As Nate Quellhorst evaluated potential schools at which to pursue an MBA, a major consideration in his decision was the institution’s reputation as a military-friendly school.

“These schools understand the unorthodox career paths of veterans and offer knowledge and programs to assist veterans through academic support, financial knowledge and workforce preparation,” he said. “In the military there is a unique camaraderie and a fostering environment in which you feel part of a team and not simply a number.”

Quellhorst found his fit at Ohio State, where he’s enrolled as a second-year MBA student at Fisher. Further reinforcing his decision to become a Buckeye was the unique and recent opportunity to participate in the university’s Inaugural Campus Flag Event.

The event brought together military students, veterans, university leaders and staff, and community members in Remembrance Park for a ceremony to honor veterans and active duty service members. It also marked the beginning of a tradition in which cadets, midshipmen and student veterans are presented with new American flags to replace all 28 flags located throughout Ohio State’s Columbus campus.

The event was hosted by the university’s Office of Military and Veterans Services, with funding for the ceremony and new flags provided by the Major Lawrence Miller Military Fund.

“Being part of the inaugural event was an amazing opportunity, especially leading up to Veterans Day,” said Quellhorst, a 2012 graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy. “Building an event that connects all military members — be it students, ROTC cadets, veterans, active and reserve members, faculty and public officials — shows the strong connection among service members and the support they receive here.”

Dignitaries participating in the event included Ohio State President Michael V. Drake, Congressman Steve Stivers (BA ’89, MBA ’96) and Major General Mark E. Bartman (BS ’82), the adjutant general of the Ohio National Guard, who delivered a keynote. Each of the speakers highlighted Ohio State’s rich and honored history of commitment to military students and families.

The university is currently home to over 1,800 current veterans, dependents, and active duty, National Guard and reserve members attending as undergraduate and graduate students; over 1,400 current faculty and staff veterans, and over 400 Tri-service Air Force, Army and Naval ROTC program participants.

Quellhorst, president of the Fisher Veterans Association, said the Campus Flag Event was representative of the positive support he and other military students and veterans receive at Ohio State and Fisher.

“The university’s Office of Military and Veterans Service is hands down the best in the country,” said Quellhorst, who, upon graduation, plans to return to the U.S. Coast Guard as a financial analyst. “Colonel Mike Carrell has been instrumental in that office’s role as a strong connection supporting all military members at Ohio State. It makes the transition easy and offers incoming and current students the knowledge and tools to succeed.”

“At Fisher, the veterans organizations work alongside the college’s admissions team to ensure that we’re reaching out to prospective military students and veterans while also supporting those who are on campus pursuing their education.”