Student Veterans of America

ONLINE INSTITUTION: EXPLORING BEST PRACTICES & BUILDING A VIRTUAL NETWORK

Presented by: Ray Queen, Outreach Specialist

Advisors and leaders from SVA chapters operating at primarily online institutions who are looking to share best practices, find support, or get a virtual chapter at their online institution up and running.

Register Here:
69dfca6e-1f94-47f0-aa84-454d030e3ef2@471af39f-e4d3-4b02-9100-e93671790248" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/69dfca6e-1f94-47f0-aa84-454d030e3ef2@471af39f-e4d3-4b02-9100-e93671790248

Student Veterans of America® (SVA) is hosting an art contest to find the perfect graphic design for our exclusive giveaway tote bag at the 17th Annual NatCon. This is your chance to have your artwork featured and admired by thousands of your fellow student veterans. The winning design will be printed on the official NatCon tote bag sponsored by Fiserv and given away to attendees as a special keepsake.

The contest WINNER will receive a complimentary tote bag and NatCon student registration. All completed submissions that meet the contest requirements will receive a free gift (1 gift per contestant) from Quality Logo Products.

CONTEST DEADLINE IS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2024

https://studentveterans.org/natcon-art-contest/

As you navigate through haunted houses and spooky celebrations, remember to embrace the spirit of community and camaraderie that makes our veteran family so special. Whether you're carving pumpkins, enjoying some candy, or just taking a well-deserved break, remember: every hero deserves a treat!

Today, we pause to honor the courageous service members who are currently deployed, safeguarding our freedoms far from home. Your bravery and dedication are the bedrock of our safety and security.

To those deployed, we say: your sacrifices do not go unnoticed. To their families, we offer our heartfelt appreciation for your strength and support during these challenging times.

Reflecting on an unforgettable SVA Leadership Institute, we would like to extend gratitude and a heartfelt thank you to the sponsors that have supported our student veterans, now officially SVA Leadership Fellows.

Join us in saying thank you to For Our Troops for providing the coffee that kept our Leadership Fellows awake, alert and attentive. As well, we would like to thank Fiserv for providing bento boxes that helped the Leadership Fellows stay fueled between sessions.

Do you ever wonder how that Airman, Marine, Soldier, Guardian, or Sailor you served with is doing today? Veteran Buddy Checks are a perfect time to find out!

Today is the last day of Veteran Buddy Check Week. Take some time out of your day to connect or reconnect with your Veteran friends–just to check in.

Faisal Sulman is a Legal Fellow for the Student Veterans of America (SVA), where he conducts legal research analysis of proposed and existing policies, monitors regulatory and legislative developments, and advocates to advance the public policy priorities at the direction of the SVA. Faisal obtained his license to practice law in North Carolina in March 2023 and worked at a private firm in Greensboro, North Carolina. He moved to Virginia to be a contract Law Clerk at the United States Department of Justice across various branches, prior to working for the SVA. In his spare time, Faisal loves to travel, read fiction, and cook for his family, friends, and puppy.

As we continue to celebrate Veteran Buddy Check Week, have you fellow vets this week?

Be a buddy, check in.

Take the Pledge:
https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USVA/signup/40119

The 2024 SVA Leadership Institute was a tremendous success! Leadership Institute brings together the brightest and most dedicated student veterans from across the nation to enhance their leadership skills, share insights, and build lasting connections. It was an inspiring weekend filled with growth, collaboration, and the empowerment of the next generation of veteran leaders.

Check out the full recap now on the SVA website from this incredible event! https://studentveterans.org/news/student-veterans-of-americas-2024-leadership-institute/

Student Veterans of America's 2024 Leadership Institute This year’s Student Veterans of America (SVA) Leadership Institute opened with a resounding spirit of inspiration, growth, and purpose. The event officially kicked off with an uplifting Welcome Reception, setting the tone for what would become a transformative experience for all who attended. It b...

This Thursday!

Increase Veteran-Civilian Collaboration: Bridging the Gap
Presented by: John Morris, Outreach Coordinator; Kat Dobbs, Outreach Coordinator

In this live webinar you will learn:

- How you can promote campus activities and events that encourage interaction and collaboration between veterans and civilian students

- How to educate civilian students about the unique experiences, challenges, and strengths of military-affiliated community

- The value of having diverse leadership in your chapter

- How you can assess the effectiveness of your chapter’s work when it comes to veteran-civilian collaboration initiatives

Register Now!
57b52985-8de5-414a-bf2e-35db3a20c2af@471af39f-e4d3-4b02-9100-e93671790248/registration" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/57b52985-8de5-414a-bf2e-35db3a20c2af@471af39f-e4d3-4b02-9100-e93671790248/registration

The 2024 Student Veterans of America (SVA) Leadership Institute has wrapped up, leaving behind a trail of inspiration and growth. It was truly an unforgettable and inspirational experience for our cohort of student veterans, who now proudly carry the title of Leadership Fellows.

