CHICAGO — Brig. Gen. Gracus K. Dunn, Commanding General of the 85th Support Command and Deputy Commanding General-Support, First Army Division West, represented the Army as the senior leader during Chicago’s US Army ‘What Makes You Strong’ leadership seminar held at Chicago State University.
The ‘What Makes You Strong’ event is a series of music and leadership activities held throughout the country to celebrate the positive leadership and educational opportunities that a career in the Army can provide. In addition to the concert series, the Army provides its participants with the opportunity to meet influential community, business and Army leaders.
Dunn kicked off the Army leadership portion of the seminar. During his opening remarks he focused on the Army’s leadership, scholastics, and athletics programs.
Dunn also discussed the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps, ROTC, saying it is one of the nation’s largest providers of college scholarships. In 2011, the Army provided more than $230 million in scholarships.
He also discussed the variety of careers available to Soldiers such as doctors, lawyers, musicians, chaplains, engineers and journalists to name a few.
Speakers from the business, sports, and music industries were also in attendance. Each guest speaker shared their personal and unique stories with event participants who ranged from elementary to college-level students. The speakers encouraged the young audience to think about their futures and what it takes to become a leader.
Guest speakers for the Chicago event also included Col. (Retired) Damon T. Arnold, M.D., M.P.H., CMT, director of public health graduate program at Chicago State University; Alejandra Diaz Labrecque, manager of multi-cultural development at NASCAR; Max Siegal, cum laude from University of Notre Dame Law School and president of global operations at Dale Earnhardt Inc.; and Kellie Wells, professional hurdler and sprinter and bronze medal winner for hurdles during the London 2012 Olympic Games.
To learn more about the ‘What Makes You Strong’ event series, visit
www.whatmakesyoustrong.com.