VMAS Quarter 1 Introduction
With each quarter our list grows, and with each newsletter, we are excited to share with you everything we have going on. We have had a few years to find our footing and build a core team, and the results of our efforts are finally starting to show.
How does VMAS compare to market peers? What services do our peers offer? What makes VMAS unique? How can we more effectively and efficiently connect and communicate? These are just a few of the questions students in a Wright State Marketing class are helping us answer. This semester we are leveraging student resources to help us baseline VMAS against the market. We hope to gain some insight into these questions so we can improve our position in the future.
We are saving up to start a scholarship! Each year we are putting away any profits (we are a non-profit after all) to establish the VMAS Scholarship fund. Once this fund is endowed, we will be able to provide scholarships to students in need!
Did you hear about the Entrepreneurship Program for Veterans at Wright State University? This program was made possible by a $3 million gift from Reynolds and Reynolds and VMAS will be a part of the program! We are working with representatives from the Raj Soin College of Business to do our part in making this program a success for years to come.
The VMAS Career Advancement Program (CAP)
We have been waiting a long time to formally announce this program, and we are EXCITED that it is finally a reality! The Wright State VMAS Career Advancement Program (CAP) will award $5,000 annually to support the professional development of qualifying individuals. This award will be distributed in the form of reimbursement payments of up to $500 for qualifying professional licenses, certifications, and conferences. This program is made possible by Fifth Third Bank. We are developing the final resources for this program now. A dedicated page on our site will be made available in Q2 and we anticipate launching this program in Q3!
Spring Semester Major Mixer
Our Spring Semester Major Mixer with the Wright State Veteran & Military Center was held on February 1 at Old Scratch Pizza in Beavercreek. This event happens every academic semester and gives us a chance to connect students and alumni in an environment focused on bridging the gap between student and professional. We hope that this recurring event provides an opportunity to foster relationships between students and local professionals in a way that provides benefits to both parties. For students, it’s a chance to understand what their degree does in real life. For alumni, it’s a chance to identify potential future employees for their organization. Interested in joining us for this event? Keep an eye on our social media and event page.
Second Annual Cornhole Tournament
It was another successful year for our annual cornhole tournament. This year we grew the tournament from 16 to 20 teams and also increased the number of spectators. Within the crowd, we had Veterans, students, Army ROTC cadets, VSO reps, family, friends, and supporters. The double-elimination, family-friendly event is designed to provide a place to connect socially in between games. The VFW provided plenty of space to eat, drink, and play. Learn more in the Cornhole event blog.
Champion Garden Dedication & Golf Outing
This September is significant for our Wright State Veteran & Military-Connected community as we partner with the Veteran & Military Center and Army ROTC program to put on a 2-day event. On September 8, we will hold a dedication ceremony for the Captain Shawn English Champion Garden. CPT English was a Wright State Army ROTC graduate who was KIA in Iraq in 2006. This public space will celebrate those who support, or champion, veterans, including other veterans/service members, family, friends, and Wright State staff and faculty. On September 9, we hold our third annual Golf Outing at Beavercreek Golf Club. This outing is part of the USA Patriots Veterans Golf Circuit and is our biggest fundraiser of the year. Check out last year's event blog to learn more.
Resource Highlight | Wright-Patt Ticket Office
Who wants discounted tickets? Veterans, Service Members, and eligible dependents can visit the Wright Patt Ticket Office to purchase discounted tickets to local attractions, professional sports games, Universal Studios, Disney, and more!
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.
Help Build Hope w/ Concord United Methodist Church - April 29
Summer 2023 Major Mixer @ Two Social - May 16
Veterans Moving Forward - May 24
CPT Shawn English Champion Garden Dedication - September 8
Third Annual VMAS Golf Outing - September 9
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 a little as $50 a year.
Don’t forget to check out the Wright State Alumni Association calendar for more events.