November 2022 • Edition 15
In this month’s special edition honoring Veterans Day learn about Medal of Honor recipient and Wharton Executive MBA graduate Edward Byers Jr., WG’21; hear how combat veteran Ben Crovella, WG’15, engages with Wharton veterans; and find out how Wharton supports veterans from their time as admitted students to life beyond graduation.
Navy SEAL Veteran and Wharton Graduate Exemplifies Grit, Gallantry, and Gratitude
Medal of Honor recipient and former Navy SEAL Edward Byers Jr., WG’21, received his medal for actions in Afghanistan that led to the rescue of an American hostage. During the mission, Byers withstood hand-to-hand combat, imminent mortal threat to his life, and the loss of a team member. He shared with Wharton Impact what it is like to challenge yourself and find inspiration from within to be of service to others.
Earning a Wharton MBA as a Marine Corps Veteran
Wharton caught up with Ben Crovella, WG’15, in his office at the corporate headquarters of CVS, where he serves as the executive director for category strategy and assortment analytics. Ben double-majored in Strategic Management and Operations at Wharton and earned his MBA with honors in 2015. He accomplished a great deal during his two years on the School’s Philadelphia campus, like TAing in an upper-level Management course, making the Dean’s List, and his status as both a Student Life and Career Fellow. But Ben’s impressive resume spans backward to when he began his career in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2007. As an active member of the Wharton Veterans Club, Ben wrote an article on his experience as a combat veteran in 2015. This November, Ben revisited his story and reflected upon his engagement with Wharton’s robust veterans community.
Supporting Veterans With Education and Community
“Wharton’s veterans’ community is legendary among our peer schools for being the best in any MBA program,” said Vice Dean, Graduate Student Affairs Maryellen Reilly. “They’re involved with every facet of the School, from admissions to academics through social life and recruiting, and our alumni stay connected.” Reilly said the Wharton Veterans Club — whose motto is “united through service” — is the primary place where community building happens among veteran students.
