Student Spotlight
Angie Peacock, Master of Social Work candidate and WUVets President, represented WashU when she was featured on the March 12th edition of St. Louis on the Air, where host Don Marsh talked with her and two other local Army veterans about women as a growing force among student veterans at universities across the region and how St. Louis’ student veterans collaborated as they planned for this year’s Student Veterans Week, which took place March 17-24th.
Joining her in the discussion were Jim Craig, chair of the University of Missouri–St. Louis’ (UMSL) Department of Military and Veteran Studies, and Emily Staden, a biology and biochemistry major at UMSL.
Access the broadcast here: http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/women-growing-force-among-student-veterans-universities-across-gateway-region
Have you accomplished something notable that you’d like to share with your peers? Do you have a student veteran you’d like to highlight? Email jennifer.goetz@wustl.edu.
Around Campus
Military and Veteran Services Office Hours
New office hours for the Office of Military and Veteran Services are as follows:
Wednesdays, 12:30 – 4 pm
Thursdays, 10 am – 12 pm and 2 – 4 pm
We invite you to stop by Umrath 121 during these times to ask questions, learn more about connecting with other veterans on campus, and to grab a free cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate.
https://veterans.wustl.edu/about-our-office/
Student Veteran Census
Here is your final chance to complete the Student Veteran Census!
https://veterans.wustl.edu/students/student-veteran-census/
Veterans attending WashU are encouraged to self-identify so our office may corral the necessary support to ensure student success and to celebrate your military service. We advocate for veterans and servicemembers from all branches, whether you do or do not receive educational benefits from the DOD or VA.
The names of those who completed the census will be entered into a drawing for a copy of Life During College: The Veteran’s Guide to Success by Osborne, Arndt and Coleman.
WUVets Coffee Chats
WUVets invites you to attend weekly coffee chats through the end of the semester on Thursdays from 3-5 pm. This Thursday’s coffee chat will be held in the Liberman Graduate Center on the 3rd floor of the Danforth University Center. WUVets will provide free coffee and a snack. This is a great opportunity to connect with the WUVets executive leadership team and to share your thoughts, interests and needs.
Additional information about meetings and opportunities to get involved are available at https://sites.wustl.edu/wuvets.
Olin Veterans Association Dining Out
The Olin Veterans Association (OVA) and Mike Decola hosted the Olin Business School’s 5th Annual Military Dining Out on Thursday, March 29. This was an outstanding event that afforded students, alumni, business leaders and other guests the opportunity to observe the traditions and camaraderie that uniquely characterize military service.
Congratulations to OVA for organizing such a distinguished event!
(Picture: Current OVA students across MBA, PMBA, and EMBA programs with Chancellor Mark Wrighton.)
Honor Flight Letter-Writing Campaign
Thanks so much to everyone who participated in the Honor Flight Letter-Writing Campaign! As a result of your efforts, we received over 60 letters to provide to Korean War era veteran Gerald Engeszer during Mail Call following his Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. on Saturday, March 31. Gerald’s son, Bob Engeszer, is a WashU employee who accompanied his father on the trip as his guardian.
Honor Flight Network is a non-profit created to honor America’s veterans for all their sacrifices and they transport our heroes to Washington, D.C. to visit and reflect at their memorials. Learn more about Honor Flight at https://www.honorflight.org.
(Picture: Gerald Engeszer [left] with son Bob Engeszer during Mail Call at St. Louis Lambert International Airport)
Bear Adventure Trips
Bear Adventures gives WashU students the opportunity to get off campus and experience some of the best attractions in the St. Louis region. The last event of the semester, Day at the Lake, is scheduled for Saturday, April 21. Enjoy your Saturday on the water or around the park at Creve Coeur Lake. Take a canoe or kayak or just hang out on the beach and relax before finals.
Cost: $10 (Includes transportation, equipment rental and lunch)
Registration Closes Thursday, April 19
Register or view upcoming trips here: http://rec.wustl.edu/programs/BearAdventures/index.
Upcoming Events
Veterans Commencement Recognition Ceremony
Veterans graduating in Spring and Summer 2018 are invited to participate in a recognition ceremony during commencement week, recognizing their service to this nation and their successful completion of their academic program. Graduates will receive their red, white and blue honor cords during this ceremony, which can be worn during commencement. A reception will follow the event.This event is free and open to graduating student veterans, guests and faculty and staff supporters.
Register at https://veterans.wustl.edu/veterans-recognition-ceremony/. Registration closes May 1st.
Sign up today to donate blood or volunteer at WashU’s campus-wide blood drive! The drive will be held on Wednesday, April 4, featuring seven locations and a variety of times to fit your schedule. You are still eligible to donate if you have donated at previous WashU drives this year. Your donation has the potential to save 3 lives!
