Distinguished Graduates Award Dinner
October 21, 2000 Memorial Hall
The United States Naval Academy Alumni Association and United States Naval Academy
Distinguished Graduates Award Dinner
Honoring
Dr. John J. McMullen Class of 1940 Admiral James L. Holloway III, USN (Ret.) Class of 1943 Vice Admiral William P. Lawrence, USN (Ret.) Class of 1951 Major General William A. Anders, USAFR (Ret.) Class of 1955 Mr. Roger T. Staubach Class of 1965 October 21, 2000 Memorial Hall 6:30 p.m.
Dr. John J. McMullen ’40 Admiral James L. Holloway III, USN (Ret.) ’43 Vice Admiral William P. Lawrence, USN (Ret.) ’51 Major General William A. Anders, USAFR (Ret.) ’55 Mr. Roger T. Staubach ’65
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hese five Distinguished Graduates matriculated from the Naval Academy in different times, but took with them the same lessons and values: honor, courage and commitment. Their loyalty to the Academy is unswerving and their service to the nation, the Navy and the United States Naval Academy is exemplary. These men are truly Distinguished Graduates and are so honored by the USNA Alumni Association.
Program Memorial Hall October 21, 2000 Distinguished Graduates Award Dinner Reception 6:30 p.m.
Distinguished Graduates Award Dinner 7:30 p.m.
Welcome Vice Admiral John R. Ryan, USN Superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy
Awards Presentation 8:40 p.m. Master of Ceremonies George P. Watt Jr. ’73 Captain, USNR (Ret.) President and CEO, U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association President, U.S. Naval Academy Foundation
Navy Blue and Gold 9:15 p.m. performed by the U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club
John J. McMullen Dr. John J. McMullen
Distinguished Graduates Award—2000
Class of 1940 Class of 1940
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ith his country on the brink of war, John J. McMullen entered the Naval Academy’s Class of 1940. In his four years at the Academy, John excelled in football, lacrosse, wrestling and swimming. His Lucky Bag prophecy correctly predicted John would be a winner in any undertaking, because of his ideals and courage. John served in both the Atlantic and the Pacific during World War Two, with assignments aboard the carrier USS Yorktown and later, the destroyer USS Stack. In 1942, the young ensign received two commendations for heroic performance—first for saving the life of a downed fighter pilot—and later for saving his ship after a collision. Following the war John continued his education, earning a Master’s in naval construction and engineering from MIT and a Doctorate from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, learning a new culture and writing his dissertation in German. Back in civilian life, John returned to his native New Jersey to take over his father’s ship repair business, and later, he formed his own marine engineering firm, John J. McMullen Associates, building it into a major naval architectural firm. John’s lifelong love of sports led him to ownership positions in professional baseball and hockey. In 1982, he engineered a deal to acquire and move the Colorado Rockies of the National Hockey League to his home state, where they became the New Jersey Devils. He and his team scored the ultimate triumph in 1995, and again five years later, winning the Stanley Cup. John served as a Presidential Appointee to the U.S. Naval Academy Board of Visitors from 1970-72 and currently serves as a member of the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation’s Board of Directors. John enjoys keeping up with friends, old and new, and spending time with his family—wife Jacqueline, their three children and their families. But one thing hasn’t changed since his Academy days—John J. McMullen continues to look ahead, to whatever challenge and adventure tomorrow might bring.
James L. Holloway III Admiral James L. Holloway III, USN (Ret.)
Distinguished Graduates Award—2000
Class of 1943 Class of 1943
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ar was raging across the world’s oceans as James L. Holloway III entered the Naval Academy Class of 1943. Jim still found time for athletics, earning a letter in wrestling, despite graduating in three years. His Lucky Bag write-up called him “the naval officer John Paul Jones hoped all of us might be.” That assessment would quickly be put to the test under fire, as the new naval officer served in destroyers in the North Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the Pacific. After the war, Jim became a naval aviator, flying the F-9 during the Korean War, and mastering straight deck carrier landings. As commander of an attack squadron in the late 1950s, he could be found in many of the world’s hot spots, including Lebanon, where he provided air cover for Marine landings. After commanding the Enterprise—and later the entire Seventh Fleet—during the Vietnam War, Jim reported to Washington in 1974 where he became Chief of Naval Operations and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Though he retired from active duty in 1978 as a highly decorated admiral, Jim has remained active in the service of his country. In 1980, he chaired the Special Operations Review Group that investigated the aborted Iranian hostage rescue attempt. In 1985 he directed the Vice-president’s task force on combating terrorism and served as a member of the President’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Defense Management. Among his continuing contributions to his alma mater, Jim served as the first chairman of the Naval Academy Foundation and continues serving as Chairman Emeritus. Jim enjoys family time with wife Dabney and their daughters, sailing the Chesapeake and working to preserve historic Annapolis. Throughout his distinguished career, Jim has indeed been the naval officer John Paul Jones envisioned, a source of pride to his classmates and his countrymen.
