An employee resource group at Elon University connects veterans and veteran-affiliated family members from across campus and builds community.
Action as a result of passion
Jessica Hill is the proud mother of a son enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and, in true nature to a parent, wants to do everything she can to support her son in what she considers to be the ultimate sacrificial decision to serve the United States. She currently serves as the executive assistant to the senior vice president for university advancement and external affairs.
Hill is the granddaughter of two veterans and has limited experience with the needs of those in the armed services.
“You have to learn a completely different language,” said Hill. “You have to essentially learn a new language to communicate with your child about things related to his job and life on base, and being limited in your ability to come home when you want, and on holidays,” she added.
On the day that Hill sent her son to boot camp, she said that there were two other moms who were also dropping off their kids. They decided to ease the transition by meeting every week for dinner just to talk through everything they were experiencing. The group eventually called themselves AlCo (Alamance County) Marine Moms. They continue to meet monthly to this day.
Around the same time, Hill became aware of a new gap in leadership for initiatives honoring veterans at Elon and set out to do something about it. She said that veterans are a protected status, and it was challenging to figure out who may be a veteran, which created a need for a group for people to self-identify.
A Space to Bring Veterans and Veteran-Affiliated Employees Together
She and Employee Resource Group co-founder Raymond Fletcher, a Navy veteran and senior director for facilities management, formed the Veterans Employee Resource Group to provide a space for veterans on campus to form community.
“The Veterans Employee Resource Group is designed to bring employees with similar interests together with regard to our veterans employee resource group,” said Hill. “We wanted to give veterans a place where they could identify themselves so that they could form a community here within our campus so that no matter what quadrant of campus they’re on, they know who their fellow veterans and veteran-affiliated coworkers are, like myself.”
The Employee Resource Group focuses on a two-pronged approach, including resources and community-building. Last spring, the group invited the Alamance County Chapter of the Disabled American Veterans to an ERG lunch to discuss resources available to them for free. Then, in January, the Veterans Employee Resource Group hosted representatives from the VA to learn about their work.
“If for no other reason alone, we had a veteran learn about signing up with the VA so he could get care that is free to him–that made all of our work completely worth it,” said Hill.
Thanks to a gift to the university from Rear Adm. Edward K. “Ted” Walker Jr., the group was glad to participate in Veteran’s Day events this past November, which included guest lecturer retired Adm. Mike Mullen, who spoke as part of the inaugural Carol Ann Walker International Lecture.
Earning Recognition for Veterans
The Veterans Employee Resource group was invited to the president’s box for the Nov. 16 football game versus Maine. The recognition prompted new members of the group to attend, and they were recognized during a timeout on the field.
The group was also recognized at a recent basketball game. Billy Taylor, men’s basketball coach, has a brother in the Army and was enthusiastic about the opportunity to host military appreciation at one of the games, which included recognition of Elon’s ROTC program.
“As a veteran myself, I found great satisfaction in being able to show appreciation to the next generation of our women and men who have committed to serve our nation,” said Fletcher.
“We remain committed to finding meaningful ways to recognize and honor those who have served in our community,” said Mary DeFriest, assistant athletic director of marketing and fan engagement.
“I think our partnership with the Veterans ERG has been incredibly valuable for both athletics and the university. We share a common goal – to strengthen connections with veterans and active military personnel, not only on campus but throughout the greater Alamance County community.”
-Mary DeFriest, assistant athletic director of marketing and fan engagement.
Additionally, Elon ROTC partnered with Athletics and the Veterans Employee Resource Group, inviting the entire cadre for both Air Force and Army, which further strengthened each group’s commitment to connecting and building community with veterans and armed services members.
Sean Giovanello, associate professor of political science and public policy, says that he is honored to serve as Elon’s ROTC Program Coordinator and loves working with amazing students committed to serving their country.
“It was a great chance for Elon students to see our school’s support for them and their work, to connect with our veteran community, and to bring the whole cadet crew to Elon for a night of fun and relaxation,” said Giovanello, reflecting on the basketball game. “Having been on the receiving end of appreciation from others over my career, it was nice to be able to show my appreciation to the ROTC members. And I would say thank you to the athletic team for supporting our efforts as well.”
Employee Resource Groups connect Elon employees over a wide span of identities and interests.
“I think your work is a lot richer when you are connected to people,” said Hill. “It’s really awesome when there are other people scattered around who understand the specifics of what may be challenging for you or what may be something that you really are drawn to.”
Hill says that Employee Resource Groups move the university forward because it shows we are investing in our people, and she herself feels the university is investing in her.
To join the Veterans Employee Resource Group, contact either Jessica Hill (jhill4@elon.edu) or Raymond Fletcher (rfletcher4@elon.edu).