VMAS Year-End Summary
2022 was another year of growth as we continue to refine the goals and strategy that drive our organization. In our year-end newsletter, we hope to provide more context into how our events, fundraisers, and resources support the communities we serve. Below you will find a short summary of how we support these communities with hyperlinks that will direct you to the associated Wright State VMAS News article.
Student Engagement
This year (and every year) VMAS worked closely with our on-campus counterpart, the Wright State Veteran & Military Center, to support the student population. We held a “Major Mixer” event for the Fall and Spring academic semesters to kick off each term.
This event gives us an opportunity to build a relationship with the student population that will allow us to support them in life after college. VMAS members also provide direct support to students through internship opportunities, resume review sessions, professional mentoring, and interview coaching.
Alumni Engagement
Alumni account for ~90% of our membership base and are active throughout the community. We have members involved in the Wright State Foundation and Alumni Association Board. We support the Alumni Association directly with their goals while also ensuring our goals and resources go to support the veteran and military-connected portion of this community.
Alumni members are encouraged to participate in our student engagement events, but our most popular events for this community are our annual Golf Outing and Cornhole Tournament. In 2022, these events helped us allocate funding toward establishing a scholarship and generating over $30,000 for the Wright State Champion Garden.
Community Engagement
While the primary goals of VMAS are focused on supporting the Wright State Veteran and Military-connected community, we know that it takes a larger community to create an environment that enables success. We want to be a part of this region’s future success, and so to do our part, we support other local charities through action.
In 2022, we framed houses during the Englewood United Methodist Church annual event with Help Build Hope, removed litter with the City of Dayton during The Clean Sweep of the Great Miami River, and supported the Southern Ohio Council for Higher Education during the annual Veterans Moving Forward event.
Resource Highlight | Career Advancement Program (CAP)
Fifth-Third Bank has expressed interest in financially supporting a new Career Advancement Program (CAP) VMAS is developing. The purpose of the Wright State Veteran & Military Alumni Society CAP is to reimburse qualifying individuals seeking licenses or certifications that enhance their careers. The CAP may also be applied toward the cost of graduate degree tests offered by WSU or other universities and colleges, or the pursuit of independent training which will improve the career prospects of the applicant.
Program details are still in final review and approval. The program is tentatively scheduled to launch in the second half of 2023 with five $500 awards being available. Check WrightStateVMAS.com for updates.
Upcoming Events in 2023
Our annual recurring events calendar continues to grow and we are looking for help! Stop by one of our weekly meetings or send us an email to learn how you can help.
Spring 2023 Major Mixer - January 2023
Cornhole Tournament - March 2023
Fiscal Year 2024 Voting Period - April 2023
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.
Don’t forget to check out the Wright State Alumni Association calendar for more events.