Three-Star General to Deliver Commencement Address

In less than a month, the Class of 2021 will walk across the Commencement stage and begin the next chapter of their Path to Manhood. To help mark this milestone, the Senior Class, in consultation with the Headmaster, has selected retired Air Force Lieutenant General (LTG) Steven Shepro to deliver the Commencement Address. 

“As a class, one of the main themes of our senior year is how we have dealt with so many unexpected challenges,” said Class President Aayan Khasgiwala ’21. “LTG Shepro has faced and overcome numerous challenges in his military career, and we believe he will deliver a strong, personal message about perseverance.”

LTG Shepro is a distinguished graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and currently serves as Vice President for Strike, Surveillance, and Mobility Programs at Boeing, and is a fellow at SMU’s Tower Center for Public Policy and International Affairs. He is an Olmstead Scholar, fluent in six languages, and holds master’s degrees in International Affairs and National Security from the Université de Strasbourg in France and the National War College, respectively. An experienced pilot, LTG Shepro logged more than 3,000 hours in fighters, helicopters, and tactical airlifts, including over 600 combat hours in numerous operations, including Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. From 2008–2010, he was appointed Commander of Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, which serves as the home base for Air Force One. From 2014–2016, as a Vice Director at the Joint Cheifs of Staff, LTG Shepro was a key contributor to national military strategy, working with both the White House and Congress. Before retiring from the Air Force as a three-star general in 2019, he served as the 21st Deputy Chairman of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Military Committee in Brussels.

“We know that LTG Shepro understands that the ideas of brotherhood and manhood are integral to our School’s mission,” said Sai Thirunagari ’21, Class Secretary. “His knowledge of various languages, career serving our country, and decorated leadership exemplify the values of Courage and Honor that the Class of 2021 seeks in a role model.”

LTG Shepro is the father of Jack Shepro ’27, but his connection to this year’s seniors goes back to 1984 when he graduated from the Air Force Academy with Kim Shultz, mother of Class Vice President Sam Morgan ’21.

“I first met General Shepro at a USAFA alumni event the beginning of my junior year,” Sam said. “His grace and aura of leadership inspired me to apply to the Air Force and Naval academies this year.”

LTG Shepro will deliver the Commencement Address on Friday, May 28, 2021. The event will be livestreamed, and a link will be posted on the End-of-Year Calendar page prior to May 28.