Their success, however, was not achieved alone. We owe much gratitude to our volunteer Leadership Institute Mentors, who shared their wisdom and experience, ensuring each fellow had the tools and guidance needed for success. We are deeply appreciative and thankful for our mentors iAsia Brown, Cory Boatwright, Maureen Elias, Nick Palmisciano, Tiffany Daugherty, and Wilton E. Williamson Jr. whose expertise has enhanced this experience.

We are also thankful for the leadership of our Senior Leadership Fellows Annsleigh Anderson, Caleb Lindsay, and Farid Murad whose insights and experience added immense value to the program.

We’re proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our community through the SVA Honors Awards. This is your chance to recognize and applaud the incredible student veterans, chapters, and supporters who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and impact. Ready to vote? It’s quick and easy! Click the link below to choose your favorite nominees and help us honor their achievements.

https://studentveterans.org/programs-events/honors-awards/

Congratulations to the 2024 Leadership Institute Fellows!

The final day of the Student Veterans of America (SVA) 2024 Leadership Institute was nothing short of spectacular. Our newest Leadership Fellows celebrated their graduation with a special reception in the iconic Great Hall of the Library of Congress.

We were privileged to hear from a few inspiring speakers, including SVA's National President & CEO Jared Lyon, Jermaine L Sullivan, M. Ed. from the U.S. Department of Education's Military Affairs Team, and Dr. Tahina Montoya, Senior Advisor for the White House Office of Public Engagement.

A special thanks goes to Andrew Huber of the Veterans History Project, whose support made it possible for us to host the ceremony in such a remarkable venue.

Day two of Student Veterans of America's 2024 Leadership Institute was nothing short of extraordinary. Our Leadership Fellows had the unique opportunity to tour the White House and the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. After the tour, Dr. Tahina Montoya, Senior Advisor to the Director of Veteran Engagement at the Office of Public Engagement, led a thought-provoking panel discussion. The esteemed panelists included:

Terri Tanielian, Special Assistant to the President for Veteran Affairs
Mike Freuh, Deputy Under Secretary for Benefits, Department of Veterans
Meg Kabat, Chief of Staff, Department of Veteran Affairs
James Kvaal, Under Secretary, Department of Education
Loren Voss, Director for Defense Policy and Strategy, National Security Council

Special thanks to the White House Office of Public Engagement for making this impactful day possible!

"The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), in conjunction with Student Veterans of America (SVA), is pleased to announce their selection of six student veterans to complete the 2024/2025 VFW-SVA Legislative The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), in conjunction with Student Veterans of America (SVA), is pleased to announce their selection of six student veterans to complete the 2024/2025 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship. Held annually since 2014, student veteran fellows gain invaluable experience advocating in their communities and on Capitol Hill for solutions to pressing veterans’ issues."

The six fellows selected for the 2024/2025 class are:

- Jose Ayon, Army veteran, University of Southern California
- Jennifer Ross, Air Force veteran, Cornell University
- Noah Sorseth, Army veteran, George Fox University
- Casey Stege, Army veteran, Baylor University
- Terry Traylor, Marine Corps veteran, North Dakota State University
- Polina Washington, Army veteran, The University of Texas at Austin

Congratulations to all who were selected!

VFW, SVA Announce 2024/2025 Legislative Fellowship Selectees The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), in conjunction with Student Veterans of America (SVA), is pleased to announce their selection of six student veterans to complete the 2024/2025 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship. Held annually since 2014, student veteran fellows gain invaluable experience advocating....

Student Veterans of America (SVA) kicked off the 2024 Leadership Institute with an inspiring Welcome Reception.

Leadership Fellows, Senior Leadership Fellows, and Mentors were treated to impactful opening remarks by the 19th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass, along with SVA National President & CEO Jared Lyon, and Lead Facilitator Dave Bradt. Their speeches fueled the excitement for what's sure to be an incredible event.

