Military Veteran Scholars Program
Your Next Chapter Is at Notre Dame.
Become a Corporal Tom Cannon Scholar.
The Military Veteran Scholars Program helps undergraduate military-connected students build community, navigate campus resources, and pursue their academic and professional goals through peer mentorship, funded enrichment opportunities, and financial support.
Eligible students are automatically included upon admission to Notre Dame; no separate Scholars Program application is required.
Who the program serves and how students join
The Military Veteran Scholars Program supports eligible undergraduate veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, and National Guard members at Notre Dame, including incoming first-year and transfer students. Students may opt out, and continued access to program funds and benefits depends on meeting participation requirements.
The program is designed to support students throughout their undergraduate enrollment.
Corporal Tom Cannon: A Life of Service
Raised Irish Catholic, Tom Cannon carried a lifelong love for Notre Dame. A graduate of Marquette University, he chose to enlist in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and served 13 months in combat in Vietnam.
After returning home, Tom attended law school and spent 30 years as a public defender, dedicating his career to advocating for people in need of a voice in the legal system. His commitment to serving others continued well beyond his military service.
The Cannon Family’s Commitment
Through the generosity of Tom’s son, Niall Cannon, Notre Dame’s Military Veteran Scholars Program honors that legacy of service. Participating students are known as Corporal Tom Cannon Scholars and become part of a community that supports their academic, professional, and personal growth.
Through mentorship, shared experiences, and opportunities to grow as leaders, the program helps undergraduate military-connected students bring their experience and commitment to service into their next chapter at Notre Dame.
Financial support
- At least $5,000 during the student’s first year in the program, including students entering Notre Dame as transfers, to help with transition costs, living expenses, and household needs.
- Continued $5,000 annual stipends in subsequent years through service as a Peer Sponsor (subject to program requirements).
- Access to dedicated assistance for qualifying unexpected personal expenses, administered under program guidelines.
- Complimentary season football tickets while enrolled in the program (subject to requirements).
Mentorship, academic support, and belonging
Incoming scholars receive peer guidance and help connecting with the people and resources that support their success.
- Academic advising
- Tutoring
- Writing resources
- Campus organizations
- Alumni connections
- OMVA staff
- Host Family Program
Community experiences include guest speakers, small-group leadership conversations, dinners, service activities, and social outings such as paintball, go-karting, and beach gatherings.
Career development and academic enrichment
Career development support and opportunities include:
- Specialized guidance through the Meruelo Family Center for Career Development.
- Help translating military experience into civilian résumés, interviews, and professional storytelling.
- Networking, employer engagement, alumni connections, and professional development workshops.
- Academic and vocational discernment, plus connections to undergraduate research and internship opportunities through relevant campus partners.
- Funded career-development opportunities, including treks to destinations such as Wall Street and Silicon Valley, Student Veterans of America’s NATCON, and Washington Week.
Wellness and spiritual formation
The program helps students navigate campus care and wellness resources, manage the transition to a demanding academic environment, and connect with support early.
Relevant partners include the Center for Student Support & Care, University Counseling Center, McDonald Center for Student Well-Being, and Campus Ministry. OMVA connects students with these services and supports their participation.
Notre Dame’s Catholic and Holy Cross identity also informs opportunities for reflection, service, retreats, and spiritual formation. OMVA runs "Centurion Circle," a weekly fellowship and discussion of the upcoming Sunday Mass readings through the lens of military and veteran life.
Global experiences
For 2027, our planned trips include:
-
Modern Odysseys: Turkey & Greece — March 4–15, 2027. A humanities-based experience with Stockton University connecting the Iliad and Odyssey with service, leadership, identity, and homecoming. We anticipate approximately four to six student places, subject to final arrangements.
-
Rome & Assisi Veterans Pilgrimage — June 1–9, 2027. A spiritual experience through Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, reflecting on service, faith, vocation, and community. OMVA expects to sponsor up to five student veterans. It has a Catholic and Franciscan framework, but no particular religious background is required.
Both are fully funded for selected students. Priority consideration is for undergraduate Corporal Tom Cannon Scholars.
Program participation requirements apply. Travel opportunities are subject to availability and selection.
Participation expectations
To remain engaged in the program and maintain access to its benefits, incoming scholars are expected to:
- Participate in the military transition/pre-orientation workshop and military-connected welcome and orientation.
- Attend at least two OMVA events per semester.
- Attend at least one event hosted by another student organization.
- Complete at least one career counseling or development session during their first semester.
- Attend one 30-minute consultation with a Care and Wellness consultant through the Center for Student Support & Care.
In subsequent years, Peer Sponsors support incoming scholars through regular check-ins, help them connect with appropriate campus resources, and participate in OMVA orientation and community activities. Continued stipend support is tied to fulfilling Peer Sponsor responsibilities and program requirements.