In the newsletter below we will start by looking back on the accomplishments of Q4, followed by some quantifiable improvements for 2024 as a whole, and finishing with a few notes to start the new year.
As you read through the content below, we want to remind you that we are always looking for volunteers who want to help the Wright State Veteran & Military-Connected Community succeed. You don't have to be a member to volunteer or attend one of our weekly meetings on Google to learn more. If you can't attend a meeting, feel free to email us at WrightStateVMAS@Gmail.com.
Looking Back | Q4 Review
SBA VBOC Open House & Major Mixer
On November 13th we started the day with the opening of the first Small Business Administration Veterans Business Outreach Center in the state of Ohio. Housed in the Wright State Veteran & Military Center, the new VBOC supports veterans and their spouses pursuing a business, an SBA loan, or designation as a veteran-owned business to attract federal contracts. Business loans made through the VBOC will be through the Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI), the largest provider of micro-loans to Small Business Administration (SBA) clients in the nation.
Later that evening we held another Major Mixer with the Wright State Veteran & Military Center; connecting students, alumni, faculty, staff, and local employers. This recurring event happens each fall and spring semester with the goal of introducing students to people who can help them navigate life post-college. This event is open to anyone who wants to help future graduates succeed, with complimentary dinner and drinks provided to those who in attendance. Keep an eye on our events page for our next Major Mixer.
Military Community Advocate
The National Veterans Leadership Foundation (NVLF) hosts a national 'Military Community Advocate' program, with the goal empowering military-connected student leaders to drive change on campuses across the country. This year VMAS is funding one of these position through the Wright State Veteran & Military Center, with a Marine Corps Veteran and new Wright State graduate filling the position.
The goal of this year's project is to help us recreate our major marketing materials, which have not seen a refresh since early in our organizations life. We have defined over a dozen physical and digital marketing materials that need new life, each one helping us effectively tell out story. These materials will help articulate how our recurring events, programs, and initiatives support the greater Wright State Veteran and Military-Connected community.
Stars, Stripes, and Flight Classic
On November 30th members of the VMAS team joined over 9,00 fans to watch as the Wright State Men's Basketball team faced off against the Air Force Academy in the inaugural Stars, Stripes, and Flight Classic. The game attracted 9,672 fans to the Nutter Center and served as the kick-off event for Big Hoopla activities surrounding the NCAA Tournament’s First Four next spring. The Stars, Stripes, and Flight Classic celebrated the region’s veterans and active-duty military with an Air Force swearing-in ceremony at halftime among other festivities.
VMAS reps were able to enjoy a great basketball game while also making some connections with the many other veteran and military connected representatives at the game. This is one example of how our members can enjoy a free event while also representing VMAS in the community.
Endowment Creation
The 'Wright State Veteran & Military Alumni Society Endowment' has officially been seeded with our first $10,00 deposit💵! What does that mean? We are one step closer to creating a long-term scholarship or program fund that benefits the Wright State veteran and military connected community. Over the next 18 months the VMAS team will make the final determination for the distribution of these funds and whether they support a scholarship or general fund for an on-campus service like the Veteran & Military Center.
The first payout for this fund would occur after June 2026 once final determinations have been established. Once established this fund will also be available for direct donations, which we can also leverage through the annual Wright Day to Give event with Wright State. Thanks to everyone who attended events, sponsored events, and helped us financially over the last five years to make this possible!🎊🎉
2024 Wrapped
Looking Forward | 2025 Outlook
Cornhole Tournament
Registration is live for the 2025 VMAS Cornhole Tournament at Amvets Post 464 in Huber Heights! This 30-team double-elimination tournament has been a big hit over the year, with players and spectators enjoying hot food, cold drinks, and plenty of entertainment throughout the day. A few changes to share for 2025 include;
Our venue has changed, with enough space to play 30 teams in the same time frame as the 20 teams from last year.
Extra raffle tickets to thank Designated Drivers for making sure others get home safe.
Expanded sponsorship options, with some options including team entry into the tournament.
Learn more about the 2025 Cornhole Tournament on the event page.
Spring Major Mixer
Planning is underway for the Spring Semester Major Mixer, and we want you to join us! As an attendee, we want you to enjoy an opportunity to network with other local professionals while also providing students in attendance with:
An idea of what their major might encounter in a chosen career field.
Feedback on employer reputations in the region.
Opportunities for internships, student projects, or full-time employment.
And more...
Whether your a local professional, recruiter, or employer, this social event provides opportunity for you to connect with the Wright State Veteran & military community. Dinner and drinks are provided by the Wright State Veteran & Military Center and VMAS, so come hungry. Keep an eye on the event page for a formal date to be published.
Expanded Financial Programs
The Career Advancement Program application window re-opens on March 1st! The VMAS CAP, made possible by Fifth Third Bank, will reimburse qualifying individuals up to $2,500 for expenses incurred in the pursuit of professional development. This includes testing fees, training materials, seminars, and more expenses that lead to the completion of a licensing or certification.
"I am so thankful for the opportunity that the Career Advancement Program has provided me. The support and communication throughout the application process made it incredibly easy to access the financial support needed for me to continue my professional development as a School Counselor, which is an ever-changing career field. I wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone seeking to further their education and advance their career. It's a testament to the organization's dedication to veterans." - Andrea F.
We have already given away close to $4,000 so far, and we hope to provide even more financial support in 2025. Visit the Career Advancement Program website between March 1st and July 31st to complete your application.
Wright State Homecoming
Homecoming at Wright State begins this year on February 5th with a series of events both on and off-campus. The event calendar is PACKED, with some events specific to students and others open to the entire community. We encourage you to visit the link above for the full list, but below are a few teasers to get you interested in everything happening that week.
Women's and Men's Homecoming Basketball games
Paint and Sip in the Student Union
Trivia Night @ Wandering Griffin
Alumni Awards Ceremony
Chili Cook Off
And a LOT MORE
Executive Leadership Elections
2025 brings another election cycle for VMAS, as our Executive Leadership Team (ELT) wraps up another two-year service term. In Q1 2025 we will distribute election eligibility and schedule details for our next two-year service cycle. To qualify for one of our ELT positions interested individuals must be a Wright State Alumni, but are NOT required to have any military affiliation. To learn more about what our VMAS Leadership team does and the Committees they manage, visit the Our Committees page.
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.
Paint & Sip | February 6, 2025
Wright State Alumni Awards | February 7, 2025
Rathskeller After Dark | February 7, 2025
Beer Tasting | February 8, 2025
Fourth Annual Cornhole Tournament | March 22, 2025
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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