Wharton Stories: Veterans & Military

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

A split image with three sections: a banana, mug, and CBD bottle on a surface; two individuals smiling in casual clothing in front of a brick wall; a person in a flight suit standing next to a jet.
Veteran co-founders Chase Hobby, WG’20, and Evan Seale, WG’20, recall how their time in the armed services played a pivotal role in their desire to pursue entrepreneurship at Wharton.

From the Battlefield to the Boardroom

Chris Molero, Adam Pardes, and Karl Ulrich smile goofily with their Innovation Prize. The latter two give thumbs up.
Chris Molaro, WG’17, founder of Neuroflow, talks about using data & wearables to fight PTSD with Karl Ulrich, Wharton Vice Dean of Entrepreneurship & Innovation.

How Neuroflow Is Using Data & Wearables to Fight PTSD

Thomas Cavett standing in an office. He has short, brown hair and is wearing a white collared shirt
After more than six years as a Special Forces medical sergeant, Thomas Cavett, WG’18, G’18, came to Wharton to work on the launch of an innovative traumatic injury detection device.

How This Lauder Vet Is Working to Create Life-Saving Devices for the Military

George Dutile standing outside. He has short, brown hair and is wearing a blue sweater over a white collared shirt.
When George Dutile, WG’17, wanted to transition from the military, he and his wife worried about taking a risk on an MBA. They went “all in” at Wharton, and the whole family benefited.

Why This Vet Brought His Family to Wharton and Why It Was the Best Thing He Ever Did

Five helmeted riders drive bright red motorcycles through a faded plain on a dry dirt path.
Joe Butcher, WG’16, saw Lipman Prize finalist Riders for Health in action, addressing one of the greatest challenges for health care workers in sub-Saharan Africa: a lack of reliable transport to reach remote communities.

A Consulting Trip to Malawi Brings Social Impact to Life for This Lipman Fellow

MBA military veterans wear camo trousers and navy shirts on the Art Museum steps, the Philadelphia skyline behind them.
“There are more than 80 veterans and active military members between the two Wharton MBA classes and they form the tight-knit Wharton Veterans Club — which provides a community of peers that are united by service and help each other through the journey into civilian life.”

How Wharton Helped This MBA Student Learn How to ‘Be a Veteran’

Steve Weiner, WG’16, in a black hoodie, short brown hair and beard, laughing while looking off camera.
You have to localize the force you’re going to put on something to be able to have a lasting impact.

Former Submarine Officer Creates a New Path with Wharton Fintech