|
 |
Military and Veterans Affairs
|
|
|
|
|
January 13, 2025
|
|
OMVA Semiannual Newsletter: Fall 2024
Semester Edition
| |
1. Mendoza Veterans Club Dining Out: Kicking off the week, on November 7th, the Mendoza MBA Veterans Club hosted its first-ever Dining Out at Foley's, located inside the football stadium. This event fostered camaraderie and connection among military-connected faculty and classmates, offering a glimpse into the traditions of the U.S. Military. The evening included delicious appetizers and dinner for attendees.
2. ROTC Clarke's Memorial Fountain Vigil & Ceremony: A solemn vigil took place at Clarke's Memorial Fountain from November 10th-11th, where cadets and midshipmen stood watch throughout the night. The event concluded with a ceremony featuring Lt. Gen. Case Cunningham, who honored our veterans with a poignant address.
3. 2nd Annual Veterans Networking Event: Held at Jackson's Cigar and Spirits on November 10th, this networking event connected veterans and military-affiliated students with local employers, including Amazon and AM General. The evening fostered community ties while raising contributions for the Miller Veteran Center in South Bend.
4. "Why I Served" MBA Veteran Student Panel: The MBA Vets Club hosted a panel at Stayer Commons on November 11th, featuring five active-duty and veteran MBA students. They shared personal stories of service, enhancing connections with their civilian classmates and fostering understanding.
5. Visa Gives Back with Operation Gratitude: In the Duncan Student Center, students wrote cards to military personnel, expressing gratitude and support on November 11th and 12th. This event allowed participants to engage meaningfully while connecting with Visa representatives and entering to win exciting prizes.
6. Notre Dame vs. Buffalo Men’s Basketball Game: During this game on November 11th, the university honored military service members, veterans, and first responders with special recognition. Complimentary tickets were provided to military-connected faculty, staff, and students, reinforcing our commitment to honoring their service.
7. Notre Dame vs. JMU Women’s Basketball Game: The week wrapped up with another basketball game on November 13th, where military service members and veterans received special recognition. Complimentary tickets were again available for military-connected faculty, staff, and students.
This series of events during Veterans Day week successfully engaged our military community, fostering connections, honoring service, and enhancing the overall campus experience.
| |
| |
Orientation, Party on Lake Michigan, Stadium Tours, and More
| |
This past semester, the OMVA has made significant strides in fostering a vibrant community for our military-connected students. We hosted several engaging events designed to build connections, provide support, and create lasting memories.
Our semester began with the first annual Military-Affiliated Student Orientation on August 26, where we warmly welcomed incoming military-affiliated students. This gathering provided an informative overview of the services available through OMVA, facilitated discussions on VA benefits, and introduced students to our vital support network, including host families and campus resources. Attendees enjoyed a complimentary Chick-Fil-A lunch while connecting with fellow students and receiving welcome gifts to help them feel at home.
Party on Lake Michigan on September 14 kicked off our community-building efforts with a fun-filled beach day at the private neighborhood beach of Professor Jim Leady, a retired 20-year Army veteran. Students enjoyed a cookout, cornhole, and the opportunity to bond with fellow veterans and military-connected classmates in a relaxed setting.
On September 27, our Military-Connected Community Dinner and Social at Steve and Cindy Aselage's house offered a warm and inviting atmosphere for students to unwind as the Fighting Irish faced off against Louisville. Attendees savored delicious food, shared stories, and forged new friendships, truly embodying the spirit of camaraderie.
Finally, on October 3rd & November 4th, we hosted exclusive stadium tours for Military-Connected Students, providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Notre Dame's iconic stadium. This unique experience allowed participants to explore premium areas, including the locker room and football field, creating a memorable connection to our university's athletic tradition.
Through these events, OMVA has not only strengthened our military-connected community but also enhanced the overall Notre Dame experience for our students. We look forward to continuing this momentum in the upcoming semester, with many more community events to come!
| |
| |
Program Highlight: Revival of the Military-Connected Student Host Family Program
| |
We are excited to announce the revival of the Military-Connected Student Host Family Program, a vital initiative of the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs at Notre Dame. This revitalized program has expanded to include ROTC cadets and midshipmen from remote campuses, such as Holy Cross College, Saint Mary’s College, Indiana University South Bend, Valparaiso University, and Trine University.