Earlier today, Student Veterans of America (SVA) National President & CEO, Jared Lyon, and several members of the SVA Headquarters team attended the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Howard University’s Veteran Student Success Center. Held at the lower entrance of the Harriet Tubman Quadrangle, the event also celebrated alumna Major Remoshay Nelson, the first African American female Air Force Thunderbird officer. Maj. Nelson is now honored as the inaugural inductee on the Office of Military and Veteran Students' (OMVS) Wall of Honor.

Remarks were delivered by Morgan Scott, President of Howard’s SVA Chapter; Dr. Paris Adon, Director of Student Services; Lawrence Jointer, Jr., Veteran Resource Center Coordinator; and Dr. Cynthia Evers, Vice President for Student Affairs.

This Thursday!

Unlock Benefits of the SVA Advising Center
Presented by: Chelsea Schroder, Success Coach; Chad McFarlane, Success Coach; and Mercedez Goff, Success Coach

In this live webinar you will learn:

- How APEX can support you throughout your higher education journey, applying to school, and setting long-term goals

- How APEX can help you prepare for academic success

- What tailored benefits APEX offers to student veterans in specific fields

-The SVA coaches behind APEX and how they can assist you

Sign Up Today!
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We are thrilled to honor the remarkable achievements within our community with the SVA Honors Awards. These awards celebrate the outstanding contributions and successes of student veterans, chapters, and supporters who embody the spirit of leadership, service, and excellence.Thank you for your involvement in celebrating the remarkable individuals and chapters who make our community exceptional. Your vote helps shine a light on their incredible accomplishments!

https://studentveterans.org/programs-events/honors-awards/

Today, on National Indigenous People's Day, we pause to celebrate the vibrant cultures and traditions of Indigenous peoples across the U.S. On this day, we also recognize the tremendous contributions of Indigenous veterans and service members who have protected our nation with courage and honor.

Indigenous communities have a proud legacy of service that runs deep in our military’s history. Today, we honor their sacrifices, their leadership, and their enduring spirit.

Today, we proudly celebrate 249 years of honor, courage, and commitment from the men and women of the U.S. Navy. At Student Veterans of America, we salute all Navy veterans and active-duty sailors who continue to serve our nation, both at sea and on shore.

From protecting freedom across the globe to leading in classrooms here at home, Navy veterans embody leadership, resilience, and excellence in all they do.

Student Veterans of America wants to hear from you! Our Annual Census Survey is your opportunity to provide valuable feedback that will guide our efforts to support and advocate for student veterans across the country.

Here’s Why Your Feedback Counts:

Shape the Future: Your insights will drive the development of new programs and services.

Voice Your Needs: Share your experiences to help us better understand and address your challenges.

Confidential: Your responses are secure and anonymous.

Take a few minutes to participate and play a key role in enhancing our community support!

https://studentveterans.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6JoSLqpMhtzLJm6

Jacelynmarie Achiu of Hawai’i is the current 2024 SY Vice President of the RebelVET Student organization, SVA Chapter, at University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Jacelynmarie Achiu served as a 14T PATRIOT Missile Operator/Maintainer and reclassed to a 27D Trial Defense Paralegal, before being medically retired after 10 plus years of service. Through her work in RebelVets, PAVE, and her experience through her Social Work path, Jacelynmarie continues to serve active duty, Veterans, and Military Family Members. She believes in the power of empowering Peer Support. She knows first-hand how to combat the issues and concerns that may come up in the military/veteran population and is knowledgeable with resources or community connections that are in place to address them.

At Student Veterans of America, we believe in celebrating the incredible achievements and contributions within our community. The SVA Honors Awards are our way of recognizing those who go above and beyond—whether it's student veterans making strides on campus, dedicated chapters driving positive change, or supporters who go the extra mile. Voting is easy, quick, and your participation truly makes a difference. Let’s come together to honor the dedication, leadership, and exceptional contributions of our SVA community.

https://studentveterans.org/programs-events/honors-awards/

(Mercedez) Sade Goff serves as a Success Coach for Student Veterans of America (SVA), helping others navigate the transition into the civilian workforce. Mercedez spent a year as a Military Police before discovering her passion for human resources due to an injury that led her to a role in that field. She is committed to improving the lives of her peers by providing inspiration and support for personal and professional growth. In May 2024, Mercedez earned a certificate in Supporting Veteran Success in Higher Education from Columbia University. In that same month, she also earned her B.S. in Business Data Analytics from Fairmont State University, where she was recognized as the ACBSP Student Leadership Awardee of the 2023-2024 school year and served as the President of the Fairmont State University Student Veterans Organization for the 2023-2024 term.