Veterans Scholar Program

Cohort 8 Testimonials

Nathan Smith

To the donors who support the Veteran Scholar Program: I want to say thank you for believing in the next chapter for the veteran community. For many veterans, separating from the military feels like stepping into a vacuum where their previous impact no longer seems to matter.
Your generosity does more than just fund a program. It provides the resources and the network to provide a breath of fresh air for veterans, letting them know that they have people that “have their 6” and easing the transition to being a student. Because of your support, veterans have been able to move from a place of isolation to a path of professional purpose at ASU knowing that. You are helping me become the counselor that my peers and their families need. Your investment is helping build the bridges and veteran leaders that will directly make an impact on the veteran community and thus the community at large.

Dana Varab

The ASU Veterans Scholar Program perfectly aligns my military service, my degree in Organizational Leadership (Veterans, Services, Society), and my drive to create lasting impact for veterans and their families.
My time in uniform instilled in me the core values of disciplined leadership, mission focus, and service before self. Yet transitioning to civilian life revealed the real gaps many veterans face: cultural barriers, reintegration challenges, and translating hard-earned skills into meaningful civilian roles. My degree has given me practical tools in relational leadership, change management, and veteran-specific issues knowledge I am eager to apply beyond the classroom.
The Veterans Scholar Program stands out to me for its emphasis on elevating academic, professional development, and civic impact. In my final stages of the degree, I want structured opportunities to sharpen my leadership through workshops, mentorship, and public service alongside fellow student veterans who share an excellence mindset.
This program helped me bridge the military-civilian divide more effectively, whether leading veteran support initiatives in Arizona or mentoring others in transition. Ultimately, I see it as the ideal platform to turn my education and experience into action: strengthening communities while honoring the sacrifices of those who served.
I am committed to improving myself and those around me, and the Veterans Scholar Program provides the network, training, and platform to do so with greater purpose and impact.
 

Marissa Hunley 

The Veterans Scholar Program began as an opportunity to connect with fellow student veterans and like-minded individuals, but it soon became far more impactful. Each month, we strengthened our abilities through public speaking and interview practice while also gaining valuable skills directly applicable to the workforce. The program has truly helped me grow both personally and professionally.

Megan Harris
The Veteran Scholars Program helped me find a community of like minded people who could support my development. I was connected with employers and taught how to apply my military skills to a civilian resume. I received interview practice and public speaking training, which will assist me in my career. Through the program, I learned from my fellow cohort members and gained confidence in my pursuit of a continued military service career. The Veteran Scholars Program honors those who have served by developing our leadership and advocacy skills. After the program, I will be ready to apply my training and elevate my career.