Kellogg announces new comprehensive Veterans Program in honor of distinguished alum Matt Caldwell ’10 JD, MBA
The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University today announced the creation of the Matt Caldwell Veterans Program, named in honor of Matt Caldwell ’10 JD, MBA, a distinguished Kellogg alumnus, U.S. Army veteran and President and CEO of the Florida Panthers.
The Matt Caldwell Veterans Program reflects Kellogg’s commitment to welcoming veterans into its community and enhancing their transition from military service to successful civilian careers. The program will advance veteran student recruitment, provide support for veteran students throughout their MBA experience, and create continued opportunities for connection as alumni.
“Veterans come to Kellogg with valuable experience in leadership, teamwork and the ability to thrive in an uncertain environment. We want to harness this expertise and help forge civic and business leaders for the future” said Dean Francesca Cornelli. “As students, military veterans bring their unique background into the classroom, with a strong work ethic and desire to learn and lead. We are proud to expand the resources we offer to these important members of our community.”
About Matt Caldwell
Matt Caldwell is a 2002 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and former U.S. Army captain who served during combat operations in Iraq and peacekeeping operations in Kosovo. During his military career, Caldwell was awarded a NATO Kosovo Military Medal, an Iraq Campaign Medal and a Bronze Star Medal. Leaving the military after five years, Caldwell enrolled in the JD-MBA Program, which Kellogg offers in partnership with the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. In 2016, Caldwell became the President and CEO of the Florida Panthers, becoming, at 36, the youngest CEO in professional sports at the time.
Over the past several years, Caldwell's strategic efforts have played a pivotal role in the rebirth of the Stanley Cup-winning Florida Panthers — from building a front office team that continues to set franchise records in ticket sales, TV viewership and sponsorship revenue, to building a team on the ice that captured its first Presidents' Trophy (2021-22), two Prince of Wales Trophies (2022-23, 2023-24), and the first Stanley Cup in the franchise’s 30-year history (2023-24). Caldwell credits the management and marketing skills he learned at Kellogg for his success.
"I’m deeply honored by Kellogg’s recognition and thrilled to see their strong commitment to supporting servicemembers as they transition to civilian careers through this new veterans program,” said Panthers President and CEO Matt Caldwell. “The Kellogg curriculum was instrumental in my own development after retiring from the military, and I hope this initiative inspires more veterans to pursue enrollment at Kellogg.”
Building on a legacy of veteran support
The new program will enhance and grow the ecosystem of resources available to veterans at Kellogg, which includes tailored services like career education, veteran networking events and job interview preparation. Veteran students also participate in the Kellogg Veterans Association, which assists veteran prospective students with business school applications, supports current veteran students through the job recruiting process and connects students with veteran alumni.
Kellogg welcomes veteran families into the Kellogg community through initiatives like the Joint Ventures Club, which provides support and resources for the spouses and partners of Kellogg MBA students. The school also offers dedicated mental health and wellness resources, including an on-site counselor for full-time students.
New offerings will include:
- Expanded scholarship support to reduce financial barriers and attract top military talent to Kellogg.
- Veteran alumni engagement through new alumni networking events and mentorship opportunities.
- Creation of a new Kellogg Veterans Council comprised of prominent veteran alumni who will help guide future initiatives at the school.
In recent years, the school has secured $6.2 million in philanthropic support for veteran scholarships, including the Janet and Craig Duchossois Veteran Scholarship Fund and others established by Kellogg alumni and supporters. This program will expand that vital support.