The West Point community welcomed Frances Hesselbein at a reception in her honor on Tuesday, October 27. Mrs. Hesselbein was appointed as the Class of 1951 Chair for the Study of Leadership in the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership. Mrs. Hesselbein is the both the first woman, and first non-graduate, of West Point appointed to the position.
Department head Colonel Tom Kolditz introduced Mrs. Hesselbein as a pinnacle leader and said that she brings “a personal strength of character” to the Chair. In her remarks, Mrs. Hesselbein spoke of her family history of service, her passion for West Point and why she accepted this position. “This appointment is one of the greatest honors a civilian in our country can receive,” she said. A representative from the Class of 1951, Mr. Charles Satuloff, was also on hand to welcome Mrs. Hesselbein and present her with a gift from the class.
“To serve is to live.” –-Frances Hesselbein