Appointments are strongly encouraged, and they’ll help you get in & out sooner! To schedule your donation, volunteer, or learn more, please visit www.blooddrive.wustl.edu. Please note that you will begin the sign up process on the Gephardt Institute’s website, and then be redirected to either the American Red Cross or Mississippi Valley website to finalize your appointment.
Blood Drive Locations and Times:
Danforth University Center, Room 276: 9am-9pm
Danforth University Center, Room 234: 9am-7pm
Goldfarb Hall, Room 132: 9am-4pm
Lopata Hall, Stanley’s Café Gallery: 9am-4pm*
Medical School Campus, Olin Gym: 10am-6pm*
South 40, College Hall: 2pm-9pm*
West Campus, Room 350: 12pm-4pm
*Designates Ally Donation Zone
TEDx Gateway Arch
Join TEDxGatewayArch on Thursday, April 12 for Think Well: Healthcare Out Loud — an afternoon of this year’s most resonant ideas for healthcare, wellness and medicine.
You’ll hear 9 industry leaders unleash 18-minute revelations on how data, robotics, zoology, experience, mindfulness, self-healing, neuroscience and food are saving and transforming lives. You’ll be able to say you were there when 2018 inspired the future of health. And what’s more, you’ll be part of it.
Grab your team, tickets, and thinking caps, and get ready to hear Healthcare Out Loud.
Program is scheduled 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Optional luncheon for additional cost. TEDx at Twilight Networking Hour to follow the main program.
Learn more and purchase tickets here: https://www.tedxgatewayarch.org/think-well-2018
IDVA Veterans’ Outreach Evening with Six Mile Library, April 12
The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) invites all Illinois Veterans to attend the IDVA Veterans’ Outreach Evening with Six Mile Library on Thursday, April 12 from 6-7:30 pm at Six Mile Library, 2001 Delmar Avenue, Granite City, IL 62040.
Learn and ask questions about veteran benefits available to Illinois veterans from all military branches.
Registration is not required. Event information is available here: https://www.illinois.gov/veterans/about-us/events/Pages/IDVA-Veterans%E2%80%99-Outreach—Evening-with-Six-Mile-Library.aspx
SMART Money for VETBiz
The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, Illinois Office of the Comptroller, Illinois Procurement Gateway and Illinois Procurement Technical Assistance Center will host SMART Money for VETBiz on Monday, April 16, 1-5 pm at Southwestern Illinois College, 2500 Carlyle Avenue, Belleville, IL 62221.
SMART Money for VETBiz is a half day Financial Literacy Workshop for veterans. Topics will include:
- Basic Personal Finance
- Identity Theft/Frauds/Scams
- Illinois Veteran Entrepreneurship Resources
Register for this workshop here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/smart-money-vet-biz-tickets-44191823935
Veterans Town Hall
The Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans invites you to participate in a Veterans Town Hall Meeting to discuss how the VA is serving the needs of minority veterans. Representatives from local Veterans Health Administration, National Cemetery Administration, and Veterans Benefits Administration offices will also be present to answer questions.
The Town Hall will take place Wednesday, April 18, 2018, 4:30 – 6:30 pm at the Harris-Stowe State University William L. Clay Sr. Early Childhood Center, Professional Development Auditorium, Room 204, 3026 Laclede Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63103.
If you have any questions, please contact Juanita Mullen or Dwayne Campbell at (202) 461-6191.
Hiring Our Heroes Summit
The Hiring our Heroes Summit will take place at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO on Thursday and Friday, April 26-27, 2018 and at Scott AFB, IL on Monday, April 30, 2018.
At these summits, you’re invited to connect directly with HR experts and hiring managers via industry-specific employment briefs, attend resume building and digital networking workshops to super-charge your transition to a civilian career, then network with dozens of companies at a free evening networking and hiring reception.
At Fort Leonard Wood, the second day will include an opportunity to get firsthand information on transition, recruitment, and the hiring process during an interactive discussion with employers from a cross section of industries, followed by your chance to meet with local and national employers at a massive career fair in the afternoon.
These events are free and are open to active duty servicemembers, Guard and Reserve, veterans, and military spouses.
To register, click on one of the links below:
New Commencement Recognition Events
In addition to the Veterans Recognition Ceremony, there are several new recognition events listed below. These are in addition to existing events, available on the Commencement website. RSVP information will come within the next 1-2 weeks.
May 15:
- Students with Children: Women’s Building Formal Lounge, 6 pm
- Lavender (LGBTQIA): Holmes Lounge, 3 pm, RSVP here
- Latinx: Holmes Lounge, 7 pm, RSVP to Hope Young, hope.young@wustl.edu
- Black Graduate and Professional Students: Hillman Hall, 9:30 am
Scholarships, Fellowships & Internships
St. Martin’s Academy Veteran Fellowship
Patrick Whalen, PhD candidate in English literature, Marine Corps veteran and Headmaster at St. Martin’s Academy, announces a new fellowship opportunity that targets transitioning veterans, the St. Martin’s Academy Veteran’s Fellowship.