Since the program's restoration, we have successfully matched 19 military-connected students with host families in the South Bend community, many of whom have their own military backgrounds, all of which have a Notre Dame connection. This initiative not only provides a warm and comforting welcome to these students, but it also fosters meaningful connections and personal relationships between them and their host families.
The program aims to create a supportive environment where military-connected students can feel at home while they pursue their education, enhancing their overall Notre Dame experience. We look forward to seeing this program flourish and provide invaluable support for our military community.
For more information about the program or how to get involved, please visit here or contact Michael Labbe at mlabbe@nd.edu or call 574-631-6006.
| |
| |
Celebrating Our Recent Promotions
| |
We proudly celebrate the recent promotions of our active-duty military students at Notre Dame:
On October 18th, Eddie O’Connell, a PhD Candidate in Political Science, was promoted to the rank of Colonel in the Marine Corps. The ceremony was held at the WW1 Memorial Door, surrounded by family, friends, and members of the Notre Dame community. Eddie's achievement reflects his dedication to service and leadership.
In a special ceremony in front of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Statue, Meghan Cumpston, also a PhD Candidate in Political Science, was promoted to the rank of Colonel in the Army on November 9th. With the beautiful Main Building as a backdrop, Meghan celebrated this significant milestone alongside family, friends, and many Notre Dame football fans gathering for a home game.
These promotions exemplify the strong connection between military service and the values we uphold at Notre Dame. We congratulate both Eddie and Meghan, as well as all our military-affiliated students, for their commitment and accomplishments!
| |
| |
Veteran Notre Dame Kicker, Eric Goins, Brings Military Leadership to Campus and the Field
| |
What would you fight for? For Eric Goins, a former U.S. Army Signal Corps officer, the answer emerged during his deployment in Poland amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. After nearly eight months of service, he applied to Notre Dame’s MBA program. Upon acceptance, he boldly inquired about joining the football team as a walk-on.
A record-setting kicker from The Citadel, Goins faced unique challenges as a 30-year-old veteran. After separating from the military in July 2023, he quickly made his impact felt during games against teams like Purdue and Stanford. “An officer’s job is to coach and mentor. I bring my perspective to the team while learning from others,” he said. Coach Marcus Freeman lauded Goins for instilling discipline and commitment within the team.
Notre Dame is home to nearly 600 military-affiliated students, with significant participation in ROTC and MBA programs. Ken Heckel, director of the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs, emphasizes the need for support systems for these non-traditional students, ensuring they feel welcomed and connected to the campus community.
Goins is pursuing a dual MBA and Master of Global Affairs degree, planning to promote urban biodiversity through a summer project. He aims to continue serving the nation outside the military, embodying the ethos of purpose and selflessness prevalent at Notre Dame.
At Notre Dame, military-connected students like Goins contribute invaluable strengths to the community, enriching the culture of service that defines the university.
| |
| |
Army ROTC Cadets take an Educational Trip through the Revolutionary War in New York
| |
The Office of Military and Veterans Affairs had the privilege of helping give 22 Army ROTC cadets the experience of a lifetime, taking them to New York City for the highly anticipated Shamrock Series football game against Army at Yankee Stadium. This immersive trip not only showcased the Fighting Irish spirit but also provided invaluable experiential education opportunities for our cadets.
The journey began on November 20 with a picturesque hike at Popolopen Torne, allowing the cadets to bond while taking in stunning views of the Hudson Highlands. After settling in at the Thayer Hotel, they participated in an opening dinner at the West Point Club, where they engaged with cadets from West Point and Yale, deepening their ties with cadets from different institutions.
The next day featured a military history staff ride, led by our experiential education guide, Brian DeToy of Essential History Expeditions. Cadets explored many significant Revolutionary War sites while at West Point. They also enjoyed a lunch at the Cadet Mess, sharing a room with West Point and Yale cadets and further encouraging networking and camaraderie.
On November 22, the group visited the 9/11 Museum and Memorial, participating in a docent-led tour that allowed them to reflect on the impact of that tragic event. This experience culminated in a moderated discussion on Civil-Military Relations and Democracy in Turbulent Times back at their hotel, promoting thoughtful dialogue among future leaders.
