Representatives from colleges and universities across the nation gathered Sept. 6-7 for the Student Veterans of America (SVA) meeting in New York City. The SVA is the parent organization for our own campus group, the Student Veterans Organization (SVO). CSU Global's faculty advisors, Dr. James H. Meredith and Dr. Stone Meredith, were on-hand to share the campus mission for our virtual chapter, which serves as the only 100% virtual chapter in the SVA. Numerous key goals were accomplished during the meeting, including an update to the mission statement, new connections with the SVA's corporate partners for internship and hiring opportunities, and new regional partnerships with campuses, including the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Featured speakers included Will E. Williamson, Jr., US Marine Corps veteran and current director, Veterans Initiatives at The Prudential Insurance Company of America. Williamson shared his company's appreciation for veterans in his company's culture and how his company partners with SVA to locate and employ veterans after they complete their service in their college chapters of SVO. The group also enjoyed a visit to the Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum, where the Intrepid aircraft carrier welcomes visitors daily on the Hudson River. During the museum tour, Dr. James Meredith had a chance to visit with one of his old colleagues from his service days - the agile F-16.

The mission of the Colorado State University Global Student Veterans Organization is to provide military-affiliated and veteran students with online resources, support, and student advocacy needed to successfully transition from military service into higher education and beyond.

If you are active duty military, a veteran, or military affiliated, and are interested in signing up for the CSU Global chapter, join the group in Global Connect or contact faculty advisor Dr. James Meredith (james.meredith [at] csuglobal.edu).