WMU News
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA
(269) 387-8400
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Continuing its commitment to military-connected students, Western Michigan University has awarded the Operation Hat Trick Visible and Invisible Wounds of War Scholarship to senior Liz Powers.
A transfer student from Union, Michigan, Powers is on track to graduate in spring 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in English literature and language. She plans to continue her education by pursuing a master’s in teaching beginning in summer 2025 with aspirations to teach high school.
“I will never stop obtaining knowledge and wisdom any way I can. I intend to be a wealth of knowledge and understanding to any person I may have an impact on,” Powers shares.
She expressed gratitude for receiving the Operation Hat Trick scholarship, saying, “The impact this will make on my life is incredible and dearly appreciated. Being selected for the scholarship gave me an intense amount of hope and the opportunity to continue living the modest life I live without the added stress of finances for a while and continue my education at WMU.”
A U.S. Navy veteran, Powers served from 2018 to 2022, specializing in aircraft engine maintenance on Coronado Island in San Diego, California, and Norfolk, Virginia. She also had a brief stint aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier. After completing her first contract, Powers enrolled at Southwestern Michigan College, where she earned her associate’s degree in English literature before transferring to WMU in spring 2024.
Powers chose Western for several reasons, including its military friendly reputation and the ease of transferring credits from her previous college. She also has family ties to the University, as her brother, David Powers, is currently a junior pursuing a degree in health and human services.
“I have had an amazing experience at Western,” she says. “I have met amazing people who I feel truly care about me and my desires to succeed.”
A key source of motivation for Powers is her four-year-old son, Morgan. “My son is my driving purpose in all of my endeavors,” she says. “I would never have pursued more out of life if it weren’t for his existence. He is really my heart and soul, and I would not be half of the person I am without him.”
Her journey from the Navy to higher education has been shaped by her desire for a greater purpose and a better life for her family. After completing her first contract, though, she decided to leave to be closer to her family and pursue her goal of becoming a teacher.
“The short experience in the military was extremely worthwhile and made me a better person,” Powers reflects. “I strived for a purpose bigger than what I was finding in my hometown, and I succeeded in doing so.”
Powers continues to thrive at WMU, which has long been committed to supporting veterans and their families in their educational pursuits.
Western is consistently ranked as a Military Friendly university and Best for Vets by Military Times magazine. The University continues to broaden services for veterans, such as the VetSuccess on Campus program, which is the first Veterans Affairs student success program of its kind in Michigan. As an additional benefit, the University recognizes all veterans and their families as Michigan residents with regard to tuition costs and fees.
The University also offers the Military Ally Program, a two-part class designed to equip faculty, staff and administration with the resources needed to create a safe space for current and former service members, as well as their dependents.
Operation Hat Trick (OHT) is a nonprofit organization that generates awareness and support for the recovery of service members and veterans impacted by both visible and invisible war wounds. It does so through the sale of branded merchandise and products, donating the proceeds to organizations related to that mission. WMU is the first university the organization chose to offer a dedicated scholarship, funded directly by proceeds from OHT-licensed Bronco gear purchased through the WMU Bookstore.
Since 2014, Operation Hat Trick has donated more than $5 million to fill critical gaps in care for military and veterans.
“The Office of Military and Veterans Affairs greatly appreciates the continued support and partnership we have with Operation Hat Trick. This is the third year since my arrival in fall 2022 that I have had the opportunity and privilege of awarding this scholarship. Each year I see firsthand the impact scholarships like the Operation Hat Trick Visible and Invisible Wounds of War make on our military-connected students,” says Kenneth Franks, Western’s military advocate.
Applications for the 2025 scholarship will open during the spring semester, he adds. Students can apply online by selecting the OHT link under fall scholarships.
For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5200 USA
(269) 387-1000
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