From Service to Strategy, Darden Veterans Reflect on Their Journeys

Students who enroll in the Darden School of Business bring a diverse set of skills and interests to Grounds. Many also bring years of military service.

Of the 355 first-year Full-Time MBA students this year, 50 have military-related experience. Another 89 Darden Executive MBA students and 13 Part-Time MBA students have also identified as veterans or active-duty service members.

The Darden Report recently visited with some of those individuals, seeking insight on their military experiences, lessons and why they chose Darden.

Leland Hansen, Army

Inspiration: Hansen felt a deep calling to military service, influenced by his family’s history of service in World War II and Vietnam. The terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, further solidified his desire to make a positive impact in the world, shaping the way he saw his role of service.

Memorable: A pivotal moment was during a helicopter flight after a successful mission in Iraq to eliminate ISIS-made chemical and explosive devices. “I was able to appreciate the culmination of years of work that got me a role in that mission, and others like it,” he reflects, proud of his contribution.

Leadership: Military experience instilled in Hansen the principles of servant leadership and risk mitigation, shaping a compassionate approach to problem-solving.

Why here: He chose Darden for its mission-focused environment and commitment to personal growth, which resonated with his military values.

Lessons: Comfort with ambiguity and understanding diverse perspectives have been invaluable in his MBA journey, preparing him for future challenges.

Mac Caldwell, Marines

Inspiration: Caldwell said he joined the military to give back to a country that had given him so much.

Memorable: He recalls a time when his friend took shrapnel from an errant mortar round straight to his face while he was commanding his Marines on a complex training range. “He was standing fast and still leading his Marines, just with a big wad of gauze packed under his helmet strap to stop the bleeding. It was a great example of how Marines, even in training, always keep their eye on the target and are focused on accomplishing the objective their nation gives them.”

Leadership: His military experiences taught him that effective leadership is rooted in understanding and resolving people-related problems.

Why here: Caldwell views Darden as the perfect place to develop essential skills and create a supportive community for his family as he transitions to the private sector.

Lessons: Skills like technical proficiency, self-improvement, and prioritizing team welfare have been crucial as he adapts to the business-school environment.

Michael Hardison, Navy

Inspiration: Influenced by his family’s military background, Hardison chose the Navy as a way to serve while carving his own path.

Memorable: Flying reconnaissance missions in the Strait of Hormuz during heightened tensions with Iran, and realizing the significance of his work when it was featured on national news.

Leadership: The importance of staying calm under pressure, a skill that has proven essential in both military and academic settings.

Why here: Seeking new challenges beyond the Navy, Hardison found Darden’s culture and rigorous academics appealing.

Lessons: Decisiveness and excellent time management, honed in the cockpit, have been invaluable in managing his MBA workload.

Jaclyn Tossavainen, Navy

Inspiration: Her family’s Navy legacy and her parents’ commitment to service motivated Tossavainen to contribute meaningfully.

Memorable: Earning her submarine dolphins insignia, presented by her father, symbolizing her connection to family tradition and her own achievements as a submariner.

Leadership: Tossavainen learned the value of empowering her team and creative problem-solving, essential skills for her MBA journey.

Why here: Seeking better work-life balance, she chose Darden for its supportive community, reminiscent of military camaraderie.

Lessons: Decision-making under pressure and embracing feedback have been crucial to her success at Darden.

John McCluskey, Army

Inspiration: McCluskey sought to serve in politically unstable regions, believing the Army would provide a meaningful way to contribute.

Memorable: Serving with the Rangers instilled in him a profound respect for teamwork and the military’s legacy.

Leadership: McCluskey emphasizes that effective leadership is built on relationships and respect, a principle he will carry into his future career.

Why here: Inspired by a mentor who was a Darden alum, McCluskey knew the School was the right fit for his transition to civilian life.

Lessons: Success hinges on relationships and respect, a lesson he applies to military and business contexts.

Tommy Busterud, Army

Inspiration: Busterud’s military aspiration was influenced by his family history of service, coupled with his experience at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Memorable: Reflecting on his last day in a leadership role, he expressed gratitude for the team he had the privilege to lead.

Leadership: Exposure to various leadership styles in the military taught Busterud how to build strong, independent teams.

Why here: Targeting a career in consulting, he chose Darden for its strong academic reputation and supportive community.

Lessons: Resilience and humility are essential traits that have guided him through his MBA journey, reinforcing the belief that persistence leads to success.