Joni García Hunter was a student at the University of Chicago in 2003 when she took a leave to join the United States Air Force. Now a reservist, she graduates from the College Saturday, June 11 with a degree in public policy studies.
Hunter was among the graduating University veterans honored by President Robert J. Zimmer at a breakfast Tuesday, May 24, sponsored by the University of Chicago Veterans Outreach Task Force.
The event is part of a larger University initiative to reach out to veterans on campus, said Aneesah Ali, Associate Provost and Affirmative Action Officer. There are well over 250 veterans currently studying or working for the University.
“When I hear ‘veteran,’ experienced leadership, team-building, maturity and dedication all come to mind,” she said.
Zimmer, who served on the faculty of the U.S. Naval Academy from 1975 to 1977, noted the common skill-set necessary for both succeeding in the military and thriving at the University.
“Both require enormous commitment and both require a great deal of perseverance,” said Zimmer.
Also honored at the event were Ron Rolph and Jeff Mast, both of whom rose to the rank of Captain as infantry officers in the United States Marine Corps. Both men graduate from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business this spring.
“It’s nice to see the veteran community recognized,” Rolph said of the special breakfast. Military service “is a shared experience no one fully understands unless you have experienced it yourself.”
Fred Donner, Professor of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, the Oriental Institute, the College, and Director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies, spoke to the group about how his military service changed his outlook.
Professor Donner, who joined the UChicago faculty in 1982, after completing his undergraduate and graduate education at Princeton University, served with the U.S. Army Security Agency. Donner said, “Military service requires one to work with people of immensely varied backgrounds, which opens one's eyes and mind in many ways.
He added that he had lived a relatively sheltered life before joining the military. “The Army changed all that for me,” said Donner. “It helps break down our own rigidity and barriers.”
—Prof. Jacqueline Stewart
