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Military and Veterans Affairs
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September 03, 2025
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| | OMVA Semiannual Newsletter: Spring/Summer 2025 Edition
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Student Access & Student Success
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Notre Dame Hosts Inaugural ACC-SEC Veterans Conference
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In June, Notre Dame hosted the inaugural ACC-SEC Veterans Conference, a groundbreaking event that united leaders from both conferences to establish a vital collaborative network. This gathering of sixteen different schools moved beyond general discussion to focus on actionable strategies, directly improving the experience of military-connected students.
The conference showcased Notre Dame's leadership in this space and provided a platform for experts to deliver high-impact insights. Speakers like R.J. Jenkins from Columbia University's Center for Veteran Transition & Integration addressed the psychological frameworks of imposter phenomenon and veterans critical theory, while Kevin Schmiegel, CEO of ZeroMils, highlighted the importance of creating environments where veterans can truly thrive. The keynote by Jared Lyon, President & CEO of SVA, powerfully underscored the central mission, stating that "enrollment isn’t enough," and challenged institutions to ensure veterans succeed both in and out of the classroom.
By sharing best practices on topics like imposter phenomenon, creating thriving environments, and leveraging innovative programs such as "#FirstGenVets Learning Community," the conference set a precedent for ongoing collaboration. This model has a ripple effect, strengthening the support network for veterans across the country.
For more information on the conference and its outcomes, you can read the official news story by clicking the link below.
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Marine-Turned-Actor Adam Driver Engages with Military-Connected Students
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On the evening of March 5th, the University of Notre Dame’s military-connected students had the unique opportunity to engage with Marine Corps veteran and award-winning actor Adam Driver. The intimate conversation, held at Notre Dame Stadium's Seven on 9, was a memorable gathering that celebrated the university’s enduring pillars of "God, Country, Notre Dame."
Driver, a Mishawaka native who transitioned from military service to a successful acting career, spoke candidly with students about navigating the dual identity of military and civilian life. He addressed topics like imposter syndrome, the role his military experience played in his career, and personal anecdotes. Students asked thoughtful questions, and Driver's genuine engagement and responses left a lasting impression.
Ken Heckel, Director of the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs (OMVA), noted that the evening fostered meaningful conversations that often go unaddressed by transitioning service members. This event underscored Notre Dame's commitment to supporting military-connected students by creating a community where their unique experiences are valued and their voices are heard.
For more information on Adam's visit, you can read the official news story by clicking the link below.
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Leaders in Veteran Advocacy Engage with Students
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Following the Veterans Law Symposium on March 28th, a select group of approximately 25 military-connected students had the opportunity to participate in a roundtable discussion with two national leaders in veteran advocacy: former Secretary of the VA Denis McDonough and CEO of Student Veterans of America (SVA) Jared Lyon.
This unique session provided a valuable platform for students to engage directly with experts on veteran policy, advocacy, and support. The conversation covered a wide range of topics, including specific policy initiatives, the legal framework for veterans' rights, and the crucial role of organizations like SVA in shaping the national conversation.
The roundtable was not just an opportunity for students to ask questions, but a chance for them to gain valuable insights from McDonough and Lyon's professional experiences, further empowering them to become advocates for their fellow veterans.
To read more about the Veterans Law Symposium, click the link below to be taken to the official news story.
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Notre Dame's Student Veterans of America (SVA) Chapter Officially Recognized
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The Student Veterans of America (SVA) Chapter at Notre Dame has been recognized and approved as an official Notre Dame club by the Student Activities Office (SAO). This is a major milestone for our military-connected community, providing a formal platform for advocacy, support, and camaraderie.
The new chapter will be led by an exceptional group of student veterans from across campus, including Matthew Raymond and Garrett Hoffman from Notre Dame Law School, and Alex Kent and Rob Parkhurst from the Mendoza College of Business. This dedicated team is committed to creating an even better experience for our military-connected students.
