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Brandman Scholars were honored for their military service and affiliation during a ceremony March 27 at F Street House. (William Atkins/GW Today)
Having the means to pursue an education as a first-generation college student was a strong motivator for Miranda Powell to join the United States Navy in 2016. After six years of service as a hospital corpsman, the native Kansan enrolled at George Washington University in spring 2022, partly because of the many resources and programs it offered its military and veteran student population.
As she progressed through her studies as a criminal justice major, Powell’s dedication to advocating for her beliefs—namely veterans health care and services—intensified.
Thanks to the Joyce and Saul Brandman Military Veteran Endowed Scholarship Fund she received during her junior year of studies, Powell was able to pursue those interests and activities outside the classroom.
“Receiving the scholarship allowed me to put a lot more time and energy into the organizations that I’m very passionate about,” Powell said in a video interview for GW’s Celebration of Scholarships and Fellowships. “It’s really given me a head start into thinking about different ways I can advocate for different communities.”
The fund awards scholarships annually for student veterans in their junior or senior year at GW. Recipients are known as Brandman Scholars.
With the help of the scholarship, Powell left her mark as the president of the Student Veterans of America chapter at GW, where she led and supported initiatives and concerns of fellow veterans transitioning to the academic arena. She also went to Capitol Hill to advocate for the Veterans Health and Family Services Act.
Powell, who served overseas in Okinawa, Japan, as well as the Middle East while attached to the U.S.S. Bataan, is grateful for the profound effect the scholarship has had on her as she builds a life and career of giving back.
“Serving my country and my community is one of the joys of my life,” said Powell, who will be pursuing her master’s at GW in public administration starting next fall. “I want to constantly give back to the people that I feel have given so much to me the veteran community, the GW community. I think it’s all about helping each other in the end, and I love being in a position where I feel I can do that now.”
One of the many resources she utilized as an undergraduate was the Division for Student Affairs’ Military and Veteran Services offices, which provides GW student veterans and dependents through timely and accurate benefit processing, high-quality customer service and supportive community-building activities.
On March 27, a bust of the late Saul Brandman was unveiled inside that very office on the ground floor of the University Student Center.
During World War II, Brandman left his pre-med studies to serve with the Navy and eventually returned from combat to a long and successful career in the garment industry and real estate. The California-based Joyce and Saul Brandman Foundation has supported the military and education as well as other programs to advance health care, senior citizens and Jewish causes.
The bust will serve as a reminder of Brandman’s support of active duty and veteran students such as Powell through philanthropy and other means.
“It’s fitting that this sculpture is here,” said Assistant Dean of Students for Student Support and Military Services Andy Sonn at the unveiling. “It signifies Mr. Brandman’s service to the U.S. Navy and also recognizes the Brandman Foundation’s support of GW student veterans.”
Following the bust unveiling, President Ellen M. Granberg hosted GW Brandman Scholars as well as Trustee Michelle Rubin, B.A. ’91, representing Joyce Brandman and the foundation, for a reception at F Street House.
The ceremony celebrated not only Brandman Scholars but also GW’s storied history supporting veteran and military students. GW enrolled the nation’s first beneficiary of the G.I. Bill and was one of the first institutions to join the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Yellow Ribbon Program. With approximately 1,400 individuals, GW’s military veteran student population is one of the largest at any private research university in the United States, thanks to the proximity of the Pentagon, Coast Guard Headquarters and several active military bases.
“Our student veterans make an enormous impact on campus, bringing an extra measure of experience and a global perspective that distinguish them and contribute to the entire campus community,” Granberg said. “We are incredibly proud of our veterans who have come through GW and have gone on to absolutely incredible careers.”
Donna Arbide, GW’s vice president for development and alumni relations, also offered her thanks to the Brandman Foundation and GW veterans at the F Street ceremony. Rubin closed the event sharing with the Brandman Scholars about Saul and Joyce’s philanthropy and of the mission and support of the foundation that bears their name.
“On behalf of Saul, of blessed memory, and Joyce, I want to congratulate you and tell you to keep up the good work,” Rubin said. “There are people like me, Joyce and many others standing behind you, supporting you as you continue your career.”
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