US Navy Submarine Officer Finds New Mission at UVA Darden

Jaclyn “Jacky” Tossavainen (Class of 2026) stood in the cramped control room of the USS Louisiana, a nuclear submarine based in Bremerton, Washington, tasked with briefing the commanding officer mere hours after reporting for duty.

She had prepared years for this moment – a superb engineering education at the University of Southern California followed by perhaps the stiffest test: the Navy’s Nuclear Power Officer pipeline, widely regarded as one of the most rigorous and technically challenging programs the U.S. military offers. She also served as battalion commander of over 50 students in USC’s NROTC unit and was a founding, four-year member of USC’s Division I lacrosse team.

She immediately knew she had never felt pressure like this. No more training or practice — this was the real deal. The commanding officer of the submarine — a nuclear-powered vessel with over 150 people and hundreds of complex engineering systems — was looking at Jacky for an answer.

“I learned quickly to be well-prepared and understand complex technical issues thoroughly in advance, communicate crisply and confidently, allow your junior team members an opportunity to shine, be honest in what still needs to be figured out, and finally be confident in your team and ask for help when you need it,” she says.

Today, as an MBA candidate at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business and the newly elected president of the Darden Military Association (DMA), Jacky continues stepping up. Instead of leading teams beneath the ocean’s surface, she leads a rapidly growing organization serving more than 100 veteran students, their families and allies across the community.

Building Bridges from Submarines to Business School

Jacky, a third-generation submarine officer, arrived at Darden with a distinguished naval career. As a junior officer, she led technically skilled teams responsible for operating nuclear reactors, driving submarines at sea and managing a complex shipyard overhaul to refuel a reactor’s core. She made critical decisions in high-pressure environments and enforced rigorous training standards.

Later, she served as aide-de-camp to the director of the Navy International Programs Office, leading global engagement strategy for the Navy’s top admiral for international acquisitions.

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and inspired my passion for global business,” she says. “I traveled across the globe, immersed myself in diverse cultures, and had a front-row seat to high-level engagements with senior international military leaders and top defense industry CEOs.”

But transitioning to business school required recalibration.

“In the Navy, I could recite 50 casualty procedures from memory or plan a complex international engagement to a tee,” she laughs. “Here, it’s about immersing yourself in real business cases to understand the fundamentals, listening intently, challenging assumptions, communicating ideas and forming opinions in real time.”

This shift wasn’t merely academic — it was deeply personal and a tough one. While Jacky relished the opportunity to serve her country and lead teams, she and her husband, Tyler Tossavainen (Class of 2026), also a former submarine officer and recipient of the Gary T. (MBA ’74) and Elizabeth R. Jones Military Scholarship, decided to leave military life to pursue meaningful civilian careers together.

Scholarships made their shared dream at Darden a reality. Tyler states simply, “We couldn’t have dedicated these two years without this support.”

Why Veterans Make Darden Better

Mackie Gilchrist (Class of 2026)

At Darden, Jacky quickly became known not just for her military background, but for her steady and thoughtful leadership. Her methodical approach — bringing structure and calm to chaotic situations — has earned both respect and affectionate teasing during group projects.

“Jacky is the person who says, ‘We’re going through this one decision at a time,’ and we tease her — but we always listen,” says Mackie Gilchrist (Class of 2026), DMA’s vice president of allyship and herself a Roger H. Sherman Scholarship recipient. “She has an incredible way of getting people to focus and come together.”

Jacky’s military discipline strengthens Darden’s collaborative environment.

“These are incredible people with a clear North Star,” says Gilchrist of veterans. “They’re humble leaders who don’t seek the spotlight yet enrich every interaction.”

Championing Allyship at Darden

While still in her first year, Jacky has focused on strengthening the bridge between veteran and civilian classmates.

“The DMA has always been strong, but we see potential for deeper integration with allies,” she says.

Under her leadership, DMA is broadening its reach by inviting non-military students to build friendships, share insights and foster deeper mutual understanding.

“We have a lot to gain from each other,” she says. “Our veterans had early hands-on leadership opportunities and have had many reps in forming teams that thrive. Our civilian classmates have superb industry knowledge, diverse experiences and opinions, and the smarts and skills we need to learn from. Together we can do big things.”

Jacky is quick to credit her predecessor, Tommy Busterud (Class of 2025), for launching the vice president of allyship role. Gilchrist is now the second to serve in the role, and under Jacky’s leadership, the team is expanding what the position can mean.

“Jacky makes everyone feel included,” Gilchrist says. “Her vision for DMA’s allyship isn’t just about support; it’s about community.”

Jacky’s commitment deeply resonates with those around her, including Tyler.

“She’s passionate about service, about building something meaningful,” he says. “It’s who she is.”

Honoring a Legacy

Jaclyn Tossavainen (Class of 2026)

Jacky’s own scholarship story underscores the power of community. The Cheryl Jones Scholarship she received originated as a grassroots effort by DMA members honoring longtime advocate and admissions officer Cheryl Jones upon her retirement after 30 years. More than 150 donors, many former DMA members themselves, contributed — a reflection of Jones’ belief that veterans enrich the Darden experience. It remains the only Darden School Foundation scholarship for women veterans.

“First, I am extremely grateful for the DMA members before me that founded this scholarship in the name of Cheryl Jones, and for the many individuals that have chosen to believe in me through their donations,” says Jacky.

She also admits feeling the honor’s weight, especially now that she is the new head of the DMA.

“Reading about Cheryl’s impact and her belief in veterans resonated with me,” she says. “I hope she’d be proud of my efforts to continue her legacy.”

That legacy — connecting veterans with the broader Darden community — is already evident. Under Jacky’s leadership, the DMA is set to flourish, ensuring veterans not only transition successfully into civilian life but actively enhance Darden’s vibrant culture.

Through Jacky, the principles behind her scholarship come vividly to life. Alumni and donors supporting future students like her invest not only in outstanding individuals but in a stronger, deeply connected Darden community.

Jaclyn Tossavainen (Class of 2026) competes in a wheelbarrow race during a Darden Cup event.

Support Scholarships for All

Day for Darden is Wednesday, 9 April 2025. Every gift to the Darden Annual Fund, no matter the size, directly supports scholarships that empower students from all walks of life, including Executive MBA students. Your contribution helps fund opportunities for future leaders to thrive at Darden. To make a difference, make your gift early.