It was a shared love of chemistry that brought Austin Hronek and Harvey Schiller together in The Citadel Veterans Mentor Program, a new program created by Jim Whetstone, a 1960 alumnus who wanted to match veteran students with successful community and national leaders.
Hronek is a veteran student majoring in chemistry and molecular biology. He is also a husband and
a father who plans to pursue a career as a forensic scientist. Last summer he had an internship with the Charleston Police Department in its Forensic Services Division, where he got hands-on experience with the methods used in criminal investigations.
In the spring semester, he was paired with Schiller. A 1960 graduate, Schiller holds a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Michigan. In the Air Force, Schiller was a fighter pilot before heading the chemistry department at the U.S. Air Force Academy. He retired as a brigadier general after 25 years in the military and went on to have an illustrious career in the world of sports, serving as president of Turner Sports, commissioner of the Southeastern Conference, CEO of YankeeNets and executive director of the U.S. Olympic Committee.
“I was very impressed with his history,” said Hronek, whose first meeting with the sports mogul took place at a restaurant overlooking Charleston harbor. “He has an extensive biography on Wikipedia, and he’s had a very interesting life. I was walking to my chemistry class in Byrd Hall, and I noticed his name on a plaque.”
Schiller’s advice to Hronek, and to any young student, is spot on in today’s fluid job market. “I would tell anyone to make sure you understand that you’re entering into a diverse world and make sure you understand what the new world looks like, especially here in the United States,” said Schiller. “On top of that, it helps you to think about change, and change will be major part of your life where it wasn’t for your predecessors in the same way.”