Other students said that they especially appreciate the veterans’ contributions in leadership classes.
“Most of them have been leading groups since graduating from college,” said Erik J. Lampe, a first-year business student. “They lend the class a good point of view.”
SUPPORTING ROLE
Scott A. Snook, an associate professor of organizational behavior at the Business School and a West Point graduate, serves as an informal mentor to students who are making the transition from military to civilian life.
Several years ago, Snook began what he called “Scott’s Thursdays,” a weekly gathering when ex-military students could come to talk.
“It was a way to connect more closely with students,” Snook said, adding that sessions would often overflow his office and last for hours.
The administration also strongly supports the school’s military community, according to Matthew K. Ahlers, a former submarine officer and co-president of the Armed Forces Alumni Association.
Ahlers said that the school’s leaders pushed for Harvard to participate in the federal government’s Yellow Ribbon program, which provides funds to allow veterans to continue their education.
Veterans can also receive financial aid through dedicated Business School fellowships, such as the Timothy T. Day Marine Corps Entrepreneur Fellowship that helps pay for Crabbe’s time at HBS.
“I couldn’t think of a more veteran-friendly business school,” said Isenhower, the Navy officer who also served in the military’s worldwide command center beneath the Pentagon. “It’s a great opportunity and a great time to be here.”
CELEBRATING VETERANS
To honor veterans both within and outside HBS, hundreds of business students gathered last night on the HBS campus at the annual Veterans Ball. Former officers mingled in the crowd in their formal uniforms, and students viewed a display of body armor, helmets, and medals that their classmates had worn on deployments overseas.
Several students said they attended to support their friends and section-mates who were veterans.
“I’m happy with the outpouring of support HBS shows its veterans,” Crabbe said. “They really respect what we’ve done.”
—Staff writer William N. White can be reached at wwhite@fas.harvard.edu.