Summer 2024 Newsletter

Celebrating military-affiliated graduates from the Class of 2024

Brown’s 256th Commencement Weekend was a time to celebrate for 10 newly commissioned officers in the U.S. military—including Hannah Long ’24, the first Brown ROTC student commissioned with the U.S. Space Force—and 15 graduating student veterans. The members of the ROTC program took their oaths of service and joined the graduating veterans, families, and the entire military-affiliated community for the University’s Graduating Veterans and ROTC Recognition Ceremony on May 24.

Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Air Force Alex Wagner ’99 served as the keynote speaker at the ceremony, speaking to an overflowing crowd at the Metcalf Research Building. “As I was reflecting on my time here [at Brown] and the future of our country’s military, it struck me just how lucky our nation is to have Brown graduates join our ranks,” said Wagner, who was also on campus to celebrate his 25th Reunion.

Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Air Force Alex Wagner ’99 talks with newly commissioned officers from the Class of 2024.

Honoring three generations of military service

During the Graduating Veterans and ROTC Recognition Ceremony, Jack William Montgomery ’24, a surface warfare officer in training with orders to the USS Howard DDG83, homeported in Yokosuka, Japan, was given his oath of office by his father, Admiral Mark Canon Montgomery (ret.), who served as a surface warfare officer (nuclear trained) for 34 years in the Navy. He commanded the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS McCambell DDG85 and commanded Carrier Strike Group 5, which spearheaded disaster relief to the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan.

Captain George Canon Montgomery Jr. (ret.) looks on as his son, Admiral Mark Canon Montgomery (ret.), gives his grandson, Jack William Montgomery ’24, the oath of office.

Jack’s grandfather, Captain George Canon Montgomery Jr. (ret.), served for 36 years in the Navy, first as an air intelligence officer for three years, then as a cryptology warfare officer for the remaining 33 years. He did a tour with 7th Fleet in the Vietnam War and did a tour as the Naval attaché to the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

Newly commissioned officers from the Class of 2024.

Brown’s new School of International and Public Affairs

The University recently announced the creation of a School of International and Public Affairs, a major step toward expanded research and teaching. The new school will extend Brown’s commitment to advancing knowledge and preparing the next generation of global policymakers and leaders.

The University’s commitment to the study of international relations and public policy spans more than four decades, driven by the work of the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, which was founded in the waning days of the Cold War. The institute will transition into the School of International and Public Affairs, with the faculty, staff, and scholarly activity from the institute forming the bedrock of the new school.

Edward Steinfeld, a long-standing supporter of BUVAC and the featured speaker at our 2023 Veterans Day Luncheon, reflects on Watson’s growth as his eight-year tenure as director comes to a close.

Mentoring update

The Brown University Student Veteran Mentoring Program (VMP) is a collaboration between the Office of Alumni Relations and the Office of Military-Affiliated Students (OMAS). The program’s mission is to offer practical advice to mentees as they navigate their time at Brown and prepare for graduation. Consider joining the Program’s LinkedIn group or contact alumnicareers@brown.edu for more information on how to engage as a mentor.

Commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day

Brown Travelers in Normandy

Brown Travelers immersed themselves in Normandy’s remarkable history and beauty on a journey to the seaside resort town of Deauville. Participants explored Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, and other renowned D-Day sites during the 80th anniversary year of this crucial World War II operation.

World War II hero Dick Grout ’42 receives France's highest honor

This spring, Dick Grout ’42 received the French Legion of Honor for his role in the June 6, 1944 D-Day invasion and subsequent fighting across France. The Legion of Honor is the highest decoration France can bestow on those who have achieved remarkable deeds for the country. Read more about his story.

Update, share, and learn more

Staying in touch with the alumni veteran community

• Is your alumni record up to date? To ensure you are kept updated about any upcoming veteran-related programs or information at Brown, email alumniveterans@brown.edu with your branch, dates of service, and anything else you’d like to share. Thank you for your service!
• Help expand the BUVAC mailing list. Do you know anyone interested in Brown military-affiliated news and events? Please share this newsletter and encourage your classmates, peers, and networks to join the BUVAC mailing list by emailing alumniveterans@brown.edu.
• Interested in finding out more about how Brown supports veteran and ROTC students? OMAS offers programs and services to help Brown students make successful transitions by connecting them with campus and community resources, facilitating learning opportunities, providing space for shared conversation, and more. The OMAS website includes details on Air Force, Army, and Naval ROTC.
• Keep up with Brown alumni veteran affairs. Visit Brown’s Alumni & Friends website for more information on BUVAC and its alumni-student mentoring program, updates on the University’s initiative to bring more veterans to College Hill, and links to past newsletters.
• Support the Veterans Financial Aid Initiative. Learn more about Brown’s initiative to expand financial aid for veterans and consider making a gift in support of this critical priority.