Retired General Martin Dempsey, the 18th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is set to join University President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., for a fireside chat on Friday, October 10, at 4 p.m. as part of the 2025-26 Notre Dame Forum.
The discussion, titled “Hope, Global Stability and the Role of the United States,” will delve into this year’s Notre Dame Forum theme, “Cultivating Hope.” This engaging event is scheduled to take place in Rooms 215/216 of McKenna Hall and will be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person. It is free and open to the public.
Dempsey aims to address complex foreign policy, economic, and security challenges facing the United States and the global community. Drawing on his wealth of experience as a senior military leader and an esteemed author and professor of leadership, he will offer insights on opportunities for creating a more just and peaceful world.
During the discussion, Dempsey will explore how the U.S. can foster hope while building trusting relationships to navigate the formidable challenges of today’s world.
Dempsey’s impressive resume includes serving as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from October 2011 until his retirement in September 2015. Before assuming this pivotal role, he was the 37th chief of staff of the U.S. Army.
A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1974, Dempsey’s military career has taken him around the world, encompassing roles during both war and peace. His journey began as a company-grade officer in Europe, and he has also spent significant time in academia, earning a master’s degree in English from Duke University. Additionally, he served three years as an assistant professor of English at West Point, gaining accolades for his ability to communicate clearly and think critically, qualities he attributes to his time in education.
Before taking on the role of Army chief of staff, Dempsey served in various critical positions, including deputy commander and then acting commander of U.S. Central Command, as well as leading the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command.
His numerous accolades include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Distinguished Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Bronze Star with “V” device and Oak Leaf Cluster. In 2016, he was honored with the title of honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Furthermore, he is a proud member of the Irish America Hall of Fame, honoring his heritage as the grandson of four Irish immigrants.
Dempsey holds a master’s degree in English along with master’s degrees in military art and national security studies.
Following his illustrious 41-year military career, he has transitioned to academia, currently teaching leadership at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. Additionally, he consults for the National Basketball Association on leader development and social responsibility, showcasing his commitment to leadership beyond the military sphere.
Since 2016, he has chaired the board of directors of USA Basketball, overseeing national activities related to international basketball competitions for both men and women.
He is also the co-author of the bestselling leadership book “Radical Inclusion: What the Post-9/11 World Should Have Taught Us About Leadership” and the author of “No Time For Spectators: The Lessons that Mattered Most from West Point to the West Wing.”
In recognition of his distinguished service, he received an honorary degree and delivered the principal commencement address at Notre Dame in 2016. During his address, he was recognized for his steadfast leadership during turbulent times and for his commitment to honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice, embodying the ethos of making every moment matter.
In his personal life, Dempsey has been married to his high school sweetheart, Deanie, for 49 years. Together, they have three children, all of whom served in the Army, and they are proud grandparents to nine grandchildren.
image source from：news
