Student Veterans of America Announces 2025 Partners in Excellence Award Recipients at NatCon
WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 16, 2026) – Student Veterans of America® (SVA) proudly recognized five national partners with the 2025 Partners in Excellence Awards during the 18th Annual National Conference (NatCon), bringing together thousands of student veterans, military‑affiliated students, higher education leaders, employers, and national partners for three days of programming that showcased the strength, growth, and future of the student veteran community. With record student attendance, expanded partnerships, and the generous support of sponsors including TikTok, DLA Piper, RTX, The Walt Disney Company, and EY, this year’s NatCon highlighted national leadership, inspired community‑driven action, celebrated excellence, and set the tone for SVA’s next chapter.
Presented on the mainstage during NatCon, the Partners in Excellence Awards highlight organizations whose sustained leadership, innovation, and collaboration meaningfully advance SVA’s mission. Each recipient played a pivotal role in expanding resources, strengthening chapter programming, and creating new opportunities for the nearly 600,000 student veterans represented across SVA’s network of over 1,600 campus chapters.
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2025 Partners in Excellence Award Recipients
EY
EY continues to champion student veterans by expanding access to career‑building programs, leadership development opportunities, and pathways into competitive roles across professional services. Their commitment to inclusive hiring and mentorship directly strengthens post‑graduation outcomes for veterans nationwide.
Fiserv
Through its longstanding dedication to veteran economic empowerment, financial education, and community engagement, Fiserv remains a transformative partner for student veterans seeking professional growth and long‑term stability in the financial technology sector.
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson demonstrates unparalleled leadership in supporting military‑affiliated students through career readiness initiatives, healthcare industry exposure, and programs that foster resilience, belonging, and holistic well‑being.
RTX
A foundational partner to Student Veterans of America, RTX continues to invest in future leaders across science, technology, engineering, and national security fields. Their annual scholarship support and STEM‑centered initiatives create critical pathways for veterans entering high‑demand careers.
The Walt Disney Company
A longtime supporter of SVA, The Walt Disney Company enhances learning and workforce opportunities through leadership engagement, career development programs, and initiatives that empower veterans to translate their military experience into meaningful and creative professional futures.
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Additional National Honors
The Daniel J. Edelman Corporate Champion of the Year Award celebrates a corporate partner whose exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment empower veterans through education, career advancement, and community building. This year, SVA is thrilled to honor TikTok for its sustained investment in supporting veterans through mentorship, workforce access, and opportunities that strengthen community and long‑term success.
The Bob Dole Continued Service Award honors the legacy of a beloved public servant, U.S. Army veteran, student veteran, husband, father, and proud American — Senator Bob Dole. This award recognizes individuals or organizations that exemplify his spirit of continued service through outstanding dedication and advocacy on behalf of veterans, military families, caregivers, and supporters. Student Veterans of America proudly presents this year’s award to Jim Lorraine, President & CEO of America’s Warrior Partnership, for his lifelong commitment to community‑driven systems that improve veteran well‑being and quality of life.
The William Pearson Tolley Champion for Veterans in Higher Education Award recognizes a visionary leader who has made a transformative impact on student veterans’ experiences in higher education. This year’s award is presented to Howard University’s Office of Military and Veterans Affairs, whose leadership and coalition‑building have strengthened support systems, expanded access, and elevated outcomes for military‑connected students across the HBCU community.
About Student Veterans of America
With a focused mission on empowering student veterans, Student Veterans of America® (SVA) is committed to providing an educational experience that goes beyond the classroom. Through a dedicated network of over 1,600 on-campus chapters in all 50 states and 4 countries representing nearly 600,000 student veterans, SVA aims to inspire yesterday’s warriors by connecting student veterans with a community of like-minded chapter leaders. Every day these passionate leaders work to provide the necessary resources, network support, and advocacy to ensure student veterans can effectively connect, expand their skills, and ultimately achieve their greatest potential. For more information, visit us at www.studentveterans.org.