William P. Lawrence Vice Admiral William P. Lawrence, USN (Ret.)
Distinguished Graduates Award—2000
Class of 1951 Class of 1951
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urning down a scholarship to Yale in 1947, William P. Lawrence enrolled in the Naval Academy’s Class of 1951. At the Academy, the Tennessee native earned the reputation of “a true southern gentleman” and a serious student. He maintained “star” grades while excelling in football. After he helped develop the brigade’s honor code and served as both Brigade Commander and Class President, the Lucky Bag observed that, with Bill’s graduation, “the academy loses a great guy and a true asset.” Following graduation, Bill headed off to flight school where he earned his wings, and was chosen for the Navy’s elite test-pilot school.Taking the riskiest assignments, Bill pushed the Navy’s new jets to the breaking point, becoming the first Navy pilot to fly a Navy jet at twice the speed of sound. A slight heart murmur detected during testing kept Bill from joining friends John Glenn and Alan Shepherd as members of NASA’s first astronaut corps. But his country needed him in Southeast Asia, where the Vietnam War was heating up. In June 1967, Bill’s F-4 Phantom was shot down during a bombing run over North Vietnam. For the next seven years Bill was a Prisoner of War, held with other American pilots in the notorious Hao Lo Prison, better known as the Hanoi Hilton. After his release in 1974, Bill was assigned to the Pentagon, where he held several top posts. He served as Superintendent of the Naval Academy from 1978 until 1981, when he became Chief of Naval Personnel. Since retiring from the Navy in 1986, Bill has held the Chair of Naval Leadership, served as a guest lecturer and teacher, and is enjoying life with his wife Diane, and his three grown children—one of whom, Wendy, became a shuttle astronaut in 1992. Through hardship and adversity, Bill has remained a “true southern gentlemen,” confident in purpose and selfless in the service of his country.
William A. Anders Major General William A. Anders, USAFR (Ret.)
Distinguished Graduates Award—2000
Class of 1955 Class of 1955
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illiam A. Anders traveled from California to Annapolis, entering the Naval Academy’s Class of 1955 with every intention of embracing a life at sea, in the footsteps of his father, Commander Arthur F. Anders, Class of 1927. At the Academy, he excelled in both academics and sports, graduating with a degree in engineering and a reputation as a fierce soccer player. The Lucky Bag praised his optimistic outlook, saying, “a bit of California sunshine is always apparent in everything he does.” Life at the Academy also nurtured Bill’s passion for flying, and upon graduation he accepted a commission in the Air Force, where he served as a fighter pilot and earned a Master’s in nuclear engineering. In 1964, he was selected as an astronaut, joining Frank Borman and Jim Lovell four years later on Apollo 8’s historic journey around the moon. Back on earth, Major General Anders helped direct policy for the space program, as Executive Secretary of the National Aeronautic and Space Council, which paved the way for the space shuttle and development of a space station. Bill was appointed to the Atomic Energy Commission in 1973, and later became the first Chairman of the newly established Nuclear Regulatory Commission. He ended his career in government service in 1977 as United States Ambassador to Norway. Bill then put his knowledge of technology to work in the private sector. He joined General Electric as Vice President and General Manager of the Nuclear Products Division. In 1980, Bill was appointed General Manager of G.E.’s Aircraft Equipment Division, then took the helm at General Dynamics, where he prepared the giant defense contractor to meet the realities of the post-cold war world. Since “officially” retiring, Bill enjoys spending time with his wife Valerie, and their six grown children. He currently serves as a member of the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation’s Board of Directors. His love of soccer remains intense. He recently led the effort to build the Academy’s new state-of-the-art Glenn Warner Soccer facility. Throughout his career, Bill Anders has transitioned from the military to business, from the earth to the moon, by taking calculated
Roger T. Staubach Mr. Roger T. Staubach
Distinguished Graduates Award—2000
Class of 1965 Class of 1965