In an effort to build this community, our chapter advisor, Michael Labbe, and military community advocate, Finn O'Brien, attended SVA's annual NATCON (National Conference). During his keynote address, former VA Secretary Denis McDonough highlighted Notre Dame as an exemplary institution supporting student veterans, a testament to the hard work being done on campus.
We look forward to seeing the positive impact this new chapter will have on our community, creating an exceptional experience for our military-connected students.
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Student Spotlight: Finn O'Brien Named 2025 NVLF Leadership Fellow
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The Office of Military and Veterans Affairs (OMVA) is excited to recognize Sophomore Finn O'Brien, who has been selected as a 2025 National Veterans Leadership Foundation (NVLF) Leadership Fellow.
A Marine Corps veteran and current Marine Reservist studying Philosophy, Finn's commitment to service extends far beyond his military duties. He has been instrumental in the growth of our military-connected community, helping to spearhead the Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter and leading impactful on-campus events. He also leveraged his Marine Corps experience to instruct NROTC midshipmen on marksmanship, providing invaluable training to our future military leaders.
"Finn's passion for serving his fellow military-connected students is truly inspiring," says Assistant Director Michael Labbe. "He embodies the spirit of service and leadership that we value deeply at Notre Dame."
Finn's selection as an NVLF Leadership Fellow is a testament to the positive impact he is already making within our community, and we are incredibly proud to see him recognized for his dedication and leadership.
To read more about Finn and his nomination, click the link below.
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Congratulations to Our Newly Promoted Officers
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The Notre Dame military-connected community recently celebrated two significant achievements as a pair of our active-duty students were promoted in ceremonies held on campus.
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Nora Aschoff ('26), a U.S. Air Force officer in the Master of Global Affairs program at the Keough School, was promoted to First Lieutenant. As a student and an officer, Nora embodies a dual identity, serving as an ambassador for the military in an academic setting while embracing the powerful motto of "God, Country, Notre Dame."
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Michael Owens ('25), a U.S. Army officer in the MBA program at the Mendoza College of Business, was promoted to Major. With over nine years of experience as a logistics officer in the U.S. Army, Michael is leveraging his military background and academic knowledge in supply chain management and operations to prepare for his next chapter of service.
The Office of Military and Veterans Affairs is incredibly proud of these two leaders and extends its heartfelt congratulations on their well-deserved promotions!
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New Partnership with 50strong for Career Readiness
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We are proud to announce our official partnership with 50strong, a national organization dedicated to enabling efficient career solutions for military-ready civilians. This collaboration will help our military-connected students thrive on the other side of college life by providing them with career readiness resources and direct connections to employers who are actively seeking veteran talent.
As a 50strong Education Partner, Notre Dame will have access to a network of military-friendly companies and their dedicated recruiters. This partnership complements the work of the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs and our student clubs, like the MBA Vets Club, by ensuring our students have the exposure and tools they need for successful post-education employment. We are excited to leverage this relationship to enhance career outcomes and opportunities for our military-connected community.
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Working to Create New Career Opportunities for Military-Connected Students & Spouses
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The Office of Military and Veterans Affairs is excited to announce a new collaborative effort with Industry Labs to connect, alongside other students, our military-connected students & their spouses with impactful employment opportunities right here in the South Bend region.
Through a new partnership with the Notre Dame Regional Careers Working Group, we are helping to grow awareness about high-impact jobs in the local area. This initiative, which includes representatives from across campus, aims to build talent pipelines and ensure our students and their families are aware of the many exciting career paths available after graduation.
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From the American Revolution to the Modern Navy: An Experiential Education Trip
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This summer, our office collaboratively planned and executed a two-week educational expedition that bridged the past and present of military service. The twelve day experiential education program, led by Essential History Expeditions, included students and faculty from Notre Dame's ROTC programs, NDISC's Undergraduate Fellowship Program, and the U.S. Naval Academy.
