BGSU student, alumnus selected among nation’s top military-connected student leaders

Ethan Edelbrock '25 and Carlos Zaragoza were chosen by the National Veterans Leadership Foundation as top advocates for the military-connected community

By Branden Ferguson

Bowling Green State University was once again recognized for its military-friendly reputation, with two students selected as National Veterans Leadership Foundation (NVLF) Fellows for their service, leadership potential and commitment to strengthening their communities.

The students selected for the prestigious honor are recent alumnus Ethan Edelbrock ‘25, the son of a veteran, and Carlos Zaragoza, an active duty sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps pursuing his master's degree.

Edelbrock and Zaragoza are among just 23 students from more than 75 colleges and universities nationwide chosen for the distinguished program.

"We are honored that NVLF has once again selected two BGSU students and alumni as NVLF Fellows, and we are incredibly proud of Ethan and Carlos for earning this prestigious national recognition," said Barbara Henry, Ph.D., assistant vice president of the Office of Nontraditional and Military Student Services. "Their leadership, dedication to service and commitment to supporting fellow military-connected students reflect the very best of Bowling Green State University. Seeing our students recognized on a national level reinforces the strength of our military-friendly community and the impact they are making on campus and in the larger military community."

The longstanding reputation of BGSU as a top academic choice for veterans, active duty or military-affiliated students is supported by the Office of Nontraditional and Military Student Services (NTMSS), which provides military-connected students with academic advising, tutoring and a dedicated network of support.

Edelbrock and Zaragoza contribute to the University's mission through their work in the NTMSS office.

“Working in the office has given me a great perspective on BGSU and the University’s commitment to military-affiliated students,” Edelbrock said. “Everyone I have had the opportunity to engage with has genuinely benefitted from the services and the people who engage and give back to the military community.”

BGSU is ranked No. 3 among public universities nationwide and was named No. 1 in the Midwest for the fifth year in a row for veterans and active military students by Military Times. Despite the University’s well-known reputation as a military-friendly campus, Zaragoza didn’t realize just how impactful it would be until he experienced it firsthand.

“After enlisting, I quickly learned how much veterans can really benefit from having a strong military community at their university,” he said. “Through the NTMSS, I have had opportunities to network, grow as a leader and become involved in organizations like the NVLF.”

As NVLF Fellows, Edelbrock and Zaragoza will work to provide military-connected students with the support they need to thrive on campus. They will also take part in interactive NVLF workshops and forums to develop leadership skills, network with peers and gain tools to drive meaningful change on campus.

“I’m grateful to be part of a group focused on leadership, service and creating positive change," Zaragoza said. “I’m excited to develop projects for the upcoming year that demonstrate our commitment to the veteran community.”

For Edelbrock, whose father served in the Air National Guard as a staff sergeant, working in the NTMSS office as a tutor allowed him to have the greatest impact.

“I feel like I can engage and help other students in a very personal and meaningful way,” he said. “Being named an NVLF Fellow not only reflects the success of our office, but it also reinforces the commitment that BGSU has made to students like me.”

Considered the “top advocates from across the country,” fellows will spend the next year improving their leadership skills, helping military-connected families and elevating their impact within the military community.