St. Martin’s Academy is a private Catholic boarding school for young men that is located in southeast Kansas. Based on a working farm, St. Martin’s emphasizes faith and character development, academics, and hard work though farming, outdoorsmanship, and athletic programs. The Fellowship extends from mid-August 2018 to early June 2019, and offers room, board, and a stipend of $8,000 in order to provide transitioning veterans a structured, vet-friendly environment, that helps translate valuable military service into marketable civilian experience.
Additional information is available here: https://saintmartinsacademy.org/st-martins-veterans-fellowship/.
Interested candidates should reach out to Patrick at pwhalen@saintmartinsacademy.orgwith a introductory cover letter and resume
Veterans in Global Leadership Fellowship
Veterans in Global Leadership (VGL) is currently accepting applications from exceptional student veterans for the 2018-2019 year-long fellowship program. We seek a diverse group of fellows with a range of personal and professional backgrounds and service histories, including both former officers and enlisted personnel. Strong preference for candidates with a passion for service, a commitment to assist other veterans, an entrepreneurial spirit, and proven leadership skills. Women and minorities are highly encouraged to apply.
Application Deadline: 30 April 2018. We will notify accepted fellows June 1st via email.
Raytheon Patriot Scholarship
Two $10,000 scholarships are provided to student veterans demonstrating a commitment to and passion for their chosen field of study, as well as demonstrated leadership and engagement within their community.
The 2018 Raytheon Patriot Scholarship is offered exclusively to U.S. Army veterans, and is named after Raytheon’s Patriot Air and Missile Defense System. The application will remain open until April 10th, 2018 at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time. You must complete an online application, answer three essay questions, attach the required documents, and have one letter of reference be submitted prior to the deadline to be considered.
http://studentveterans.org/programs/scholarships?layout=edit&id=705
Comcast NBC Universal Scholarship
NBC Universal is committed to increasing diversity both on the air and behind the scenes. Doing so provides a secure, powerful, and competitive advantage in the media and entertainment industry.
As part of this commitment, we’re supporting two $12,000 scholarships to any eligible student veteran! The 2018 NBCUniversal SVA Scholarship application will remain open until April 10th, 2018 at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time.
http://studentveterans.org/programs/scholarships?layout=edit&id=706
Other Resources & Opportunities
Student Veteran Professional Development Community
Student Veterans of America invites you to join the newly redesigned Student Veteran Professional Development Community — SVA’s official group on LinkedIn — an exclusive career network for student veterans and alumni. This community is powered by a network of fellow student veterans, alumni, mentors, supporters, industry experts, and employers — all there to help develop your professional identity and marketable skills so you can better reach your career goals.
Join here: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/58320
Military Times Rebootcamp
Military Times just launched a new site called “Rebootcamp” dedicated to servicemembers transitioning out of the military. This one-stop shop is designed around the needs of servicemembers transitioning from the military to civilian life.
Rebootcamp focuses on education, employment and entrepreneurship, and is a joint initiative of Military Times and more than a dozen partners who are contributing content including Student Veterans of America. Other partners include veteran service organizations, such as Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and the George W. Bush Presidential Center, as well as government agencies and private-sector groups.
While the issues covered in Rebootcamp may sound similar to the TAP classes you sat through, don’t worry – there’s no “death by PowerPoint” here. The site includes edutainment videos, informative how-tos, custom tools, and inspirational stories about veterans.
Visit here: https://rebootcamp.militarytimes.com/
LinkedIn for Veterans Training
Alex Reiter, PhD candidate in mechanical engineering and Army veteran, presented LinkedIn for Veterans training as part of the St. Louis Student Veterans Week. He shared slides from that presentation, along with additional handouts and the full presentations from the webinar series WashU hosted last fall with Dan Savage, the head of LinkedIn’s veterans program.
Access training materials here: https://wustl.box.com/s/nfxtivkrtyp9og35qgekxrem8fig7iq2.
Syracuse University Entrepreneurship Programs
If you’re interested in starting your own business, the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University designs and delivers world class educational and vocational training programs designed to provide servicemembers, veterans and their families with the skills they need to be successful in business ownership, career and life. Many of these resources are free or low-cost.
Learn more about these opportunities here: https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/veteran-and-family-resources/starting-growing-a-business/
30-Day VA Decision Ready Claims Process
The Decision Ready Claims (DRC) Program allows you to submit VA compensation claims that are decision-ready so you can get your claim processed as fast as possible. To submit a DRC, you must:
- Appoint and work with an accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO),
- Gather all relevant and required evidence to support your claim, and
- Attend a VA claim exam, if needed, before submitting your claim.
When you work with an accredited VSO and provide all the necessary evidence with your application, you can get a decision on your claim in 30 days or less.
Learn more: https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/drc.asp