On November 10, the Belmont Hill community welcomed alumnus and Navy Veteran Ian Connor ‘10 back to campus to give a Veteran’s Day address in the Chapel. Mr. Connor had an illustrious career at Belmont Hill, Brown, and in the Navy. At Belmont Hill, he was a captain of the Varsity Crew team, where he won NEIRAs three times and the National Championship in his senior year. After Belmont Hill, Mr. Connor studied economics at Brown and rowed for four years. Having graduated from Brown, he then graduated from Officer Candidate School in Newport, and then successfully completed SEAL training. Mr. Connor spent five years in Seal Team 10, serving as a SEAL Squad Commander, Current Operations Officer, and Fire Support Officer. He deployed to Africa to assist Operation Enduring Freedom and Special Operations Command – Africa. In 2022, Mr. Connor retired from the Navy and lives in Chicago with his wife.
Mr. Connor focused on two central themes in his speech – gratitude and integrity. Belmont Hill’s opportunities come at a cost – a cost that is difficult for many to cover, making that exceptional Belmont Hill experience something to be proud of and cherished. “I say proudly, with a deep sense of gratitude, that I’m proud of the school and its mission, to develop young men of character in mind, body, and spirit. I’m forever grateful for the exceptional faculty and staff that give so much of their lives to make this place all that it is.” Another part of Belmont Hill’s and Mr. Connor’s identity is military service, with dozens of graduates going on to serve our country. Out of those, 15 made the ultimate sacrifice to safeguard American values and interests. Mr. Connor also spoke on gratitude to those who have served our country. “Veterans Day is an opportunity to honor them, and it is a day to express our gratitude for all of those who have served through the course of our nation’s history.”
To Mr. Connor, integrity and having strong character are two of the most important values to leading a successful and honorable life. “It is your character, your integrity, your virtues alone, that will guide you through the fog…When the day comes that your character is truly tested, and it will be, stand tall, be bold, and never give an inch.” Integrity whether in academics, athletics, and even in friendships is crucial to the success and enjoyment of each of these endeavors. The Panel thanks Ian Connor for his Veteran’s Day address and his service to the United States.
