Memorial University
Welcome to the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) Education and Training Program, also known as Memorial University. This site is updated continually, providing more information about the program, its features, and how you can engage with it. Whether you are a
new Brother, or one who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to our Order, our program will prepare you to be a better leader and help shape you into an inspiring role model for our organization.
The SUVCW Committee on Memorial University, appointed by the Commander-in-Chief, agreed to serve with Memorial University because of our commitment to teaching and the opportunity it provides to share a passion for the Allied Orders of the Grand Army of the Republic. Our staff is dedicated to your success and ensuring that you reach your greatest potential in the SUVCW.
The best learning experiences are where students are transformed by what they experience both in and outside a formal classroom setting. Memorial University is your chance to be transformed by the people you meet and the lessons you learn. For that reason, successful completion of online courses is not enough; active in-person participation at the SUVCW Camp and/or Department levels is essential.
Thank you for committing yourself to furthering your SUVCW professional development!
Tad Campbell, PCinC, National Patriotic Instructor
Chairman, National Special Committee on Memorial University
(expiration date of Special Committee is mid August 2027, if not renewed)
Overview
SUVCW is a Congressionally chartered, benevolent, non-profit corporation. Our charter helped establish SUVCW’s three missions: Patriotic Education; Honoring Union Veterans and Veterans of all U.S. conflicts; and Preserving and Perpetuating the Grand Army of the Republic. To accomplish our missions, SUVCW needs an informed, active adult membership trained in leadership, management, and functional tasks. Memorial University prepares Brothers to serve the organization, their communities, and their nation.
SUVCW’s Education and Training function is managed through Memorial University, which is organized using an academic structure. Three levels comprise the SUVCW Education and Training Program:
Camp, or 100 Level, The Learning Phase develops Brothers’ SUVCW skill-set so that they are prepared to serve competently at the Camp level.
This level provides Brothers with the information they need to successfully begin their SUVCW service, as well as help them to assimilate into their Camp. Brothers learn the expectations associated with being a member of SUVCW and gain new skills that are of immediate benefit to their individual growth and to SUVCW as a whole. They also gain valuable insights into the commitment required for serving as a Camp staff officer or a Camp-level commander. Brothers develop an appreciation for the role the member plays in the Camp and learn the professional decorum and skills necessary for serving on Camp staff.
Department, or 200 Level, The Senior Leadership Phase develops Brothers who can competently participate at the Department level.
This level provides Brothers with the skills necessary for serving in Department-level leadership roles, including Department staff positions and/or as a Department-level commander. In Level II, Brothers learn more about how the Camp and Department support all three of the SUVCW's missions. They also learn about effective SUVCW leadership and management. Successful completion of Camp Level is a pre-requisite for entering Department Level.
National, or 300 Level, The Executive Leadership Phase prepares Brothers to serve in our senior-most leadership roles by further developing Department-level leaders who aspire to serve on National staff or as a National-level commander.
This level develops in Brothers a strategic view of our organization and continues the advancement of their leadership skills. This is the highest level of member career development and prepares Brothers to serve on National staff, including as a National Commander-in-Chief. As such, only the members most dedicated to attaining superior knowledge about our organization and advancing their education and training complete this level. Successful completion of Department Level is a pre-requisite for entering National Level.