SERVING Pursuing a career in the military is not a common trajectory for Pingry alumni. Though admittance rates are equally competitive, graduates are more likely to aim for the Ivies than suffer the grueling physical demands of field training after a day of classes at one of the nation's elite military academies. But a number of young alumni, in particular, have made the choice to serve. Since 2010, four Pingry graduates have attended one of the academies—one at West Point, one at Coast Guard, and two at the Naval Academy. Many more have pursued ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) programs as undergraduates at other colleges and universities. Still others have completed Officer Candidate Schools after graduating from college. A common theme among these alumni is a desire to expand their horizons, take advantage of an uncommon opportunity, feel engaged and purposeful, and be part of something larger than themselves. As Dean of College Counseling and Director of Student Support Services Tim Lear '92, P ’25, ’27, ’30 says, "At a time when we talk about sacrifice and community and common good, I'm thrilled that Pingry students would choose to attend a service academy and prioritize service alongside a worldclass education." Meet five of these Pingry alumni, all of whom graduated within the last seven years. Their stories are both unique and uniquely exciting—experiences range from monitoring fall-out in the Middle East following the assassination of Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani, to dodging kangaroos while training alongside Australian forces in the Outback. Unifying them all is their connection to Pingry and the impact the school had—in one way or another—on their decision to serve.
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