Valerie Donohue Detweiler ’09

When Valerie Donohue Detweiler graduated from her class of 2009 at Pitt-Bradford with a sociology degree, she was unaware that her future profession would be so closely linked to her life as a military spouse.

After graduation, Detweiler focused on building her family, getting married and raising children. During those years, she impacted her community through volunteer work with the military — from working in Family Readiness Groups in different units to being a member of Green Beret Foundation's Steel Mags, a community of women serving the Special Forces community.

Later, Detweiler came into the mortgage industry as a Veterans Affairs loan specialist, helping military families navigate the process of home ownership. That experience eventually led her to Hire Heroes USA, where she is now a transition specialist, helping service members, veterans, and spouses navigate their own career changes.

“At Hire Heroes USA, I coach active duty, veterans, and military spouses through their career transitions,” she said. “I do resume reviews, career coaching, and facilitate services like mentorship, training, and education resources, as well as informational webinars and virtual career fairs with our incredible teams.”

Detweiler’s passion for this work is personal. “I have always had a passion for working with the military community since my husband is an active-duty soldier in the Army,” she said. “Being able to serve the community we are so deeply a part of has been important for me as a military spouse. Getting to help our servicemembers and their spouses find meaningful careers is truly a special position to have.”

Looking back on her time at Pitt-Bradford, Detweiler says it shaped her in lasting ways. She credits going to Student Government and the Student Judicial Board as a means of building confidence and discovering her “why” — something that she still carries with her into the work world.

She also remembers Dr. Helene Lawson, her favorite professor, with deep fondness. “She was an amazing sociologist and great teacher! I’ll never forget when she found out I was engaged… she showed up to the next class wearing a sweatshirt that had diamond rings all over it! I still have the picture of us with her wearing that top. She was thoughtful and insightful and had a great sense of humor. I learned a lot from her!

“My experience at UPB shaped who I am today, wholly,” Detweiler said. “I am forever grateful for my time at Pitt-Bradford, and I reflect back on it daily.”

Her advice for current students: “Get involved! Pitt-Bradford has so many opportunities to make the most of your college experience. Mine wouldn’t have been the same without them — there is something for everyone.”