Ambassador John Rakolta Jr. ’65, Businessman — Leader — Diplomat
“The Warrior Mentality”
During Thanksgiving week, we proudly welcomed Ambassador John Rakolta Jr. ’65 for a special program in the Center for Learning and Achievement. The engaging program highlighted Ambassador Rakolta’s extraordinary journey as a leader, diplomat, and man of faith.
Sponsored by the Mike Neus ’80 Institute for Character and Citizenship, this personal exchange between students and the ambassador led to a deeply engaging and inspiring confluence of thought centered on what truly defines a life of meaning and purpose. As former United States Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and longtime Chairman of Walbridge – one of the largest construction companies in the country – Ambassador Rakolta shared stories from his time at Brother Rice as a student, at Walbridge as a business leader, in the White House as an advisor to the President, and in the Middle East as a diplomat.
Ambassador Rakolta offered students, faculty, administrators, and alumni a compelling view of how the Warrior Mentality of “physical fitness, mental capacity, spiritual awareness” formed a guidepost that grounded him in purpose at each defining moment of his life. In a special bond and of particular meaning with students gathered, he recalled a transformative event that changed his life – his “retreat experience” at Manresa in 1964. Ambassador Rakolta reminded students of the importance of cultivating a relationship with God and keeping that relationship at the core of their personal and professional lives.
During the question-and-answer portion of the program, Ambassador Rakolta recounted times when he learned from mistakes and encouraged the students to meet challenges head on, even when they perceive the challenge to be unfair. He encouraged today’s leaders to engage in “intellectual tension” with others in order to respect and learn from those with diverse experiences.
The morning concluded with a reception in the Tim Manganello ’68 Institute for Leadership. Members of the Brother Rice Board of Directors expressed gratitude to Ambassador Rakolta for his inspiring words and setting an example of what it means to live a spiritual life grounded in the excellence and faith.
Through these meaningful interactions with distinguished alumni, our students gain invaluable knowledge, broaden their perspectives, and are inspired to envision their own paths toward personal success.