The trip's historical component was a deep dive into the American Revolutionary War's southern campaign, culminating in the Battle of Yorktown. Participants walked the battlefield terrain at sites like Camden and Hobkirk's Hill, where they presented on key decisions and historical figures, such as General Cornwallis. These immersive experiences were augmented by lectures from Notre Dame History PhD candidate & active duty Army Captain CJ Sloan, who provided crucial context on the evolving nature of warfare and the complex alliances of the era.
In addition to the historical battlefields, the group explored the modern military. Students had a unique opportunity to experience elements of the Navy's diverse communities, visiting a nuclear submarine (the USS Pasadena), an aircraft carrier (the USS George H. W. Bush), and Naval Special Warfare Group 2 at Naval Station Norfolk. They also toured an Air Force C-17 at Joint Base Charleston and received briefings from top leaders at the Pentagon, including Admiral Chris Grady ('84) and Brigadier General Schreiner. The modern military portion of the trip culminated at the Washington Navy Yard, where the group toured the Nuclear Propulsion Program Headquarters and the National Museum of the U.S. Navy. The day concluded with a special reception hosted by Admiral Bill Houston ('90), Director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, and Mrs. Colleen Houston ('90).
Throughout the trip, participants engaged in powerful reflection sessions that drew connections between past and present. They explored the civil war nature of the American Revolution and reaffirmed a timeless call to serve. This was powerfully reinforced by paying their respects at Arlington National Cemetery and laying a ceremonial wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. As Captain John Smith, Commanding Officer of Notre Dame's Naval ROTC program, shared, "There will be tough days, hard days, and on those days when you’re in the gutter, you’ll find out who you are and why you’re here."
This remarkable experience, made possible by generous benefactors and the hard work of all involved, provided a powerful and timeless lesson on the call to serve and the importance of leadership at every level. Our office extends its sincere thanks to all our partners for making this an unforgettable journey for our students.
To read more about this trip, click the link below.
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Notre Dame Hosts Ninth Warrior-Scholar Project
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This summer, the University of Notre Dame hosted its ninth successful Warrior-Scholar Project (WSP) Academic Boot Camp. From June 21st to 28th, we welcomed 34 dedicated Warrior-Scholars to campus for an intensive, week-long academic residency designed to prepare transitioning service members and veterans for the rigors of higher education.
The Office of Military and Veterans Affairs (OMVA) facilitated a comprehensive program with three distinct academic tracks: Humanities, STEM, and Business. Scholars engaged with distinguished Notre Dame faculty, taking on a demanding curriculum with daily writing workshops and personalized tutor support to hone their academic skills.
Beyond the classroom, the Warrior-Scholars experienced life on campus with tours of the Innovation Lab, Nuclear Science Laboratory, and Notre Dame Stadium. This immersive experience not only provided them with the academic tools to succeed but also a tangible sense of the community and resources available to them.
Ken Heckel, Director of the OMVA, noted that "our faculty are consistently impressed by the discipline and unique perspectives that Warrior-Scholars bring to the classroom." We are honored to continue our long-standing partnership with the Warrior-Scholar Project and look forward to seeing the incredible paths these scholars forge in their next chapters.
For more on this boot camp, see the full news story by clicking the link below.
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Army ROTC Named Nation's Top Program
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Notre Dame's Army ROTC "Fightin' Irish Battalion" has been named the nation’s top Army collegiate program by the U.S. Department of Defense. This prestigious award recognizes the program's excellence in recruiting, educating, and training future military officers.
The battalion's success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its cadets and cadre, and its leadership has been recognized at the highest levels. In addition to being named the nation's top program, LTC William Kobbe, Professor of Military Science, was named the 2024 Professor of Military Science of the Year. Read more about this incredible honor here: LTC William Kobbe named 2024 Professor of Military Science of the Year.
