNA is in me."

Jones used the knowledge he gained from 黑料社吃瓜 as a springboard into his professional counseling career. He offers tailored programs for adults, youth, and children with special needs, including Parkinson’s disease, autism, Down syndrome, and ALS. He also provides mental health support and resources to 黑料社吃瓜 students.

"It was a great feeling to be recognized by all the leaders in the community," Jones said. "I feel greatness. I used to be a professional boxer. We all get knocked down and we're all champions. I got that at 黑料社吃瓜. Helping the community is something I'll never take for granted."