Former United States Ambassador Alfred Hoffman Jr. '52 will deliver the commencement address and receive the Richard L. Duchossois ’40 Integrity and Values Alumni Award at Morgan Park Academy’s 139th graduation exercises on June 8, 2012.
Returning to campus to celebrate the 60th anniversary of his graduation from Morgan Park Military Academy, Ambassador Hoffman brings with him a lifetime of professional achievements and service to his community and country that distinguishes him among his fellow alumni.
"I never believed in a million years that I would be asked to give the commencement address for Morgan Park Academy at my 60th class reunion," Ambassador Hoffman said. "What an honor and privilege to be part of and address the new link in the long line of student graduates. My family and I are so looking forward to that happy June day."
"We are thrilled to welcome Ambassador Hoffman back to campus," said Dr. Catherine Raaflaub, Morgan Park Academy's Head of School. "His lifelong focus on global leadership and service sets a tremendous example for all our students. Our students and their families will certainly enjoy hearing from him and learning from his perspective."
A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Hoffman served as a fighter pilot for the United States Air Force and later earned an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.
Prior to serving as the United States Ambassador to Portugal from 2005 to 2007, he was founder, CEO and Chairman of the Board of WCI Communities, Inc., a Florida-based company serving primary, retirement and second-home buyers in Florida, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Washington D.C.
Hoffman was National Finance Co-Chair for the George W. Bush for President Campaign, Co-Chairman of Finance for the Presidential Inaugural Committee, National Finance Chairman of the Republican National Committee for 2001 and 2003-2004 and a National Co-Chair for the McCain ’08 Campaign.
His interests and involvement with education, the arts and business communities span many years. He has taken active leadership roles as chairman of organizations such as the Florida Council for Economic Education, The Florida Arts Council and the Florida Chamber of Commerce. From 2001-2003, he served as Chairman of the Florida Council of 100, a forum of strategic thinkers comprised of the state’s top business leaders.
In 2005, Hoffman was awarded Florida's highest civilian award by the Governor and Secretary of State and was designated a "Great Floridian" for his civic and philanthropic efforts on behalf of the people of Florida.
ABOUT THE DUCHOSSOIS ALUMNI AWARD
Established in 2011, the Richard L. Duchossois ’40 Integrity and Values Alumni Award is given annually in recognition of Mr. Duchossois’ lifetime achievements, outstanding professional success and service to the Academy, community and society. To merit induction, an alumnus must embody the spirit and mission of the Academy and exhibit outstanding professional achievement and service to the Academy, community and society. Mr. Duchossois’ outstanding record of public service, philanthropic work, professional achievement and ongoing commitment to the Academy set the standard for the award, establishing this award as the top honor for alumni.
