Moorhead’s Annual Fair Connects Veterans to Vital Resources
Wednesday, April 8 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Comstock Memorial Union
By Mason Krebsbach
FM Extra
The story below will be published after the Dragon and Veteran Services Fair, and therefore, is written in the past tense.
Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) reaffirmed its commitment to military-connected students and their families with its annual Dragon and Veteran Services Fair on April 8th. The event, held in the Comstock Memorial Union, serves as a crucial bridge, connecting students with a wealth of resources from both the university and the wider Fargo-Moorhead community.
Danelle Wolnik, the Assistant Veterans Resource Outreach Director at MSUM and a 24-year veteran of the North Dakota Army National Guard, emphasized the fair’s adaptive vision. “Each year, we take a fresh look at what our community partners offer and what resources have become essential to student success,” Wolnik said. “We use that insight to thoughtfully adapt and expand the fair so it continues to meet the evolving needs of our military-connected students.”
This inclusive approach extends to the definition of “military-connected,” which purposefully includes families and dependents. “We know that families serve alongside their servicemembers,” Wolnik explained. “Their dedication, resilience, and support play a vital role in military success.”
The fair is designed to help veterans transition from military service to academic life. The resources provided are tailored to bridge this gap, focusing on areas like academic support, benefits navigation, and community building. “Veterans succeed academically when they can use their strengths learned in the military to help adjust to college life,” Wolnik stated. “Using support services to help guide them through benefits, tutoring, counseling, and building connections are all ways to help bridge the gap.”
This year, the fair featured a new and impactful resource: Peer Advisors. “The Peer Advisor program is made up of five military-connected students who understand the challenges of transitioning from military to academic life. They support our entire military-connected population through periodic check-ins and can help with everything from navigating campus resources to building community.”
The power of these resources is evident in the success stories that emerge from the Veteran Success Center. Wolnik shared a recent example of a student at risk of being dropped from their program who had ceased communication. The team’s outreach about the Service to Success Internship Program, which offers financial compensation for practicum hours, was a turning point. “The student renewed their engagement and regained interest in continuing their program,” she recalled. This internship program collaborates with local employers to create meaningful job placements for military-connected students.
The strong partnerships with organizations throughout the Fargo-Moorhead area are vital for all students, regardless of where they live. “Our partnerships are important because they give students easier access to resources, no matter where they live or commute from,” Wolnik said.
For those who couldn’t attend, the message from the Veteran Success Team is clear: support is always available. Students can connect with the team by emailing veterans@mnstate.edu, or visiting the Veteran Success Center in King Hall 149 or team members in Bridges Hall 260.
Ultimately, the goal of the fair and the ongoing work of the Veteran Success Team is to create a welcoming and supportive environment. Wolnik’s hope for every veteran who attended is simple: “You belong here and we all want to support you on your journey!”