Press Releases

The Art Institute of Houston and The Art Institute of Houston – North Demonstrate Support for Students and Employees Serving in the National Guard and Reserve

(HOUSTON, TX, May 26, 2015)  The Art Institute of Houston and The Art Institute of Houston – North, a branch of The Art Institute of Houston, signed a statement of support with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense office that develops and maintains employer support for guard and reserve services. Susanne Behrens, President of The Art Institute of Houston, and John Willis, Campus Director of The Art Institute of Houston – North, signed the pledge in a ceremony held at The Art Institute of Houston on May 21, joined by representatives from ESGR.

All Art Institutes schools in the United States signed the pledge, declaring their commitment to highlight the unique skills that service members bring to the workforce while supporting employment opportunities for guardsmen, reservists and veterans.

By signing the Statement of Support, these schools pledge to:

• Fully recognize, honor and comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).  

• Provide managers and supervisors the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the guard and reserve. 

• Appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and encourage opportunities to hire guardsmen, reservists and veterans.

• Continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war. 

“Today supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units,” said Tom Bullock, Chief of Employer Outreach for ESGR. “The ESGR Statement of Support program is the cornerstone of ESGR’s efforts to gain and maintain employer support.”

The program will increase employer support by encouraging participating employers to act as advocates for employee participation in the military. “The Art Institute of Houston and The Art Institute of Houston - North are setting a high standard for all employers and educational institutions to follow by providing support of veterans, many of whom currently serve in the National Guard and Reserve,” added Bullock.

For more information, contact Director of Military and Veterans Affairs, Barbara O’Reilly, at boreilly@edmc.edu or (651) 846-3374.

About The Art Institutes

The Art Institutes is a system of private, non-profit schools throughout the United States. Programs, credential levels, technology, and scheduling options vary by school and are subject to change. Administrative office: The Art Institutes, 615 McMichael Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15205 © 2019 The Arts Institutes International LLC. All rights reserved.

About ESGR

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense office established in 1972 to develop and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service. ESGR advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws, and resolves conflict between service members and employers. Paramount to ESGR's mission is encouraging the employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce.  

More information about ESGR Employer Outreach is available at www.ESGR.mil or by contacting Tom Bullock, Chief, Employer Outreach, at (571) 372-0709, or by email at thomas.s.bullock6.civ@mail.mil.

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