Honoring the Veterans of the Goizueta Community
Each November 11, Veterans Day invites us to recognize the individuals who have served in the United States Armed Forces and to reflect on the many forms that service can take. For veterans, the day can hold deeply personal meaning—bringing to mind the people who served alongside them, the families who supported them, and lessons that continue to shape their lives long after military service.
Across Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, veterans bring these experiences into classrooms, careers, and communities. Their journeys span different branches of the military, years of service, and professional paths, yet their reflections reveal shared commitments to leadership, perseverance, and supporting others. This Veterans Day, members of the Goizueta community share, in their own words, what service means to them and how their experiences continue to influence their next chapters.
Imarii Poindexter
Goizueta affiliation: Master of Business for Veterans Class of 2027
Military service: Navy, A03, 5 years
Current role: Emory Healthcare Veterans Program, Outreach
What does Veterans Day mean to you personally, and has that meaning evolved over time?
Veterans Day represents belonging, connection, and service to something greater than ourselves. I’ve come to appreciate that being part of this unique community means that no matter where I go or when we served, I can always find my people.
What inspired you to serve in the military, and how did that decision shape who you are today?
My decision to serve was inspired by my family, but through the military, I discovered an even bigger family beyond the people I grew up with. The military introduced me to individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life who became part of my extended family. Stepping into unfamiliar territory challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, trust myself, embrace responsibility, and grow into a more confident and adaptable leader while contributing to a mission greater than myself.
What is one lesson or value from your military service that continues to guide you?
Leadership requires the confidence to make decisions, the courage to stand behind them, and the humility to recognize when adjustments are necessary. I’ve learned that ownership doesn’t mean always having the right answer. It means being accountable, trusting your judgment, and remaining willing to learn.
Is there a particular person or experience that stands out from your military service?
When I reflect on my military service, my commanding officer stands out for the humanity he demonstrated in his decision-making. His leadership taught me that strong organizations are built by leaders who recognize the human element behind every decision. That example continues to shape my belief that great leadership is about accomplishing the mission while empowering people to feel valued, understand their purpose, and contribute meaningfully.
How has your connection to Goizueta influenced your journey?
My connection to Goizueta has brought greater clarity to my vision, strengthened my sense of purpose, and renewed my motivation to grow as a leader. I have been have challenged me to think beyond immediate problems, recognize the interconnectedness of people, strategy, and operations, and approach decisions with greater intention. This experience is helping me bridge my passion for service with the strategic mindset needed to lead meaningful, sustainable change.
What do you wish more people understood about veterans and Veterans Day?
I wish more people understood that veterans are not a monolith. We come from different backgrounds and experiences, yet share a commitment to serving something greater than ourselves. Our service shapes us, but our contributions extend far beyond the uniform. To me, Veterans Day is an opportunity not only to thank veterans for their service, but to recognize the people we’ve become, the communities we continue to strengthen, and the bonds that will always connect us.
Kenny Le
Goizueta affiliation: Two-Year MBA Class of 2028
Military service: U.S. Army, Captain, 6 years
Current role: Student
What does Veterans Day mean to you personally, and has that meaning evolved over time?
This year is my first Veterans Day as a veteran, so I’m proud to be part of a different aspect of the military community now. Before I was always appreciative of those that paved the way for me in the military, and now as a newer veteran, I’m grateful to have been part of something impactful.
What inspired you to serve in the military, and how did that decision shape who you are today?
Growing up, I wasn’t involved in any teams or clubs, so I always wanted to be a part of something bigger. I always admired a lot of the key traits that everyone associates with the military, such as honor, perseverance, service, just to name a few. I really aspired to join the military once I learned more, especially after learning how the military had a reputation for tying both excellence and service values together.
What is one lesson or value from your military service that continues to guide you in your personal or professional life?
Integrity and honesty are extremely important in every aspect of military life, and I always hold both of those in every decision I make and how I view my daily life now; it’s something I don’t ever lose sight of.
Is there a particular person, experience, or moment from your military service that stands out when you reflect on that time?
As an Officer, it’s fairly common that we are placed into a leadership position on our very first day in the regular Army. This happened to me, and it was such an indescribable moment being told I would be directly responsible for 35 Soldiers on my very first day, and I ultimately would be in charge of them for just over a year. I was responsible for not only their day to day training, but also for their wellbeing, their development, and most importantly, entrusted with commitment to their families. To me, it will always be one of the most important things I’ve done in my life.
Ryan Alexander
Goizueta affiliation: Two-Year MBA Class of 2027
Military service: U.S. Army, Captain, 9+ years
Current role: MBA Candidate
What does Veterans Day mean to you personally, and has that meaning evolved over time?
Veterans Day reminds me of the people I met and grew close with over my time in the military. It is humbling and reminds me of how fortunate I was to lead people that I look up to.
What inspired you to serve in the military, and how did that decision shape who you are today?
I went to West Point via a football scholarship, after graduation I commissioned into the Army. For me, the inspiration was the evolution of the same mentality I had as a (mediocre) athlete. I think the most valuable experience gained was understanding people. Solving problems, or attempting to, with people from every possible background and demographic, all working for a collective end state.
It taught me that life is a never ending learning opportunity.
What is one lesson or value from your military service that continues to guide you in your personal or professional life?
As a leader, if things go right – it’s because of those you lead. If things go wrong, the ownership is on you.
How has your connection to Goizueta influenced your personal or professional journey?
Goizueta is incredibly supportive of the veteran community. The University provides a tremendous education as well as a community that I believe is concerned with giving back to the larger community.
What do you wish more people understood about veterans, their experiences, or the significance of Veterans Day?
