Ann Gildroy Fox '94

Soon after graduating from Georgetown University, Ann joined the U.S. Marines. She is among the few, the proud, who have fought in Iraq, representing the country as well as the values instilled at Groton. "Cui servire est regnare was not simply a school motto for me," she said. "It became an underpinning of the way I tried to measure the value of my life. Groton teaches us the importance of service, and through that service, the ability to create value for yourself and your community."

At Groton, the young woman who would go on to serve her country was already tuned into the impact one individual could have on a group. "Living in a community where you interact constantly with the same group of people forces you to challenge your preconceived notions and beliefs," she said. "The community at Groton makes each student aware of his part in it, and therefore his contribution to it. Groton completely transformed the way I thought. It opened my mind and encouraged me to listen first and not to make hasty judgments."

That open mind and patient outlook helped Ann through her years in the Marines, including three tours of duty in Iraq. After completing her military service and two of those tours, she enrolled in Harvard Business School, and upon graduation decided to volunteer for a third trip to Iraq—a pre-private sector act of patriotism. Today, Ann focuses her energy on oil-related investments for SCF Partners, a private equity firm in Houston.

Ann said Groton provided a moral compass that has guided her, and continues to. "All Groton alums after Prize Day will find that life does have curves," she warned. "Groton gives you a lot of skills to navigate the choices you must make in life, and the experience there reminds you to be ever mindful of the needs of others. I take a great deal of pride in my association with Groton. Next to going to war it is one of the most shaping experiences of my life."

(Photo of Ann Gildroy Fox by Lucian Read)