The program also received the General Douglas MacArthur Award for the second year in a row and its Ranger Challenge team placed an impressive sixth among all ROTC programs in the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition at the United States Military Academy.
This DoD recognition reflects the battalion's commitment to a "team-first attitude" and the University's motto of "God, Country, Notre Dame."
To read more about this amazing accomplishment, visit the link below.
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ND Law Student Advocates on Capitol Hill
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In March, second-year Notre Dame Law student and U.S. Coast Guard veteran, Brandon Santiago, took his passion for veteran advocacy to Washington, D.C., for the Student Veterans of America (SVA) Washington Week 2025.
During the trip, Brandon engaged with elected officials and their staff, advocating for policies that support student veterans. He participated in SVA's policy briefings and advocacy workshops and met with two Notre Dame alumni—Rep. Pat Fallon ('90) and Rep. Rudy Yakym (EMBA '19)—to discuss the needs of student veterans.
As an aspiring "Different Kind of Lawyer," Brandon's dedication to servant leadership exemplifies the power of Notre Dame's students to drive positive change and shape a better future for service members, veterans, and their families.
Click the link below to read more about Brandon's trip.
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External Engagement & Outreach
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Honoring Our Military and Veteran Alumni
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During Reunion weekend, the Office of Military & Veterans Affairs (OMVA), in partnership with the Notre Dame Alumni Association, hosted its annual Military & Veteran Alumni Recognition Ceremony. This poignant event, held in front of the Main Building, honored alumni and their families who have served and continue to serve in the United States Armed Forces.
Attendees were welcomed by OMVA Director Michael Labbe, followed by an inspiring address from Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Regan Jones, Senior Director for Global Operations at Notre Dame Global and the founding director of the OMVA. Jones powerfully articulated the deep historical ties between Notre Dame and military service, reminding us that "your service—and your sacrifice—have shaped Notre Dame."
This ceremony continues to be a cornerstone of Reunion weekend, allowing us to recognize the valor, patriotism, and enduring contributions of Notre Dame's military and veteran alumni. Each honoree received a commemorative challenge coin from the OMVA and a letter from University President Father Robert Dowd, reinforcing the profound gratitude of the Notre Dame family.
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Notre Dame Senior Alumni (NDSA) Launch "Veterans Engagement Initiative"
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On Friday, April 4th, the NDAA Senior Alumni Board launched the new Veterans Engagement Initiative (VEI) at the Alumni Association Leadership Conference. The presentation, led by Thom Kenney ('05 MBA) and Anthony Totaro ('81), was a strategic effort to establish a framework for local clubs to better support and engage their military-connected alumni, friends, and family.
The session, which included speakers from the OMVA, the VEI, and regional clubs (Minnesota and Boston), outlined the key pillars of the VEI's "way forward":
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Expand Awareness: Promote VEI and OMVA programs through targeted communications and events.
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Build Club Capacity: Equip clubs with tools, best practices, and templates for military alumni engagement.
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Develop & Strengthen Partnerships: Enhance collaboration between clubs, OMVA, and external veteran-serving organizations.
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Measure & Celebrate Impact: Capture data and stories to highlight the contributions and successes of our military-connected community.
This initiative is a crucial step in formalizing and scaling our support for our military-connected alumni nationwide.
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Notre Dame's Commencement Address by Admiral Christopher Grady
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Admiral Christopher Grady ('84), the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delivered the commencement address at Notre Dame’s 2025 University Commencement Ceremony. Over his distinguished 40-year career, he has demonstrated tremendous courage and visionary leadership.
To read his full commencement address, click the link below.
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Thank You for Your Support on Notre Dame Day!
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We are incredibly grateful for the generous support we received on the most recent Notre Dame Day. Your contributions to the Veterans Fund will directly impact the over 600 military-connected students at Notre Dame, providing them with the resources they need to thrive inside and outside the classroom.
