Pitt Veterans End-of-Term Social

The Veterans End-of-Term Social and Presentation of Graduation Cords ceremony was held April 4 at the Wyndham Pittsburgh University Center hotel. Brian Joyce, president of the new Pitt Veterans Alumni Council (VAC), presented 11 veteran graduates with cords to be worn at graduation in recognition of their service. Ryan Ahl, OVS director, gave opening remarks before welcoming Army Brigadier General (Ret.) Michael Dunn to speak. Dr. Dunn is a University of Pittsburgh faculty member in the School of Medicine. Dr. Dunn spoke about the importance of caring for our returning veterans and preparing them to be successful in their future missions. Next, Brian Joyce introduced the mission and networking focus of the VAC, coining the phrase “Community and Careers”. Get more information on the VAC and join today. Also find the VAC on Facebook and LinkedIn

Upcoming Events

10th Annual Pat's Run

Saturday, April 26, 9 a.m.
Three Rivers Heritage Trail, ALCO Parking Lot, 16th and Smallman, Strip District
OVS and the Pitt Vets invite you to join us for a 4.2 mile run/walk/hike to support educational scholarships for veterans and their spouses. Pat's Run is the signature fundraising event of the Pat Tillman Foundation, a national leader in providing resources and educational scholarship support to veterans, active service members, and their spouses. The Tillman Military Scholars program aids all veterans, specifically the ever-growing population of veterans of post-9/11 conflicts. Join us in supporting this great cause. Registration is $40. Register.

Faculty and Staff Development: "Veterans on Campus"

Thursday, May 1, 9–11 a.m.
Craig Hall, Room 342
This workshop is designed to educate faculty and staff about the veteran and military-affiliated student body and the services available to them on campus. The workshop will also cover common transition issues for veterans in higher education, national trends, and military culture. Participants will learn about tools and resources available for building a veteran-friendly classroom environment.
Register for this session.

“Generation Smartphone: The smartphone’s role as constant companion, helper, coach, and guardian has only begun”

Thursday, April 24, 3 p.m.
Forbes Tower, Room 4060

The Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology will be hosting Dr. Daniel P. Siewiorek as part of the Dr. Clifford E. Brubaker Distinguished Lecture Series. The Rory A. Cooper, PhD and Dion Johnson Award will be presented to a faculty-selected student at the conclusion of the lecture. A light reception will immediately follow the lecture.

Available Scholarships

Summer Scholarship Available for Veterans

The Bill and Emily Kuzma Military Service Fund was founded to provide financial support to veterans, active duty military, guardsmen, and reservists. The Kuzma Military Service Fund will be awarding two scholarships for the summer 2014 term. These scholarships cover the cost of tuition and fees for one three-credit course at the University. This scholarship provides financial assistance to military-affiliated students for courses not otherwise covered by their educational benefits OR if the student does not want to use their educational benefits over the summer.

• Applicants must be a veteran, active duty military, a guardsman, or reservist.
• Applicants must enroll in and complete the summer course. (Failure to enroll or dropping the course will result in funds being rescinded.)
• Scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with GI Bill benefits.
• Student cannot have any judicial holds on their account.
• Academic holds or probation will NOT disqualify a veteran for this scholarship.

Download the application and submit to Ryan Ahl by April 18.

Wounded Warrior and Veterans Education Assistance Fund

OVS will be awarding scholarships from the Wounded Warrior and Veterans Education Assistance Fund for the fall 2014 term. Applications will be accepted until May 2, 2014. To be eligible, you must be a wounded veteran, or the dependent or spouse of a fallen or wounded veteran, or a veteran. If you applied for this scholarship for the spring 2014 term, there is no need to reapply; we will use the application we have on file for you.  Find out more.

Paralyzed Veterans of America Scholarship Program

The 2014-2015 Paralyzed Veterans of America Scholarship Program is now open. The following criteria apply:

• Applicant must be either a Paralyzed Veterans member, the spouse of a Paralyzed Veterans member, or an unmarried child (under 24 years of age) who is dependent (as defined by the IRS) on the member for principal support. 
• Applicant must be a citizen of the United States.   
• Applicant must be accepted and enrolled as a full-time or part-time student in an accredited US college or university. 

Previous award recipients may apply. All components of the application must be received no later than June 17, 2014. Late applications will not be accepted, no exceptions. In addition, any incomplete applications will not be considered.

Download the scholarship application. Learn more. 

Pittsburgh Marathon Event Security

The Pittsburgh Marathon is hiring unarmed Security personnel for a one-day special event: The Pittsburgh Marathon on Sunday, May 4, 2014. Security shirts provided, $12/hour. Full wages paid upon completion of event duties. Qualifications: Must be at least 18 years of age, must be drug-free. Submit your contact information or resume to: info@thebrowninggroupllc.com