A special thank you goes to our partners who made this trip possible, including the Notre Dame International Security Center (NDISC), the Democracy Initiative, as well as the Modern War Institute at West Point. Their collaboration enriched the program, providing critical insights and fostering relationships among the institutions.
Finally, with the Shamrock Series game as the grand finale, our cadets cheered on the Fighting Irish against Army, reinforcing their pride in both their military and school identities. This trip epitomized OMVA's commitment to strengthening the military-connected community and provided our students with an unforgettable blend of camaraderie, education, and celebration.
We look forward to more collaborative and enriching experiences for our military-connected students in the future!
| |
| |
Command of the Future Commons: The High Frontier and the Deep Blue Sea
| |
On October 11, the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs, in partnership with the Notre Dame International Security Center (NDISC), co-hosted an engaging event featuring Admiral Christopher Grady, a Notre Dame alumnus and the twelfth Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Held in the Eck Center Auditorium, the session attracted a diverse audience, eager to hear Admiral Grady's perspectives on current military challenges and future directions.
The event, titled "Command of the Future Commons: The High Frontier and the Deep Blue Sea," was moderated by The Honorable Patrick J. Murphy, former acting Secretary of the Army, who brought valuable insights on diversity and inclusion in military recruitment.
The event provided a remarkable platform for dialogue, allowing attendees to engage with two esteemed leaders in the military community. We thank everyone who joined us for this enlightening discussion and look forward to more opportunities to connect with our military-affiliated community!
| |
| |
Salute to Service Weekend
| |
The University of Notre Dame recently hosted a vibrant series of events surrounding the Salute to Service Game from October 12 to October 14, aimed at honoring military-connected individuals and enhancing community ties.
| |
- BG Michael Shanley Visit: On October 10th, BG Michael Shanley visited the ND Army ROTC, participating in a Contracting Ceremony and engaging cadets in a roundtable discussion about his experiences in the Army Reserve.
- Special Military Community Tailgate: On October 12, OMVA and NDISC invited military families to an exclusive tailgate at Jenkins-Nanovic DeBartolo Quad from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. This event provided a relaxed atmosphere with free food and drinks, allowing military-connected individuals to enjoy fellowship and camaraderie.
- On-Field Recognition & Spirit Videos: During the Salute to Service game, we proudly honored Notre Dame's military-connected faculty, staff, and students on the field, celebrating their contributions and commitment. Additionally, many deployed and currently serving Notre Dame alumni had the opportunity to showcase their pride on the big screen, highlighting their connection to our Fighting Irish community.
- The Catalyst Visit to the IDEA Center: Representatives from The Catalyst program met with the IDEA Center to discuss their new partnership. The Catalyst is a program designed to support military veterans in their transition to civilian careers through education, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The IDEA Center showcased its resources for innovation and entrepreneurship, aiding veterans in defining and achieving personal success.
- Alec Emmert, CEO of Service to School, Visit: Following a Saturday pre-game hospitality event at the Mendoza and Duffy/Fangman Family Tailgates and the Notre Dame vs. Stanford football game, Alec met with numerous OMVA partners within the University. On October 14th, Alec met with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and shared insights to enhance support for veterans. During a hosted lunch at the Duncan Student Center, he engaged with military-connected students and discussed the Ambassador program which further strengthens our support network for transitioning veterans looking to find a home under the dome. His visit concluded with a meeting at the Mendoza College of Business to explore pathways for military veterans pursuing advanced education. Overall, Alec's visit strengthened our partnership with Service to School and emphasized our commitment to supporting military-connected individuals at Notre Dame.
| |
These events surrounding the Salute to Service Game underscored the University of Notre Dame’s commitment to supporting military-affiliated individuals. The collaboration with Service to School and the engagement of our military community continue to create valuable resources and opportunities for our students. We look forward to building on this momentum in the future!
| |
| |
Wreaths Across America Ceremony
| |
On December 14, the Office of Military & Veterans Affairs hosted the Wreaths Across America Ceremony at St. Joseph Cemetery of the Brothers of Holy Cross. The event honored the 47 veterans interred at the cemetery, representing nearly 15% of those laid to rest there.
The ceremony began with the presentation of colors by the South Bend Marine Corps Color Guard and included the National Anthem sung by U.S. Army Veteran Marcus Glingaman. Labbe highlighted the mission of Wreaths Across America: to Remember, Honor, and Teach, underscoring the theme "Living with Purpose."
