Helping Veterans Thrive

After five years of combat operations in Iraq and peacekeeping in Kosovo, Matt Caldwell ’10 JD, MBA was ready to trade the structure and identity of military command for civilian life — a transition that led him to Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. 

“I went to West Point, the first class after 9/11, and then to the 1st Infantry Division, ‘Big Red One,’” says Caldwell, a Bronze Star recipient and former U.S. Army captain. “Coming out of the military, my first civilian experience was moving to Chicago and coming to Kellogg.” 

For many veterans, the decision to pursue an MBA and select the right program can be financially daunting and create a sense of isolation. That’s why in 2025 Kellogg launched the Matt Caldwell Veterans Program to give veterans the tools to build successful civilian careers. 

“The Kellogg curriculum was instrumental in my development after retiring from the military,” says Caldwell, who earned a joint MBA and JD from Kellogg and Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. “I hope this initiative inspires more veterans to pursue enrollment at Kellogg.” 

A graduate-level education in management enables veterans to transition into business careers while positioning them to succeed in all sectors of the economy or as leaders in government. Their service experience adds value to the classroom, to the culture of the University and to employers who recruit for the qualities veterans possess. 

Named in honor of Caldwell — who is CEO of the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx — the Matt Caldwell Veterans Program advances veteran student recruitment, provides support for veteran students throughout their MBA experience and creates connections for alumni who are veterans via networking events and mentorship. It also established the Kellogg Veterans Council, an advisory group of distinguished veteran alumni who help guide future initiatives at Kellogg. The program has expanded scholarship opportunities as well, helping reduce financial barriers. 

In addition, Kellogg has launched a $30 million campaign to raise funds for scholarships for military veterans; so far, it has raised $7 million toward the goal. Veteran alums of Kellogg have gone on to careers in industries ranging from healthcare to manufacturing. 

Military veterans are increasingly selecting Kellogg for their business education, and scholarships help ensure they can bring their perspectives and experiences to the school and to the Northwestern community. Kellogg aims to raise significant scholarship support for these students, fully leveraging the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Yellow Ribbon Program — which helps cover the cost of private, foreign or out-of-state tuition and fees. 

Northwestern is putting support for its students front and center with a new fundraising campaign. Through the Forever Shine Campaign, announced in May, the University aims to raise at least $625 million for scholarships and supplemental programs — including those offered through the Matt Caldwell Veterans Program — to benefit undergraduate, graduate and professional school students. 

Former U.S. Navy intelligence officers Gabrielle Fong, left, and Crysta Gonzalez both received the Janet and Craig Duchossois Veteran Scholarship.

Former U.S. Navy intelligence officers Gabrielle Fong ’26 MBA and Crysta Gonzalez ’26 MBA both received the Janet and Craig Duchossois Veteran Scholarship — one of several scholarships at Kellogg that support veterans. The married couple credits the scholarship with helping them decide to attend Kellogg together. 

“This reduced financial pressure allowed me to fully explore and pursue opportunities that I felt were most aligned with my values and vision for my post-Kellogg career,” Fong says. 

Gonzalez also recalls how the leaders of the Kellogg Veterans Association — a student-led group dedicated to educating, equipping and empowering veterans throughout their MBA journey — reached out to them even before classes began. 

“When we got admitted to Kellogg, the association leaders were so accommodating, so welcoming,” Gonzalez says. “They wanted to know how they could help.” 

Strengthening that sense of belonging is central to the veteran experience at Kellogg. 

“Veterans bring extraordinary leadership, perspective and knowledge to the Kellogg community,” says Dean Francesca Cornelli. 

“We are grateful to the donors who have already helped make it possible for veterans to gain access to the opportunities they need to succeed here and beyond, and we look forward to growing support for our program so that future veteran students can also thrive.” 

Learn more about the Forever Shine Campaign.