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oger T. Staubach entered the Naval Academy’s Class of 1965, pursuing a degree in engineering. From the time he arrived in Annapolis, he showed himself adept at engineering touchdown drives. Hailed by Navy Football Coach Wayne Hardin as “the greatest quarterback Navy ever had,” Roger completed 115 passes for nine touchdowns in his junior year, en route to winning college football’s highest honor, the Heisman Trophy. While noting his football prowess, the Lucky Bag said Roger would be remembered far longer for his “humility, sincerity and deep religious faith.” Roger put his obvious future in pro football on hold to begin four years of service in the Navy, including a year in Vietnam. In 1969, Roger traded his Navy uniform for the uniform of the NFL Dallas Cowboys, where he honed his leadership skills under the tutelage of the legendary Tom Landry. Roger quarterbacked the Cowboys to three Superbowl appearances in the 1970s, and was named MVP of Superbowl Six. He was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame the first year he was eligible for that honor. Roger balanced football with business, launching The Staubach Company, a real estate firm pioneering the concept of tenant representation. Under Roger’s leadership, The Staubach Company grew to include 36 offices in 31 cities. Recently his firm joined with global real estate giant DTZ Debenham Tie Leung to form DTZ Staubach Tie Leung, providing local market expertise in 150 cities in 45 countries. Roger enjoys spending time with his wife Marianne and their five children and their families, and remains active in civic and charitable causes, serving as a member of the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation’s President’s Circle. While memories of gridiron glory may fade with time, Roger Staubach remains the sincere, humble and faithful man his classmates will never forget.
Distinguished Graduates Award
Distinguished Graduates Award History
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he Distinguished Graduate Program was an initiative of Rear Admiral Ronald F. Marryott ’57, former president and CEO of the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association. The 2000 selection committee was headed by former Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Carlisle A.H. Trost ’53, U.S. Navy (Retired). The first Distinguished Graduate, Admiral Thomas H. Moorer ’33, was recognized in 1999.
Nominating Criteria In order to be nominated as a distinguished graduate, candidates must be living graduates who have: ✦ Demonstrated a strong interest in supporting the Navy and the U.S. Naval Academy; ✦ Provided a lifetime of service to the nation or armed forces; ✦ Made significant and distinguished contributions to the nation via their public service; ✦ Character, distinguished military and civilian service, and stature that draw a wholesome comparison to the qualities that the United States Naval Academy strives for in keeping with values of duty, honor and integrity and “through knowledge, sea power.” The award will not be given to individuals who occupy or who are candidates for elective office, or who are still on active duty.
Admiral Thomas H. Moorer, USN (Ret.) Class of 1933
Distinguished Graduates Award—1999
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homas H. Moorer entered the Naval Academy in the turbulent year of 1929. While at the Academy he excelled in sports, playing football for three years. His fellow midshipmen observed that Tom was a determined lineman who “always made the going tough for the opposition,” a trait that would serve him well in the future. Noting that determination, his Lucky Bag prophecy said, “Tom will surely be a credit to his profession.” After graduation, Tom was assigned to fighter squadrons based on the carriers Lexington, Langley and Enterprise. Lieutenant Moorer was serving with a patrol squadron at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked in 1941. Over the next four years he earned commendations as he flew missions in both the Pacific and Atlantic. Post-war assignments included the Strategic Bombing Survey in Japan, and Project Officer for development of the Sidewinder missile. Following a rapid series of promotions, Rear Admiral Moorer assumed command of the Seventh Fleet, and, in 1964, became Commander of the Pacific fleet. Taking command of the Atlantic Fleet the next year, Thomas Moorer became the only man to command both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets. As Chief of Naval Operations in 1967, he guided the Navy during the height of the Vietnam War. In 1970, he was appointed Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the first naval officer to hold that post since Admiral Arthur W. Radford. After retiring as JCS Chairman in 1974, Tom has remained active in the affairs of both government and business, serving on numerous corporate boards and taking a leading role in developing the Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C. He also continues to lend enthusiastic support to his alma mater. Above all his professional accomplishments, Tom considers his family his proudest achievement—his wife Carrie, his four children and their families. Through wars and crises, Thomas Moorer has provided “tough going” indeed for America’s opponents, his steady hand on the helm a source of strength in turbulent times.