GGU and the Military
A storied past.
Originally founded as a night school by the YMCA, Golden Gate University has a rich tradition of serving military veterans. This connection began in earnest in the early 1900s, when returning World War I veterans enrolled in the University’s law programs.
For more than 100 years, non-profit Golden Gate University has been helping military students achieve their professional goals.
Golden Gate University’s rich history and experience with adult learning make it a natural fit for veterans and members of the military. GGU’s modern history with the military began following an invitation to offer degree programs on Hamilton Air Force Base in Marin County, California in 1967. This program fit the needs of the military so well that, within a year, it had spread to three bases and ultimately included nearly three dozen teaching facilities and 36,000 enrollments on military bases across the United States.
The program was highly revered by students and commanders alike and offered classes designed for military schedules and motivations. Graduates of GGU programs eventually included admirals and astronauts, with students across all service branches.
Otto Butz and Colonel Fred Hech Mather AFB
GGU’s Military Base Program enrolled 36,000 students
At nearly three dozen installations nationwide.
During our virtual center launch events in March of 2021, we had the honor of hosting a discussion with the late Richard Rosenberg, Phyllis Cook, and David Fike to discuss the vision for the Diller Center at GGU.
The Helen Diller Center for Veterans of U.S. Military Service at Golden Gate University was launched in 2020 with a generous $2M grant from The Helen Diller Family Foundation. This pioneering initiative takes a comprehensive approach to supporting military-connected students by fostering academic, social, and career achievements for military veterans, active-duty service members and their families.
The center was established in honor of distinguished GGU alum, retired chairman and CEO of Bank of America, and former commander in the US Naval Reserve, Richard Rosenberg — MBA '63, JD '66, LLD '88. We take this opportunity to recognize and applaud his lifetime accomplishments and express deep gratitude for his invaluable support in furthering the mission of Golden Gate University
“Today, GGU’s military community is as vibrant as ever and we look forward to bright future.”
Notable Alumni
Golden Gate University boasts an exceptionally distinguished group of graduates. Four astronauts are among their ranks, along with multiple generals, including General John Jumper, the former Air Force Chief of Staff and General John Campbell, who served as the Army Vice Chief of Staff and commander of forces in Afghanistan.
MacDill Air Force Base Florida Instructor Ralph Haben Jr.
Otto Butz and Admiral Isaak Kidd Norfolk Naval Base
Monterey Campus Military Program | Otto Butz with Dean of Military Programs Ron Lee
Mike Koperski, Director, Business Services and Facilities and Alumni of GGU
Otto Butz Norfolk Naval Base GGU Graduation 1975
Norfolk Naval Base GGU Graduating Class 1979-80
Otto Butz Norfolk Naval Base 1979
Monterey Campus Military Program | Otto Butz with Dean Dan Wallis
Astronaut Tom Hendricks, Connections Magazine, Summer 1992
Otto Butz and Admiral Isaak Kidd 1976
Mather Air Force Base 1972
Pres Butz and Colonel Fred Hech
Otto Butz Mathers Air Force Base Commencement Sacremento
Otto Butz Norfolk Naval Base Graduation
Astronaut Tom Hendricks, Connections Magazine, Summer 1992
GGU Professor Bill Hermann with his B-17 crew | GGU Magazine, Spring 2015
Richard "Dick" Rosenberg, Navy Veteran, MBA '63, JD '66, LLD '88
Veteran Alumni Stories
To learn more about the history and mission of Golden Gate University, click HERE.
Dr. Roger Kemp, Adjunct Professor in the Ageno School of Business at Golden Gate University, shares how he used his GI Bill®️ to open up opportunities in public administration and beyond.