By Analyse Jester, Gaylord College Journalism Student, Class of 2025
Celebrating Veterans Day, Gaylord College is honoring alumni Gen. John Admire. Admire graduated from OU in 1964 with a bachelor’s degree in public relations with a master’s degree in journalism. After graduating, Admire was drafted into the Marines where he served during three wars and five combat tours.
“The draft ruined virtually every plan I’d had at that point in my life. It was, however, a blessing in disguise. I joined the Marine Corps and had experiences, good and bad, that I would never have had otherwise,” Admire said.
Admire served in the Marines Corps for 43 years, 33 of those years were spent on active duty and the last ten years as a mentor to a unified command.
“The opportunity to serve my country, to travel, and to meet diverse peoples around the world was the opportunity of a lifetime and an incredible education,” Admire said.
Studying public relations at Gaylord, formerly the H.H. Herbert School of Journalism and Mass Communications, Admire hoped for a career path as a sportswriter. Classmates and professors inspired him to value his communication skills; through that he learned a myriad of important lessons throughout his time at Gaylord College, Admire’s grateful for the community within the walls of our esteemed university.
“Initially, I often asked myself what the practical utility of a journalism degree was for an Infantry Marine. But I learned the abilities to communicate were critical, meaningful, and useful skills in any and every career,” Admire said.
Being drafted caused Admire to completely change courses within his career, albeit he is still grateful for all of his experiences. Learning many lessons throughout college and the military, his best advice is to seek the truth.
“Be true to yourself as a writer and be true to the truth of your story,” Admire said. “Think it through and write it true.”
Thankful for the opportunity to serve his country, Admire learned to appreciate the opportunities that came with being an American citizen. Now retired, Admire spends his time with his daughter, Katelyn.
“I’ve had many titles from Military Academy President to Marine Corps General, but there is no sweeter sound, no greater title, than “Dad.” Admire said.