I think the military gives you an opportunity to get to know people for who they really are, on an intimate level that is beyond some of the groups we can fall into within society. You see how people respond to real adversity, and you get the opportunity to test how you respond as well.
Alois Steinbugl
Goizueta affiliation: Two-Year MBA Class of 2027
Military service: U.S. Army, Captain, 11.5 years
Current role: Full-time student
What does Veterans Day mean to you personally, and has that meaning evolved over time?
To me, Veterans Day is more than a day of recognition. It is an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have served, the families who supported them, and the men and women who continue to answer the call to serve something greater than themselves. It is a reminder that the freedoms we enjoy come at a cost and that those sacrifices should never be taken for granted.
What is one lesson or value from your military service that continues to guide you in your personal or professional life?
One of the most important values I took away from my military service is integrity. Throughout my career, I learned that doing the right thing is not always the easiest or most popular decision, but it is often the most important. Whether in my personal or professional life, I believe integrity is the foundation of trust, accountability, and effective leadership/communication. It is about choosing the hard right, over the easy wrong regardless of if anyone is watching.
What do you wish more people understood about veterans, their experiences, or the significance of Veterans Day?
I wish more people understood that military service extends far beyond the individual wearing the uniform. Behind every veteran are families who have provided unwavering support, relationships forged through shared hardships, and experiences that shape who we are long after our time in service comes to an end. To me, Veterans Day is about more than thanking someone for their service. It is about recognizing the selflessness, commitment, and sacrifices of those who willingly chose to serve something greater than themselves: the United States of America. Above all, it is about honoring the people, not just the uniform.
Michael Hardin
Goizueta affiliation: Master of Business for Veterans Class of 2027
Military service: U.S. Navy, E-6, 9 years
Current role: Director of Programs
What inspired you to serve in the military, and how did that decision shape who you are today?
I read a book called Lone Survivor, and it changed the trajectory of my life. Before reading it, I had no clear sense of direction or purpose. I knew I wanted to do something challenging and extraordinary—something few people were willing or able to accomplish—but I had no idea what that might be. At the time, I didn’t even know what a Navy SEAL was. That quickly changed as I became consumed by the possibility of becoming one. Until that point, I rarely challenged myself and when things got difficult, I often quit. Over time, that pattern left me with a deep sense of shame and low self-esteem. I didn’t believe in myself because I had never given myself much reason to. Pursuing the SEAL Teams changed that. I began to understand that achieving something extraordinary wasn’t simply a matter of wanting it badly enough. It required being willing to sacrifice for it. Sleep and comfort were among the first things I gave up. What followed was the gradual development of a refusal to quit, forged through one painful moment after another. Perhaps the most important lesson I learned was that quitting is a decision, and it’s one I have control over. I also discovered that the limits we place on ourselves are often assumptions rather than realities. None of us truly knows what we’re capable of until we’re willing to push beyond what we once believed was possible. That journey didn’t just teach me how to endure hardship. It fundamentally changed what I believed about myself.
What is one lesson or value from your military service that continues to guide you in your personal or professional life?
Fail forward (resilience). I’ve failed many times and made plenty of mistakes along the way. In the SEAL Teams, we conducted a particular type of training called close-quarters combat (CQC), where we moved through house-like structures with loaded weapons, explosives, and heavy breaching equipment while confronting a dynamic enemy force that could barricade itself and block avenues of approach. Safety and situational awareness are critical in any high-risk training environment, but especially in CQC. A single mistake in one room can quickly become a series of mistakes if you allow yourself to dwell on it. Fixating on what went wrong compromises your focus, judgment, and performance in the next room and every situation that follows. Life is no different. Mistakes are inevitable, and failure is part of growth. What matters is how you respond. Acknowledge the mistake, take responsibility, learn what you need to learn, and make the decision to move forward. Don’t allow yesterday’s mistakes to compromise today’s opportunities. Learn from the past, but don’t get stuck in it.
Is there a particular person, experience, or moment from your military service that stands out when you reflect on that time?
Jumping from the ramp of a CV-22 Osprey at 15,000 feet and doing a backflip in full parachute gear is an experience I’ll never forget, along with getting hypothermia during a “rewarming” drill in Alaska.
How has your connection to Goizueta influenced your personal or professional journey?
We have exceptional instructors who are true experts in their respective fields. The knowledge I’ve gained so far in strategy and marketing will, I believe, allow me to bring even greater value to my organization. Working in the nonprofit sector, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful storytelling can be in fundraising. The ability to connect donor contributions to meaningful program outcomes, both quantitatively and qualitatively, is essential to demonstrating impact and building lasting relationships. Ultimately, it ensures that the needs and experiences of both donors and the individuals we serve remain at the center of our funding efforts.
A Community of Service and Leadership
The stories shared by these veterans underscore that military service is not a single experience, nor does its influence end when a uniform is set aside. From guiding teams through uncertainty to finding new ways to serve classmates, colleagues, and communities, their reflections show how lessons learned in service continue to carry forward.
At Goizueta, we are grateful for the veterans and military-connected members of our community and for the perspectives they bring to learning and leadership. On Veterans Day—and throughout the year—we honor their service, recognize the people who have supported them, and celebrate the contributions they continue to make.
Learn how Goizueta’s Master of Business for Veterans program helps military veterans build on their leadership experience, expand their business expertise, and prepare for the next chapter of their careers.
Veterans bring invaluable perspectives, leadership experience, and a commitment to service to classrooms across Goizueta. Explore Goizueta’s degree programs and discover a community where diverse experiences strengthen learning and leadership.
