By Jeff Murphy,
September 29, 2015
WARRENSBURG - Return With Purpose, a free one-day workshop designed to help military
personnel and veterans identify barriers and take steps to help them make a smooth
transition to civilian life, is returning to the University of Central Missouri. The
event takes place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, in Elliott Student Union,
Room 235, and individuals planning to attend must register by Oct. 16.
Return With Purpose provides a great opportunity for those retiring from the military,
separating, or thinking about retirement, as well as those just setting future planning
goals. The program helps individuals re-think their approach and define a plan, not
just for transition, but planning for any career or life goal. It will assist participants
in evaluating where they are now, and how to arrive at their desired path for the
future. Participants will learn more about a process which will help them create a
positive future, including landing a better job, getting the education they really
want, and reconnecting with family and friends. It picks up where the military’s Transitional
Assistance Program (TAP) leaves off with transitioning service members. Return With
Purpose is open to military personnel who are preparing to leave service, veterans,
members of the National Guard, reservists and military spouses.
Leading the workshop will be Greg Ganschaw, chief executive officer and founder of
Return With Purpose. Ganschaw is a U.S. Air Force veteran who has worked with Fortune
500 companies to help employees and corporations to maximize their skills, abilities
and productivity.
The workshop’s curriculum was developed with input from psychologists and has been
in use for more than 40 years. It is tailored to meet needs specific to military members
and their families, and has been implemented by higher education institutions that
include Stanford, Penn State, and Washington University, to name just a few.
Advance registration is required. Interested individuals must RSVP to Ganschaw at
Gregg.Ganschaw@ReturnWithPurpose.org or call 314-520-2046 by the Oct. 16 registration
deadline. Ganschaw can address any questions related to the program. Individuals making
reservations should advise him of their name and military status, phone number, and
email address. They should also let him know if they are a UCM student. Limited seating
is available.
Anyone who wants to know more about educational opportunities available for active
duty military personnel and veterans at UCM can contact Jeff Huffman, director of
the Office of Military and Veteran Services, via email at jhuffman@ucmo.edu or call
660-543-8989, or Delilah Nichols, coordinator, at nichols@ucmo.edu or 660-543-8977.
