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MILITARY GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS

The University of Illinois is committed to supporting veterans and their families by providing comprehensive assistance in navigating and utilizing the educational benefits available to them. This dedication encompasses a range of services and resources designed to ensure that veterans and their families can make the most of their educational opportunities.

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MESSAGE FROM ADMISSIONS

At Gies Business, we are honored to extend a warm welcome to military veterans. Your dedication and leadership experience are invaluable assets, and we are excited to support you on your journey through our online MBA program, known as the iMBA. Gies is committed to providing flexible, innovative, and high-quality education that empowers you to achieve your career goals at a pace and price point that works for you.
KACIE JONES
Director, Recruitment & Admissions, Gies Graduate Programs

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CLICK & MEET OUR MILITARY ALUMNI

Click their photos to learn more about why they decided to pursue an MBA, how they chose Gies College of Business, and what they’re doing now!

Juan A. Mendez

Why did you pursue an MBA after the military?

“Continuing my education and attaining a graduate degree was a personal and
professional goal of mine even before I ended my service in the Army. Originally, I
looked at applying for master’s degree programs in engineering. However, after
discussing my career aspirations with mentors, friends, and fellow veterans, I realized
that earning an MBA to enhance and improve my leadership and managerial skills
would make more sense considering where I wanted to be in the future. The
opportunity to lead soldiers was the most rewarding aspect of my time in the Army. I believe earning an MBA will hone the foundational leadership skills I learned in the
military for me to be an effective leader in my civilian career”

Why did you choose the this university for your MBA?

“I chose Gies College of Business for my MBA primarily because I’m fortunate enough to be eligible for the Illinois Veterans Grant, which means I don’t have to pay any tuition expenses for the entirety of the program. Beyond that, I chose Gies because of the flexibility and convenience of the iMBA program. Working a full-time job, as well as having time to tend to the needs of my family were two major factors in
considering the program. Not needing to commute to the classroom and being able to complete coursework while continuing to advance my current career were major benefits in that regard. Additionally, the fact that Gies transformed their MBA program and now focus on disrupting the traditional in-person MBA model gave me the impression that they are dedicated to providing a top-notch experience to their
online students. So far, I’ve been extremely happy with my decision and would
encourage others to apply to the Gies iMBA program.”

MBA Grad Year: 2024

Military Service: U.S. Army

Undergraduate University:United States Military Academy at West Point

1

JUAN A. MENDEZ

Program Coordinator & Environmental Engineer, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Maria Vaughn

Why did you pursue an MBA after the military?

“I truly enjoy dissecting what makes a business or leader successful or
unsuccessful, and learning about the different tools that leaders use in order to make data-driven decisions that make their organizations better. My goal is to eventually start my own business, so an MBA would arm me with the tools to succeed.”

Why did you choose this university for your MBA?

“I chose Gies for several reasons; it is a prestigious University with a long history of successful professors and alumni, it is very affordable, and the iMBA is 100% online! This program allows me to balance the responsibilities of being a full-time working parent while pursuing my graduate degree without having to commute, saving both time and money. As a veteran who is a resident of Illinois, I am also able to take advantage of the Illinois Veterans Grant to cover tuition costs. Finally, University of Illinois has a strong military presence and is very supportive of the military community – so this decision was a no-brainer!”

MBA Grad Year: 2026

Military Service: U.S. Marine Corps

Undergraduate University: University of Maryland University College

2

MARIA VAUGHN

Corporate Recruiter, McMaster-Carr Supply Co.

Randal Niznick

Why did you pursue an MBA after the military?

“As a first-generation College graduate, I want to continue on my academic journey to set an example for my children. Additionally, as I have moved from being a specialist to a generalist I have identified the need to acquire broader business knowledge and knew in order to do that, I should pursue my MBA.”

Why did you choose this university for your MBA?

“The mission of University of Illinois as a public Land Grant institution is what appealed to me. Being a military veteran, I relate to their mission of service. They make higher education available to underrepresented, low-income and first-generation college students, this is a very noble mission and one that I am personally proud to be a part of!”

MBA Grad Year: 2028

Military Service: U.S. Navy Seabees (U.S. Naval Construction Force)

Undergraduate University: United States Military Academy

randy

RANDALL NIZNICK DCP, FMP

Senior director of operations

Nancy Martinez

Why did you pursue an MBA after the military?

“I decided to pursue an MBA as a way to enhance and further refine my
military experience. An MBA provides military members with a solid
foundation in finance, consulting, operations, and executive management to
name a few. I knew it would strengthen my leadership and management
capabilities, provide valuable business insights, and ultimately open the
door to many opportunities as I prepared to transition from the military.”

Why did you choose this university for your MBA?

“While searching for the right MBA program, I knew immediately that the
iMBA program offered by Gies College of Business at the University of
Illinois was the perfect fit for me. Despite being online, the Gies iMBA
emphasizes interactive and engaging learning experiences. The program
utilizes a mix of live class sessions, recorded lectures, group projects, and
peer-to-peer interactions. I was able to see and experience students having
ample opportunities to engage with faculty and classmates, fostering a
sense of community and collaboration. The Gies iMBA program
differentiates itself through its high-quality curriculum, customization
options, interactive learning experiences, global perspective, and strong
alumni network. These features collectively make the Gies iMBA a standout
choice for professionals seeking a top-tier MBA education that fits their
lifestyle and career goals.”

MBA Grad Year: 2023

Military Service: U.S. Navy

Undergraduate University: Marquette University

nancy

NANCY MARTINEZ

CORPORATE FINANCE
AT NORTHERN TRUST

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