Class of '62 Student Enrichment Fund Event
Campus visit by Navy SEALs: David Goggins and Dr. Howard Wasdin
April 30, 2014

Overcoming Adversity

On April 30, 2014, our Class of '62 Student Enrichment Fund continued its on-campus supplements to the Academy curriculum by supporting a visit from two former members of the Navy's SEa, Air, Land teams (SEALs): David Goggins and Dr. Howard Wasdin.

The day's activities began with informal visits to classrooms in the morning, focusing on why they joined the Navy, the process of becoming a SEAL, and the life changes that being a SEAL created. The classroom visits were followed by a lunch with select faculty, staff and students (plus three of our classmates: Craig Duchossois, Mike Hood, and Jay Owen).

Following the lunch, an All School Meeting was held in Eppley Auditorium. The event began with Cathy Duke (Chair of the Academy's Fine Arts Department) introducing the moderator of the "panel" for the afternoon, our classmate Mike Hood (Class of '67 from the US Military Academy and Viet Nam veteran). Mike then introduced the panel members (David and Howard plus Navy Captain Mike Neller, Commandant of Cadets). David and Howard each related their own stories of becoming and serving as a Navy SEAL, connecting to the theme of inner strength, overcoming adversity, and how in their own unique way they have chosen to honor their experiences as SEALs. That was followed with Capt. Neller asking questions based on the comments from our guests, which was in turn followed by questions from the students and faculty attending. An example question: "Why would you put yourself through the grueling SEAL training?" Answer: "We are patriots and always seeking a challenge … if one is comfortable, one is not growing."

In summary, as indicated by the more detailed comments below, the event was extraordinarily well received, with many students wishing there had been more time for Q&A, and some encouraging us to bring David and Howard back at some time in the future.

The bottom line of what our Class of '62 Student Enrichment Fund is doing (will be doing ) is bringing special people with an insight or talent that will cause the kids to think!

Here are just a few of the comments from students and faculty after the day was over:

"The personal connections that Howard and David made with our students were awesome."
--Cathy Duke, Chair -- Fine Arts Department

"They were awesome!! They're true heroes. They were real and down to earth. They were not afraid to express their true opinions, and they carried themselves in that way. They are two men that anyone is able to look up to. They pushed back the curtains to let us see into their lives, how horrible and tough they were, but they did not want us to feel sorry for them. That was the best point. You're mindset and perspective of how you look at things can change your life."
--Paige '14

"This was one of the better speakers we have had. Sometimes the speaker or the message doesn't relate to everyone. And even though the idea of being a SEAL didn't relate to me, sticking with my goals through anything did."
--John '15

"I loved today's speakers! They were honest, inspiring, and very funny. Their message was helpful because as a senior I am going out into the world, and it is good to see some people who have had life experience. Also, their messages on bravery, doing what you love, and perseverance through adversity will be beneficial in any vein of life. The point that stuck with me most was 'pushing yourself outside your comfort zone in order to reach your potential and conquer your fears.'"
--Rory '14

"It was motivating to hear how they didn't really start with much but they didn't let that stop them. I felt like I could do the same."
--Megan '15

"I thought today's speakers were incredible. I wish we had more time to talk to them. Everything that they said was significant, inspirational and educational. I felt that they had very interesting stories with applicable lessons to be learned. They helped me understand how good we have it, to not take things for granted, and how to handle adversity or prepare yourself for handling adversity. I really felt the strongest message was about mental toughness of our brains and how to handle adversity and keep a positive outlook on life."
--PJ '15

"I thought the speakers were inspiring! After hearing them, I felt as if I should do more with my life and work hard to get to where I want to be. Also to always strive during hard times in life. The information was helpful because it showed us what the world is like outside of culver. What we will have to deal with in life but also how awesome Culver really is. That we should take advantage of what Culver can do for us. Points that stuck with me were that even though you have tough times in your life you shouldn't let those to define you. To always keep pushing even if you think you can't do it, never stop trying. Pain is only temporary. Do things you don't like and get out of your comfort zone. These guys were one of my favorite speaking groups we have had at Culver."
--Jessica '15

"The stories that the two speakers shared were inspiring. I wish we had more time for questions at the end."
--Mary '17

"I really enjoyed the speakers we had today. It changed my perspective on being able to overcome adversity. I also learned more about what the Navy Seals have to accomplish to get the name as a Seal. The information was definitely helpful because it teaches you that despite your background you have, you are able to achieve anything. They also list how you can make it easier to reach your goals; family support system, good attitude, etc. The point that stuck to me the most had to be what the SEALs went through at BUDS training and at hell week. It stood out to me because it shows their determination and their will to become a Seal. The speakers had to be my favorite by far."
--Harry '16

"I actually went in thinking that this wouldn't relate to me at all - and much of it did not - but I was able to still walk away with the feeling that I have the power to make it through tough stuff."
--Caitlyn '16

"I thought the speakers were very interesting. Their stories were entertaining and I thought this encouraged students to remain attentive during the presentation. I thought it was interesting, but I did not find both as helpful. The man who wrote the book and went on to be a best seller was inspiring because he was able to get through difficulties, rather than blame it on his adversities. As for the other speaker, he was just intriguing. I thought that his story was an extreme example or a rare situation which made it hard to relate to. The mixture of an intriguing story and an inspiring one was a good combination though. The points that stuck with me most was how both of the speakers were successful though they faced great adversity in the beginning of their lives. What was stated that stuck with me the most was when the speaker who written the best seller book said he didn't allow his adversities to be an excuse not to succeed."
--Amber '15

"I really connect with David. He was funny and real. He has been through a lot tougher stuff than me, but he still was able to be open and share his story. I found it interesting that he knew he was a Seal before he actually was a Seal. It would be great to have them back again."
--Alex '17