For Kurtis Neiman, the University of Dayton is the perfect place to redirect his future, especially since his path to becoming a Flyer isn’t what most would describe as traditional.

Neiman began his military career in 2011. During his eight years of dedicated service, Neiman was injured, subsequently leading to his honorable discharge. Soon after returning home, he found himself at a crossroads. He was working for the U.S. Postal Service, but that job aggravated his military injury. When he learned he was eligible for a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs program called Veteran Readiness and Employment, which would cover 100% of his tuition, he decided to go back to college.

Neiman had previously taken some courses at Sinclair Community College and Wright State University. But if he was going to be a 29-year-old first-year student, Neiman wanted to be a Flyer.

“I wanted to attend the best school around, which is UD,” said Neiman.

"I wanted to attend the best school around, which is UD," said Neiman.

And Neiman’s not alone. More than 400 veteran and military-affiliated students attend undergraduate and graduate classes at the University of Dayton, and the Military and Veteran Programs and Services Center is making it easier than ever for them to focus on earning their degrees.

The University also makes sure to show appreciation for the bravery and service of our military students. Among the planned events this Veterans Day is a special Mass at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception Friday, Nov. 11 starting at 12:30 p.m. A live stream will be available. UD’s Student Veterans Association also hosted a recent 5K run and will attend a national convention in Florida this coming January.

The focus on military and veteran students is getting noticed, and not just by students. UD earned a 2021 Military Times best colleges for veterans designation, the Ohio Department of Higher Education’s Collegiate Purple Star Award, and a 2022-23 US News best colleges for veterans designation.

As for Neiman, he is studying graphic design and animation and is on track to graduate in 2026. Eventually, he wants to start a career in television or movie production, so he is considering changing to photography and film.

“I don’t know where I saw it, but I saw a quote that said from your 30s to 40s you’re finding your job, from your 40s to 50s you’re mastering that career and from your 50s to 60s you’re training the next generation,” said Neiman. “I realized I needed to find something that I can master.”

And all of the support he’s found at UD has allowed him to focus on his true goal: a new career to provide for his family. Neiman is a father of two. His son is 5, and his daughter is 1. When she was born, they learned his wife has a heart condition and is now battling heart failure at age 26. Neiman admits he’s facing stresses that most first-year Flyers aren’t.

 “It’s a lot to juggle,” said Neiman. “The workload is sometimes stressful, but it’s doable. It’s one of those things where you have to just sit down, and it might be overwhelming, but you get it done.”

And, no matter the obstacles, Neiman says he will handle whatever comes his way because he is ready to leave his mark on the world.