Q2 is a period focused more on planning, as Q3 and Q4 are our busiest periods between annual events and the start of the Fall semester. We begin this newsletter with a look forward into the last half of 2024, which will be full of events and initiatives. After we look forward, we take a moment to reflect on what was accomplished in Q2. As always, anyone interested in learning more about VMAS is invited to join us for one of our weekly meetings.
Looking Forward | Q3-Q4 Outlook
Getting Involved
While Wright State VMAS has seen an increase in registered members, we are looking for individuals who want to become more actively involved in planning and executing our annual goals. We have volunteer opportunities within our three standing committees, each with their own goals that drive our overall strategy. Members can volunteer for the:
The Networking & Mentoring Committee, which is responsible for;
Organizing the Fall and Spring Major Mixer with the VMC,
Securing mentors and speakers for the Entrepreneurship Veterans Bootcamp and organizing the EVB Social Evening,
Identifying opportunities, defining expectations for Wright State University student projects,
And ensuring VMAS has a strong presence at the annual Vets Moving Forward event.
The Membership & Engagement Committee, which is responsible for;
Planning and posting social media content shared through our platforms,
New member recruitment initiatives,
Collaboration opportunities with other organizations,
And Planning our Golf Outing and Cornhole Tournament.
The Finance & Fundraising Committee, which is responsible for;
Ensuring event specific and annual VMAS balance sheets are maintained,
Securing ongoing funding for the Career Advancement Program,
And Marketing the Wright Day 2 Give initiative.
Interested individuals should reach out to WrightStateVMAS@Gmail.com with any questions.
Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans
Each year we partner with the Wright State Raj Soin College of Business and the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with two goals in mind;
Connect local Entrepreneurs to the program to serve as Speakers or Mentors
Provide program participants, speakers, mentors, and administrators with a relaxing social evening
The Reynolds and Reynolds Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV) program supports the success of military veterans who are aspiring entrepreneurs. The EBV at Wright State is part of a larger consortium of higher education institutions, initiated by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University. The consortium is comprised of universities across the U.S., including Texas A&M, UCLA, the University of Connecticut, Louisiana State University, Florida State University, Saint Joseph’s University and the University of Missouri. Learn more about the EBV on the program website.
Northridge Honors Concert
VMAS supports more than just the Wright State community. This September, we are proud to sponsor the Northridge Honors Concert, a benefit concert that supports the expansion of a Veteran Alumni memorial on the campus of Northridge Local Schools in Dayton. This benefit concert is headlined by Northridge Alumni and Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter Frank Myers. Join us on September 29th or support the concert as a sponsor. Visit the Northridge Honors Concert website to learn more and register.
2024 Golf Outing
Our annual Golf Outing is quickly approaching, and we are excited for another amazing year! This event is now in its fourth year, with each year giving the VMAS team a chance to make this a unique and memorable outing. Last year we brought back our popular Bottle Breacher awards and introduced PT for Par, where a team could complete a set of military-exercises to shave a stroke off of their score.
This year we have a few new additions including best/worst dressed, on-course live streaming, and post-play interviews hosted on our Facebook page. Tony and Pete's, a Wright State Alumni owned small business, is this years post-play buffet caterer and we have a lot of great raffle items to give away as well. Learn more about player and sponsor opportunities on the event registration page.
Career Advancement Program
Time is running out to secure your share of over $9,000!! The application window for the Career Advancement Program closes on July 31, 2024. This program provides Wright State students and alumni who are Veterans, Service Members (Active/Guard/Reserve), or Dependents with a way to recoup expenses associated with professional development. This includes application costs, training materials, conferences, and more. Learn more and apply on the VMAS CAP site.
Looking Back | Q2 Review
Vets Moving Forward
It was another successful year for the annual Vets Moving Forward resource and employment fair. This was the seventh year in a row that Wright State hosted the event, which was organized by the Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE) and the Greater Miami Valley myVeteran Community. This annual event provides Dayton area Veterans with a one-stop-shop that connects them to local elected officials, veteran service organizations, employers, the Dayton VA, DAV, and more. If you are a local Veteran, Service Member, or dependent, mark your calendar and don't miss next years event in May of 2025.
Women Veterans Day
This year VMAS member and Wright State Student Veteran Association President Shannon Doyal hosted a Women Veterans Day event in the Veteran & Military Center. On June 12 each year we recognize, honor, and remember the signing of the 'Women’s Armed Services Integration Act', providing women with the right to permanently serve in the regular armed forces. Several presenters spoke about the invaluable role of women veterans in higher education, our community, and society at large, as well as the importance of mental health services specifically for women veterans. USAF Maj. Hansen closed the presentation with the appropriate quote, "Let's go girls!"
Carry The Load
Over the Memorial Day holiday Wright State welcomed representatives from 'Carry the Load', an organization that does annual relay marches in memory of fallen soldiers.
The relay is 20-thousand miles split between five routes, with Wright State being in the Midwest path. Participants paused this year at the Captain Shawn English Champion Garden for a short ceremony before continuing on their route. The non profit organization says they do this to raise awareness of the true meaning of Memorial Day. Learn more about Carry the Load on their website.
Upcoming Events
Event details can be found on the VMAS Events page or the Alumni Association Events page. Stop by one of our weekly meetings or send us an email to learn how you can help.
VMAS Golf Outing @ Beavercreek Golf Club - September 7, 2024
VMAS Major Mixer w/ the VMC - September TBD 2024
Masters of Public Health 20th Anniversary - September 26, 2024
African American Alumni Society Sapphire Jubilee - September 28, 2024
Northridge Honors Concert - September 29, 2024
Amigos Latinos Alumni Society Gala - October 5, 2024
Support the Alumni Association by attending one of their events, purchasing a Wright State license plate, or by becoming a Wright State Alumni Association Gold Member for as little as $50 a year.
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