Participants from each military branch laid ceremonial wreaths, paying tribute to the sacrifices of those who served. Special recognition was given to contributing partners, including the Notre Dame Army ROTC, the South Bend Marines, and an anonymous donor who generously sponsored all wreaths this year.
The ceremony concluded with a call to action for attendees to continue honoring veterans by donating for next year's wreaths, further emphasizing that “a veteran does not die with their last breath but lives on as long as their name is spoken.”
This impactful event reinforced our commitment to honoring our military community, ensuring their legacies are remembered. If you would like to donate a wreath for next year, visit the link below!
| |
| |
Announcing an Exciting New Partnership with the Military Spouse Advocacy Network (MSAN)
| |
The Office of Military and Veterans Affairs is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership between the Military Spouse Advocacy Network (MSAN) and the University of Notre Dame, aimed at empowering military spouses through innovative online programming. This collaboration underscores our mutual commitment to serve military families by providing access to tailored education and resources.
Beginning in 2025, MSAN will offer two custom non-credit courses developed by esteemed faculty from Notre Dame’s William J. Shaw Center for Children and Families, Veldman Family Psychology Clinic, and the Notre Dame Deloitte Center for Ethical Leadership. These free, virtual courses will focus on critical areas such as ethical leadership and mental health resilience, equipping 50 deserving military spouses with valuable skills for personal and professional development.
The Mental Health Series will address common mental health challenges faced by military families, helping spouses dispel myths, recognize risks, and cultivate wellness practices. Meanwhile, the Ethical Leadership Series will teach values-based leadership, covering essential topics like conflict management and decision-making with empathy and integrity.
Verenice Castillo, MSAN Founder & CEO, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are filled with gratitude and excitement for our collaboration with the University of Notre Dame, which will empower military spouses through top-notch training in leadership and mental health.”
Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., President of the University of Notre Dame, added, “This new partnership allows us to share our scholarship and research to support service members and their families who sacrifice so much for our country.”
Stay tuned for more information on the application process and details about these transformative courses. Together, we are committed to creating a lasting impact in our communities and developing strong leaders for generations to come.
For more information, visit Military Spouse Advocacy Network.
| |
| |
1st Annual Bone Frog Open at Warren Golf Course
| |
The Office of Military and Veterans Affairs proudly helped bring the 1st Annual Bone Frog Open to Warren Golf Course on September 9th. This inaugural event celebrated our military, first responders, and their families, successfully combining a day of golf with a meaningful mission.
The day kicked off with 25 foursomes enjoying the scenic views and friendly competition on the course. Participants benefited from unique challenges, including long drive contests with trick shot artist Trevor Consavage and opportunities to win prizes at specialty hole-in-one flags. The lively awards ceremony recognized the top teams with custom belt buckles and featured random draws for a variety of exciting prizes, ensuring nearly everyone went home with something special.
The event was not just about golf; it highlighted the vital work of the Uncommon Grit Foundation in supporting veterans and first responders. Guests also had the chance to engage in live and silent auctions, contributing to their fundraising efforts while bidding on unique items.
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our sponsors, donors, and volunteers who made this event possible, as well as to the attendees whose participation helped us honor those who bravely serve our country. It was a day filled with camaraderie, gratitude, and celebration.
Thank you for joining us in making this event a success!
| |
| |
Connecting with ND Clubs Across the Country
| |
As part of the University of Notre Dame's UND Celebrations program, Ken Heckel provided an insightful update on the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs to Notre Dame clubs nationwide. This initiative highlights our commitment to engaging military-connected students and fostering a vibrant community at Notre Dame.
During his presentation, Heckel discussed OMVA's mission to serve those who serve, emphasizing our focus on perpetual gratitude, sacred duty, and amplifying impact in support of military families. He also shared recent successes and upcoming programs designed to enhance the educational experience for our military-affiliated individuals.
The UND Celebrations program is an excellent opportunity for alumni to connect with university representatives, celebrate local club achievements, and explore ways to strengthen the Notre Dame community. We encourage clubs to participate and utilize this platform as a means to enrich the lives of those who have served.
Stay tuned for more updates from OMVA and consider joining your local Notre Dame club for their upcoming UND Celebrations event!
| |
|
|
|
