Greetings Colleagues,
The VA-ACME Planning Committee is putting together an exciting agenda
for the upcoming 9th annual VA-ACME Symposium. We have many
interesting topics that will be explored that correspond with our 2015 theme:
Innovate, Motivate, and Integrate Military Talent for the 21st Century. We will return to the Westin
Virginia Beach Town Center, scheduled for March 24-26, 2015.
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. The
Military and Veteran communities have unique needs in their pursuit of education in preparing
themselves for the future. There is an expanding interest in VA-ACME as this region hosts the
largest population of military personnel, their families, and our growing Veteran population. Both
Virginia’s Governor McAuliffe and Secretary Harvey have expressed a specific interest in
education and the military/veteran community. Secretary Harvey is scheduled to speak and we look
forward to see what Virginia is planning for their military residents.
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 show your
support and reserve your sponsorship choice soon. Contact Patty Guerrero at pguerrero@vinu.edu
to reserve a booth or for any questions. We are pleased to announce that our sponsorship prices
have not increased! Our sponsorship opportunities include:
Platinum - $2000
Gold- $1500
Silver- $950
Bronze- $600
All sponsorship prices include one representative admittance to the VA-ACME Symposium. Please
see our website for details and sponsorship forms.
Symposium registration forms are now online at: www.vaacme.org. Symposium 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 Military Transition Job Fair & Education Expo cohosted with Navy
Fleet and Family Support on Tuesday, March 24th. 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 encourage all sponsors to be available to meet with these people Tuesday from 10
am – 2 pm. Setup for sponsors will begin on Tuesday at 8 am.
The Virginia ACME Symposium 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 and contact Nora Graves at nora.graves@umuc.edu. We are
planning on discussing very pertinent issues to include some very 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 will address exactly what is “military and veteran
friendly.” This definition is being addressed by Virginia legislators and our forum will contribute to
the conversation. Please consider this topic as we will be discussing a variety of challenges and
concerns openly. George Vukovich has kindly agreed to oversee this forum. Please email him, if
you have a particular issue you would like to see discussed at GVukovich@apus.edu
VAACME acknowledges very special members of our Academic Community via four awards
presented annually. Please provide your nominations for Military Educator of the Year,
Sponsorship Award, Volunteer of the Year, and the President’s Award to Ellen Coleman at
ecoleman@tesc.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 State Park, Oceana Naval Air Station, Dam Neck Naval Station, JEB Little
Creek Naval Amphibious Base, Norfolk Naval Station, Langley AFB and Fort Eustis. Within 45
minutes are Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. We have established a conference rate of:
$129 a night and $89 for military members or government personnel. Please make reservations by
calling 1-800-937-8461 or visiting the Westin’s website at: www.westinvirginiabeach.com. Please
mention that you are a member of the VA-ACME organization.
Please share this email with all your colleagues who may be interested in becoming a member of the
fastest growing and 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 Symposium at the top of your list.
We look forward to an exceptional symposium at the Westin Virginia Beach Town Center and to
seeing you all there.
My Sincerest Regards,
Nora Graves
President, VA-ACME
757-646-1530
Nora.graves@umuc.edu