For outstanding support of military member employees and their families, Olivet Nazarene University recently received the Above and Beyond Award from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). This award recognizes employers at the local level for going above and beyond the legal requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act by providing Guard and Reserve employees with additional, non-mandated benefits.
Major Landon Miller, ONU’s director of military science and veterans affairs, serves in the U.S. Army Reserve. He recently received his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from ONU and was able to use his GI Bill benefits to help cover his costs. Before being employed by ONU, he served as an active duty officer in the U.S. Army for 12 years.
“As a ONU employee, I nominated ONU for this award,” Major Miller said. “ONU is committed to building a culture that is supportive of the military community on campus. ONU gives an outstanding welcome to military personnel and their dependents, and then supports them as they continue to fulfill their military commitments. I was easily able to provide several specific examples of how ONU supports its military employees. Personally, my family appreciates the support of the ONU community when I am away on Reserve duty.”
For more than 20 years, the United States has relied heavily on Guard and Reserve Service members. Employer support enhances retention rates in the Armed Forces and, in the end, strengthens national security. To recognize employers who support their Guard and Reserve employees, ESGR grants a series of Department of Defense awards, including the Above and Beyond Award.
“We are humbled and honored to receive this award from the ESGR,” said Mark Reddy, vice president of enrollment management for ONU. “Our gratitude extends to the servicemen and servicewomen whose contributions greatly enrich our campus. Their hard work, dedication and commitment to our programs are invaluable. We are fortunate to benefit from their exemplary service.”
ESGR is a Department of Defense program that seeks to promote a culture in which all American employers support and value the military service of their employees. Citizen warriors who serve in the National Guard and Reserve rely on the continued promise of meaningful civilian employment for themselves and their families. Recognizing supportive employers is vital to ESGR’s mission. These Department of Defense awards honor the sacrifices made by so many employers year after year.
“ONU is proud of our relationship with the United States Army, our ROTC program, and our dedicated staff who work to develop future officers,” said Dr. Amber Residori, dean of the College of Professional Studies. “It is an honor to hire and work beside service men and women. We are grateful for this award and humbled by the recognition.”
To learn more about Olivet Nazarene University’s ROTC program, click here.
