Cadet Corps Leadership Program

Speaker Series

VICE ADMIRAL JAMES MALLOY ’81 (RET.) RETURNS TO ST. JOHN’S

On Jan. 31, 2023, Vice Admiral James Malloy ’81 (Ret.) returned to St. John’s to speak with students in the Cadet Corps Leadership Program. After more than 36 years of service, Malloy retired from the U.S. Navy in October 2022 and last served as Deputy Commander, United States Central Command. Prior to that post, he served as the Commander of United States Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet. A native of Silver Spring, Maryland, Admiral Malloy graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1986 and later earned three advanced degrees. He is currently the president and CEO of Catholic Charities.

Malloy recalled how the Lasallian Brothers’ emphasis on the importance of leadership through service was something that stayed with him throughout his career. As a young officer in the Navy, he learned from his commanding officer the importance of knowing the standards of one’s job. “Always set your own standards higher than those of your superior’s,” he said. Malloy emphasized that leadership is borne out of adversity and ambiguity–challenge makes one stronger. Selfless servant leadership requires daily reflection on how best to improve, how to remain humble, how to promote your team’s success, and need to take personal responsibility for any shortcomings. Malloy said, “We must understand different perspectives and how we are seen in each other’s eyes. Changing perceptions of ourselves changes the behaviors toward us.”

ST. JOHN’S WELCOMES SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

On April 25, 2023, St. John’s Cadets were honored to hear from The Honorable Carlos Del Toro, 78th Secretary of the Navy. Secretary Del Toro retired at the rank of commander after 22 years in the navy and three advanced degrees. He was sworn into the role of Secretary of the Navy in August 2021.

Del Toro’s family fled Cuba in 1962 and emigrated to the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood in New York City, where he attended public schools before receiving an appointment to the United States Naval Academy. When speaking to the cadets, Del Toro encouraged them to apply to higher education institutions that will enable them to feed their passions and achieve their life’s goals–even if they think the schools are not within their reach. “You’ll never make it if you don’t apply,” he said. Del Toro recalled his time at the Naval Academy where he learned about the importance of leading with empathy. Del Toro touched on social media use, saying, “Don’t let social media define who you are, what you believe in, and what you want to strive for.” Following his presentation, Secretary Del Toro answered questions and stayed long after the bell rang to meet and take photographs with all the cadets waiting to speak with him.

It was an honor to hear from a man I could relate to so personally—both as a Latino and as the son of immigrant parents. His message of empathy, his ability to put the needs of others before his own, and his perseverance in the face of adversity is what good leaders are all about. He taught us there is no leadership if you do not care about those you lead.

C/CSM RAFAEL VISOSO ’24

2023 Cadet Colonel Society Dinner

ON FEBRUARY 16, Jim O’Connell ’73 hosted the 2023 Cadet Colonel Society Dinner on campus in the Vaghi Dining Room. Seven decades of Cadet Corps leaders returned to SJC to connect with each other and today’s Cadet Corps Leadership Program.

2023 Regimental Ball

ON MARCH 11, the Cadet Corps celebrated the 98th Regimental Ball at Catholic University. The formal program featured a receiving line, grand march, saber arch, color guard, the National Anthem sung by SJC’s Vocal Resonance, and dancing. The event welcomed more than 300 cadets and their guests, the largest gathering in recent years.

2023 Saber Ceremony

ON MAY 15, rising seniors participated in the traditional Saber Ceremony, in which each cadet junior is presented with a ceremonial saber by a family member or close friend.