Wharton Stories: Veterans & Military

A large group of smiling participants in red and blue T-shirts poses for a photo in an outdoor space with a building featuring a colorful mural, natural woodwork, and glass in the background.
“Being at Wharton is an incredible opportunity, and joining such an amazing group of Tillman Scholars is a powerful reminder to up my game.” — Patrick Everley, WG’28

From Service to Impact: Meet Wharton’s 2026 Tillman Scholars

Military official speaking at a podium, with multiple flags in the background, including the United States flag and others with military insignia.
Maj. Nicholas Dockery, WG’27, received the award for acts of gallantry while serving as a platoon leader in Kapisa Province, Afghanistan in 2012.

Wharton EMBA Student Receives Medal of Honor

Neal Ellsworth, WG'24, with EMBA students in Prof. Kevin Kaiser’s Valuation course. (Image Credit: Kevin Kaiser)
“The Career Management team was there for every stage: job search strategy, resume, interviews, negotiations – everything. And my executive coach helped me think holistically about what I wanted,” says Neal Ellsworth, WG’24.

How Wharton Helped This Marine Accelerate His Career

Brad Mears, WG’26, (Center, Rear) ringing the bell with his Figure coworkers. (Image Credit: Nasdaq, Inc.)
“When I joined my company, we were small and growing fast. Now, the opportunities ahead are bigger and more complex than when I started, which makes the timing of Wharton even more relevant,” says Brad Mears, WG’26.

How This Veteran Is Building Business Acumen With Wharton’s EMBA Program for the Next Stage of Growth

Robert Kress, WG’24 visiting a U.S. Navy boat maintained by Anchor Innovation (Photo Credit: Chief Brian Sheffield, U.S. Navy)
“If I hadn’t gone to Wharton, I’d still be on the corporate climb and wouldn’t have discovered this knowledge, passion and confidence for entrepreneurship,” says Caroline Chapdelain, WG’22.

How These EMBA Students Became Entrepreneurs Through Business Acquisition

Jameel Janjua on Rogers Dry Lakebed at Edwards Air Force Base, California

Wharton MBA student is out of this world

A person in military camouflage holds a stack of books with the American flag in the background, symbolizing education and service.
Navy Veteran and Wharton EMBA student Marco Segura, WG’25 aims to inspire and support more veterans in joining the program, by actively sharing his experiences, supporting military applicants, and demonstrating the value of their perspectives in the Wharton community.

Navy Vet Insights: What Military Applicants Should Know About Wharton’s EMBA Program

A line of military personnel in uniform saluting, wearing white caps and ornate uniforms. The scene suggests a formal or ceremonial event.
“Transitioning from the military to business school can be a daunting process. Members of the Wharton Veterans Club made it their priority not just to see me succeed in my Wharton application, but to succeed in transitioning out of the military.” — Bing Bing Xie, WG’24

Meet the Wharton Veterans Club

The image depicts the American flag waving in the wind, featuring red and white stripes with white stars on a blue field. A close-up of a single embroidered star is shown in an inset.
“The best part about serving in the military is the people you serve with, and I’ve found this same sense of comradery with my fellow Wharton vets. From day one, we became a very close-knit group.” – Gia DeHart, WG’24

Honoring Veteran Students in the Wharton MBA Program for Executives

A group of six people is walking together on a tree-lined pathway, smiling and appearing to enjoy a casual outing.
“The members of my learning team came into Orientation Week as strangers to one another and left as a family… I left orientation feeling lucky that I get to embark on this journey with the support of my team and the class overall.” -Naquan Ishman, WG’24

An Inside Look at the Wharton MBA Program for Executives’ Orientation Week