Wharton Stories: Veterans & Military

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

Multiple U.S. flags waving in the wind, with the focus on the red, white, and blue stripes and stars. It represents patriotism.
“I knew that I could use my skills and talents to help others in the neurodiverse community. After reflecting on the most effective ways to drive change, I realized that business school would be the best place to grow as a social impact leader.” – Edwin C. Portugal, WG’25

Navigating Autism, Importance of Service, and Pursuit of a Wharton MBA

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

A military aircraft on a foggy tarmac being towed by a vehicle, with personnel and equipment nearby.
“A common misconception is that veterans don’t want to talk about their service; but the truth is, most actually love to talk about their experiences in the military. This Veterans Day, I encourage you to ask a veteran to tell you their story. What you’ll learn might just surprise you.” – Captain Ben Crovella

Capt Ben Crovella: Earning a Wharton MBA as a Marine Corps Veteran

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

A photo of Russ Laraway's
“Everyone wants to be successful at work. That’s one thing we all have in common… We spend more than half our waking lives at work, and that warrants a rewarding environment where we feel set up to do the best job possible while being totally psyched to do it.” – Russ Laraway, WG’05.

How to Deliver Better Business Outcomes: A Proven Strategy from Wharton Grad Russ Laraway