Experience Stern | Stern Stories

NYU Stern is now in the second year of its Fertitta Veterans Program, made possible through a $15 million endowment gift in 2016 from alumnus Lorenzo Fertitta (MBA ’93) and brother Frank J. Fertitta III. The innovative program was designed specifically for U.S. military veteran and active duty students entering the School’s full-time MBA program and is believed to be the only program of its kind at a US business school.

The Fertitta Veterans Program provides academic and professional support customized for all interested incoming veterans to ease the transition from the military to business school and eventually the business world. Additionally, through the program students receive scholarship support that reduces their tuition to a flat $30,000 per year.

The program has significantly elevated Stern’s commitment to supporting military students. Notably, seven percent of Stern’s MBA Class of 2020 are veterans or active duty, a record high enrollment of military students in the full-time MBA program for the second year in a row. Stern’s Military Veterans Club also provides a tight-knit community of support as well as networking events, workshops and more.

According to club co-presidents Christopher Costello (MBA ‘19) and Shaun Looney (MBA ‘19), “The Military Veterans Club has three main objectives. First, we aim to promote NYU Stern’s top-tier program to strong veteran candidates seeking an MBA after completing their military service. Second, we establish a roadmap for veterans to succeed in recruiting for top firms in banking, consulting, technology, and other industries. Third, we maintain an outstanding relationship with our strong Stern Veteran Alumni for continued mentorship. We have been so impressed by the support given to veterans by the Stern administration. It has made a huge difference, and is a big reason why our veteran community here is so successful.”

See below to hear from two current members of the Fertitta Veterans Program about their NYU Stern experience.



Beau Gresham (MBA ‘20) served as an officer in the infantry, starting as a platoon leader with 40 soldiers, and in his last duty position, he was a company commander leading 130 soldiers during a 9-month deployment to Afghanistan.

NYU Stern: When considering business schools, what stood out about NYU Stern?

Beau Gresham: When I was looking at business schools, I was looking for a program that would open doors and create more opportunities for me. I'm already realizing the benefits of NYU Stern's strong alumni network and unbeatable location.

NYU Stern: How has being part of the Fertitta Veterans Program supported your transition from the military to business school?

Beau Gresham: The military was my priority for eight years, and it's hard to leave behind something that I did for over a quarter of my life. The Fertitta Veterans Program supported my transition by bringing all the veterans together in a tight-knit community, similar to what we had in the military, except in New York City.

NYU Stern: How has the community at Stern, including both veterans and non-veterans, impacted your MBA experience?

Beau Gresham: One thing I'm pleasantly surprised by the Stern community, is everyone's eagerness to support new ideas and endeavors. Instead of saying no, they ask how they can help. I'm excited to be a part of the Stern community and hope I can give back and add value to the team.

NYU Stern: How do you hope your experience at Stern combined with your experience in the military will help you achieve your career goals?

Beau Gresham: I know the business education I receive at Stern, coupled with my leadership experience in the military, will prepare me to be a successful consultant and business leader in the future.




Michael White (MBA ‘20) served 6 years as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army with the 10th Mountain Division in Fort Drum, NY, and 75th Ranger Regiment in Fort Benning, GA, with one deployment to Afghanistan.

NYU Stern: When considering business schools, what stood out about NYU Stern?

Michael White: When considering business schools, the thing that stood out to me the most about NYU Stern was the people. It was clear that this was a community that truly cared about the well being of others, from administrators to current students and everyone in between. It is such a warm, collaborative environment populated by individuals from all walks of life and I knew this was the right place for me to continue my education.

NYU Stern: How has being part of the Fertitta Veterans Program supported your transition from the military to business school?

Michael White: The Fertitta Program has given me an opportunity to attend a world-class institution with the benefit of scholarship support. Additionally, the summer programming allowed us to gradually ease back into the classroom environment, as well as gain exposure to the industries and functions that business school students have the ability to pursue.

NYU Stern: How has the community at Stern, including both veterans and non-veterans, impacted your MBA experience?

Michael White: The community at Stern has been nothing short of exceptional. I've had the pleasure of interacting with people of incredibly interesting and diverse backgrounds, and their unique viewpoints and experiences have contributed greatly to my development as a student.

NYU Stern: How do you hope your experience at Stern combined with your experience in the military will help you achieve your career goals?

Michael White: Coupled with my military experience, I'm hopeful that Stern provides me with the tools, experiences, and network necessary to achieve my career goals. The list of Sternies that have helped me get to this point is already long and I hope that someday I can repay the favor for someone who was in my shoes not too long ago.