The BU Veterans Association

Post By:

Steve Khanoyan
MBA, 2013

Earlier this year, I separated from the Navy after leading two divisions during two combat deployments, intelligence operations, a Presidential protection detail, and a humanitarian mission after the 2010 Haiti earthquake. The transition back to the civilian world was abrupt and hasn’t always been easy. I was lucky to discover that I had other combat veterans in the School of Management community and at the beginning of the year, we decided that BU was missing an organization to unite veterans across the university.

The BU Veterans Association was formed by four of us (I am currently the Vice President) with the goal of speaking up for veterans’ issues on campus, providing mentorship for new students who may just be coming back from a deployment, creating a unique alumni network, and just get together for a drink from time to time.

We were surprised how much support we received from BU including the Dean of Students, Provost, and individual schools on campus. Though the four of us that now serve as the club’s executive board are all MBA students, the organization is open to all veterans at BU and we’re proud to have over 80 members in just a few months.

As we continue to grow, we’re planning on hosting some great events during the upcoming months - including a benefit for a local veterans’ shelter. Our organization is working with the University registrar to be in touch with incoming veterans to the University so that no veteran is ever alone at BU. As a founding member, I am proud to know that in 2013, this veterans’ organization will be my lasting legacy at BU.

Steve Khanoyan is a 1^st year MS-MBA who most recently served as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy. Steve also earned his undergraduate degree from BU in 2007. Following graduation, he hopes to work in operations for a major airline.