September 21st, 2013
Greetings Colleagues,
The VA-ACME Planning Committee is putting together an exciting agenda for the 8th
annual upcoming 2014 VA-ACME Conference. We have many interesting topics that
will be explored that correspond with our 2014 theme: On the Frontline of Military
Education. We are moving to the Westin Town Center in Virginia Beach. Our event is
scheduled for March 25-27, 2014.
VA-ACME has grown exponentially to include many new state, federal, and commercial
organizations that have a keen interest in Military and Veteran Education and Training.
Military and Veteran personnel have unique needs in education and their pursuit of
education in preparing themselves for the future. There is an expanding interest in VAACME as this region hosts the largest population of military personnel, their families,
and our growing Veteran population. VA-ACME is the largest in the country as we
continue to provide progressive and innovative topics for an ever changing academic
environment. The needs of our military and our veteran students are always the priority.
Our forum provides a place to come together to work as the partnership organization our
military students need and demand. Sponsorship space is limited, so please reserve your
sponsorship choice soon. Contact Heidi Sharpe at heidi.sharpe@umuc.edu to reserve a
booth or for any questions or concerns. Sponsorship prices have not increased! Our
sponsorship opportunities include:
Platinum - cost $2000
Gold- cost $1500
Silver-cost $950
Bronze- cost $600
All sponsorship prices include one representative admittance to the VA-ACME
conference. Please see our website for specific information and sponsorship forms.
Conference registration forms are now online at: www.vaacme.org. Conference admittance
fees are: $175. If you are Active Duty military, registration is just $25 (must be in
uniform of the day). If you would like to bring a guest, guest fees are nominal. These
fees include all scheduled events, breaks, breakfasts, lunch, and our President’s reception
on Wednesday evening.
We are planning a Tuesday evening reception on Tuesday (March 25th). We expect this
year's event to be far busier as the location is more convenient for military personnel,
their families, and all Dod Education Counselors. We are partnering with the Hampton
Roads Chamber of Commerce in offering a Military/Veteran Job Fair on March 25th,
2014. We encourage all sponsors to be available to meet with these people Tuesday
evening from 6-9pm. Setup for sponsors will begin on Tuesday from 4-6pm the same
day.
Our Wounded Warrior Golf Tournament has been a huge success these past few years,
raising thousands of dollars for Veterans. Please plan on scheduling this time into your
itinerary should time allow on Tuesday, March 25th, 2014.
Our organization proudly awards thousands of dollars in scholarships to our military and
veteran families every year. Please view our website for details and pass this information
to eligible active and veteran Virginia families.
Additionally, VA-ACME likes to acknowledge members of our Virginia Military Vol-Ed
community for exceptional commitment to our military/veteran members. This may be
an ESO, a counselor, a teacher, an advisor or anyone who has shown great commitment
to our population. Also, we like to acknowledge organizations/schools that have
demonstrated a committed interest to the military and veteran community. Please see our
website for forms to nominate a person or organization. Please contact Ellen Coleman
with any questions at ecoleman@tesc.edu
The Virginia ACME conference is an excellent opportunity for your organization to meet
and renew acquaintances within military college/education. We are lining up impressive
speakers and panels to address dynamic concerns and issues relevant to all aspects of
military education. If you are interested in speaking either at a concurrent session or as a
member of a panel, please go to our website and access our Call for Papers. Please
contact Nora Graves at nora.graves@umuc.edu for additional information. We are planning on
discussing very pertinent issues to include some important basics that expand on the
current and very dynamic face of military education, the challenges our Veteran students
face, and how we can work together to best provide these services. Your concerns need
to be addressed as well. We are planning a forum where we address controversial issues
that need to be addressed with our legislators. Please consider what topics “Keep You
Up at Night” as we will be discussing a variety of challenges and concerns openly.
George Vukovich has kindly agreed to oversee this new forum. Please email him, if you
have a particular issue you would like to see discussed at GVukovich@apus.edu
The Westin is centrally located in the heart of Virginia Beach offering quick access to the
Oceanfront, downtown Norfolk, the military bases, and many businesses. Take an easy
stroll to a wide variety of distinctive restaurants and shops. Additionally the Westin is a
short drive from Fort Story and First Landing, Oceana Naval Air Station, Dam Neck
Naval Station, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek – Fort Story, Norfolk Naval Station,
Langley AFB and Fort Eustis. Within 45 minutes are Williamsburg, Jamestown, and
Yorktown. We have incurred a conference rate of: $129 a night and $89 for military
members or government personnel. Please make reservations by calling 1-800-9378461 or visiting the Westin’s website at: www.westinvirginiabeach.com (please mention
you are a member of the VA-ACME organization).
Please share this email with all of your colleagues who may be interested in becoming a
member of the fastest growing and (currently) largest state ACME. The southeastern
region of Virginia is the largest concentration of military personnel and their families in
the world. So, when considering where and when to participate in Dod Education
forums, put the VA-ACME conference at the top of your list.
We look forward to an exceptional conference at the Westin Town Center and to seeing
you all there.
My Sincerest Regards,
Nora Graves
President, VA-ACME