News Release

Wilmington University President Dr. Jack Varsalona: “We Will Support You Forever.”

Lasting promise made on behalf of the University to Delaware Adjutant General Frank Vavala and the ESGR.

At a regularly scheduled monthly meeting, Wilmington University’s executive team, cabinet members, senior administrators, deans and directorial staff received a surprise visit from Major General Frank Vavala, Delaware Adjutant General, and members of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) in Delaware. During the visit, Frank Dobson, vice chair of the Delaware ESGR, and University President Dr. Jack P. Varsalona sat down together to sign a formal ESGR “Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserves” in recognition of Wilmington University’s dedication members of the Delaware National Guard and Reserve.

A contingent of approximately 10 ESGR representatives and members of the Delaware National Guard brought with them ESGR’s Statement of Support, ready for signatures. Dobson invited Varsalona to a draped table and the two men signed the document, which underscores the university’s continuing commitment to Delaware National Guard and Reserve as both an employer and opportunity provider.

“This was huge!” said James S. Webb, Director of Military Affairs at Wilmington University. “To have the State Adjutant General, the highest ranking member of the military in this state, stand with the entire complement of the University’s executive leadership and cabinet members, college deans, directors and administrators up on the Admissions Center stage for a picture, well, let’s just say that doesn’t happen every day.”

During comments following the signing, General Vavala spoke highly of the university, saying, “Wilmington University’s support is ‘mission critical’ for the continued success of the National Guard and Reserve in Delaware because of both the education and employment opportunities it provides. The university’s willingness to partner with the military and assist its members, especially as they transition from the military to civilian student life, is unlike any other.

“Wilmington University connects the Guard and Reserve in Delaware with community resources that benefit our members and their families, and even have a former military person on staff, dedicated to military affairs, who helps with those connections and programs. All they do helps to improve the quality of life for those who serve in Delaware.”

At the end of the ceremony, General Vavala shook hands with Varsalona and passed along to him “the General’s coin.” Challenge coins were originally created to identify the unit to which a member of the military belonged and is meant to be carried at all times. The General gave his much coveted coin to Varsalona as a personal recognition of his leadership and Wilmington University’s service to the Delaware National Guard.

“This is what Wilmington University is all about,” said Varsalona, who was visibly moved by significance of the ceremony. “We are here to provide opportunities to learn. Our returning military, members of the Reserve, our veterans and their families all deserve our utmost support, especially as they transition to civilian and student status. We’ll continue to do all we can for them.”

Looking at General Vavala as they shook hands, Varsalona vowed, “We will support you forever.”

ESGR’s Statement of Support program is considered the cornerstone of the organization’s outreach to Delaware employers. The statement encourages employers to actively support employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve in Delaware and provides a platform for those who serve in the Guard and Reserve by which to advocate for their rights as employees through the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994.

About ESGR and the Statement of Support Program

Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense Office, was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service Members and their civilian employers, and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee’s military commitment. ESGR is supported by a network of more than 4,500 volunteers in 54 committees located across all U.S. states, possessions and protectorates. These volunteers, together with Headquarters ESGR Staff and a small support staff for each State Committee work to promote and enhance employer support for military service in the Guard and Reserve.

The ESGR Statement of Support is the cornerstone of ESGR’s effort to gain and maintain employer support for the Guard and Reserve. The intent of the program is to increase employer support by encouraging employers to act as advocates for employee participation in the military.

About Wilmington University

Wilmington University is a private, nonprofit institution committed to providing flexible, career-oriented, traditional and online associate, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs. Ranked as the second fastest growing doctoral institution in America 2003 – 2013 by The Almanac of The Chronicle of Higher Education, affordable tuition, academic excellence and individualized attention are hallmarks of the University that enable greater student success in their chosen careers. For more information, contact Wilmington University at 302-356-INFO (4636), via email at infocenter@wilmu.edu, or visit our website: www.wilmu.edu.

Published: Friday, May 13, 2016 - New Castle, DE