Wilbur Wright College, Recognized as a 2025-26 Military Friendly School

By: Wiktoria Mroczka

After years of dedicated service, veterans are warmly embraced at Wilbur Wright College. Wright offers easy registration, strong veteran benefits, high eligibility for financial aid, and a supportive community. Resources include Veterans Affairs and state benefits through a range of programs.

Bryan Soske, a retired veteran and Wright College’s Veterans Services Specialist, said Wright is worthy of the Military Friendly School recognition. More than 1,800 schools participated in the Military Friendly survey, Wright College was awarded gold, which is ranked within the top 10% of schools. 

Ivan Zamora, a Navy veteran majoring in nutrition, said, “They have taken care of me and keep doing it. I can choose classes two days prior. The Veterans Center keeps the military vibe. I haven’t been to other colleges but I hope they have the same standards.”

Another of Zamora’s favorite benefits is the G1 bill. “I get paid for going to school full time. I like the job opportunities that I get. But it didn’t come easy. I was away from family for five years and from the food that I like.”

Cory Saxton, a retired veteran majoring in Computer Engineering, said, “The registration process here was simple and straightforward. Bryan Soske is great, professional and good with personal problems. Makes the place very veteran friendly.”

The front entrance of the Veterans Center located in the science building past the faculty dining area. Photo Credit: Wiktoria Mroczka.

Saxton noted that veterans can receive the 9/11 GI Bill after serving a certain number of days. Regarding advice for future service members he said, “Figure out what branch you want to go to, what qualifications you have, get information what they expect you to do, and who to go to obtain tuition assistance,” Saxton said. 

Soske elaborates on his role of supporting veterans. “I have to see what they want and explain everything, so they can make the best decision for them. Get them into the program they need, I constantly send out job announcements from the career center.”

Wilbur Wright hosts events like career fairs with United States Army representation. Additionally, there are veteran advisors who help from financial aid to choosing the right applications, making the process as stress-free as possible. Veterans are given state benefits which cover tuition, for 3 years. 

“It’s a different breed, the guys that I have, have families and are adults. Guys that were in my position look for an excuse not to come, because it’s harder for them to come back because they think they're too old for school,” Soske voiced. 

Wright College was selected based on its strong track record of assisting veterans to achieve higher education. Harry S Truman, Harold Washington and Malcolm X City Colleges were also recognized. 

As for success stories, Soske proudly said, “My guys are driven to graduate and go to four years. Some left and joined CPD, became a nurse, joined People’s Gas, and one even went to medical school.”

“We want to guide them a bit and the biggest advice I have is to make sure you do it for you, not because somebody’s making you do it, make sure it’s a great choice for you to become a veteran. To me, anybody who comes through these doors and gets to where they want to be is a success story,” Soske said.