The success of our fundraising efforts is a testament to the powerful legacy of "God, Country, Notre Dame" and our community's commitment to our student veterans. Whether it's fostering a sense of belonging, supporting academic and professional success, or honoring their service, your gifts make a real difference.
If you haven't had a chance yet, we encourage you to watch the video above to learn more about our mission and the impact of your generosity. Thank you for your continued dedication to those who have given so much for our country.
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Veterans Giving Back to Veterans
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In March, Notre Dame's military-connected students and veteran employees dedicated a Saturday morning to serving at the South Bend Miller Veterans Center for the Homeless. The group helped with a variety of tasks, including cleaning up garbage around the facility, organizing canned goods in the cupboards, and moving extra supplies to storage.
This volunteer day was a meaningful way for our community to give back to those who have served. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to support our local veteran community and hope to make this a recurring service initiative each semester. Our sincere thanks go to the staff at the Miller Veterans Center for allowing us to lend a hand!
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Employer of Choice for Veterans
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ND Vets ERG Hosts Discussion with Coach Freeman
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On April 22, the Notre Dame Veterans Employee Resource Group (ND Vets) hosted a special event for veteran faculty and staff, featuring a moderated discussion with Head Football Coach Marcus Freeman.
The event provided a unique opportunity for our veteran community to hear Coach Freeman’s insights on leadership, teamwork, and service. He shared how his upbringing in a military family shaped his core values and philosophy, which he now applies to the football program.
Coach Freeman also reflected on his time at Notre Dame and his vision for fostering a "Team Glory" mentality—a focus on the collective "we" over the individual "I." This conversation resonated deeply with attendees, underscoring Notre Dame's commitment to being an Employer of Choice for Veterans by creating a community where their unique experiences and perspectives are valued.
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A New Chapter: Welcoming Notre Dame’s First SkillBridge Participant
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This past semester, Notre Dame was approved as an official Department of Defense SkillBridge Partner. This new program allows active-duty service members to gain valuable civilian work experience during their final months of service.
We are proud to welcome our very first SkillBridge participant, Devin McFarland, a transitioning U.S. Army Officer of 22 years, who will be joining the Facilities Design and Operations Division for his fellowship. This not only provides a fantastic opportunity for transitioning service members like Devin, but also strengthens our commitment to supporting veterans and attracting exceptional, mission-driven talent to the Notre Dame family.
Thanks to Caity Daus, Ashley Wright, Lanie Williams and the entire talent acquisition team in NDHR for their amazing ongoing support. This achievement was a total team effort, and we couldn't be more excited about the future of this program!
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Honoring Military Children at the Blue-Gold Game
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The Office of Military and Veterans Affairs (OMVA) recently celebrated the Month of the Military Child by hosting military families at the annual Blue-Gold Game. The event was a heartfelt tribute to the resilience and sacrifices of these young heroes, who often face unique challenges due to their parents' service.
Made possible through a collaborative partnership with Notre Dame Athletics and Notre Dame Global Partnerships, the day was filled with activities designed to create lasting memories. Families received game tickets, concession vouchers, and swag bags filled with Notre Dame goodies. Children also got to meet Coach Marcus Freeman, get autographs from student-athletes, and even take the field to sing the Alma Mater.
This event was a small gesture of immense gratitude for the sacrifices military children make, and a reminder that while they may not wear a uniform, they serve our nation with their own kind of strength.
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The American Legion's Visit to Notre Dame
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The Office of Military and Veterans Affairs recently hosted an engaging roundtable discussion with James A. LaCoursiere Jr., the American Legion National Commander. The event provided a fantastic opportunity for our military-connected students, veteran faculty, and staff to connect directly with national and state leadership.
The American Legion is a patriotic veterans organization focused on service to veterans, servicemembers, and their communities. It is one of the most influential nonprofit groups in the country, dedicated to advocating for veterans' rights and benefits, providing support programs, and fostering patriotism.
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