Throughout the year, University of Mary Washington alum Ryan Hastings assists veterans and active-duty service members and their families by providing resources and guidance to help them achieve their educational and career goals.
Hastings, a 20-year Army veteran who earned BLS degrees from Mary Washington in 2016 (history and communication) and 2018 (leadership and management studies), knows the importance of veteran assistance. All year long, he serves as UMW’s primary point of contact for military-affiliated students through the Veterans Resource Center, providing information on veteran-specific benefits and services.
Each November, though, Hastings assists UMW with a lineup of Veterans Day activities – from an early-morning flag-raising to a celebratory luncheon – all designed to honor veterans’ dedication and sacrifice. UMW will hold further observances later in the week, including the Small Business Development Center’s presentation of a Veteran Small Business of the Year Award and an event held at the Dahlgren Campus by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD).
Hastings’ quest to help military-affiliated students thrive continues through his work with the Student Veterans Association, a campus group dedicated to building a supportive network and fostering a sense of community for military-affiliated students at Mary Washington.
“If you’re a veteran looking to recapture the camaraderie you had in the military, I encourage you to join,” he said, highlighting how the group provides a community where veterans can regain a sense of belonging. They meet in the Veterans Resource Center, a comfortable space available year-round where students can study, socialize or relax.
Throughout the year, Mary Washington welcomes military-connected students through several benefit programs, including the Montgomery GI Bill, Tuition Assistance “Top Up,” Veterans Educational Assistance Program, Survivor’s and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program, Tutorial Assistance Program and more. Hastings serves as the school certifying official for bachelor of liberal studies, nursing and education students, as well as certificate and graduate students, who use these veterans’ benefits. He also verifies benefits for any student participating in the Chapter 31 Veteran Readiness and Employment program or using Chapter 1606 – Selected Reserve benefits.
Through Veterans Day events and other campus resources, UMW reaffirms its dedication to honoring veterans’ sacrifices and helping military-affiliated students succeed. Highlights for Monday, Nov. 11, include a morning flag raising ceremony featuring the Mountain View High School Marine JROTC Color Team, and a Veterans Luncheon in the Cedric Rucker University Center Chandler Ballroom, welcoming UMW students with a military affiliation – including active-duty students, veterans and dependents to commemorate Veterans Day.
On Wednesday, Nov. 13, UMW’s Dahlgren campus will hold a Veterans Day observance from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free and open to veterans, their families, the NSWCDD workforce and the community.
Additionally, on that same day, the Veteran Small Business of the Year ceremony will take place at the Jepson Alumni Executive Center from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event is free for veterans and veteran spouses, though registration is required, and will also provide information on obtaining funding to start or grow a business, working with federal and state agencies, and other resources for veterans.
For more information on veteran and military support services, including the Veterans Resource Center, visit UMW’s Veteran & Military Resources web page.
