On Friday, November 7, 2025, The Hill School honored Brigadier General Thomas Gorry ’80, a 32-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and Executive Director of the Veterans Life Center, as the second recipient of the Whatsoever Things Are True Award, the highest honor the School bestows upon an alumnus. View additional photos below and a video of the presentation and remarks here.

Head of School Kathleen Devaney welcomed General Gorry and his wife, Kim, noting that the award, named after the School’s motto, “reflects the values of honor, service, and leadership that were cultivated during their time as students and were carried forth into their lives beyond Hill.” 

Ms. Devaney then introduced Wallace Gundy ’04, president of the Alumni Association, who shared why General Gorry was chosen to receive this award: “General Gorry’s life has been a living reflection of Whatsoever Things Are True. In every role he has had, he has led with integrity, courage, and his steadfast devotion to service.”  

Presentation and Acceptance of the Award 

Ms. Gundy and Rick Bragdon ’70, vice president of the Alumni Association Executive Committee, then presented General Gorry with his award: a stunning gold medal inscribed with The Hill School shield, the School’s motto, and the words “Loyalty, Leadership, Service, Friendship.

General Gorry reflected on the meaning of the School’s motto, which is derived from St. Paul's letter to the Philippians. “This motto not only reflects the School’s highest ideal, which is truth in the classroom, but also truth between teacher and student and truth between student and peers.” 

General Gorry, who was raised on a boarding school campus in Connecticut, acknowledged the impact a Hill education had on him, noting “The Hill exceeded all my expectations. It formed me into a scholar, athlete, and man of character.” 

He named several teachers and coaches who served as role models during his time at Hill, including Charles Watson, Richard O’Shaughnessy ’P’73’76’80 GP’05’10’13, Gordon McAlpin ’67, who was present for the ceremony,  and Thomas Ruth, stating, “These men had a profound impact on me as a young man as I tried to find my way in life.” 

While at Hill, General Gorry fell in love with the “demanding sport of wrestling.” He continued his pursuit of wrestling at the University of North Carolina, where he was a walk on and letter recipient.  

“My wrestling career had some disappointments, but the life lessons I learned from competing at the collegiate level far surpass these temporary setbacks. I gained the personal qualities of hard work, commitment, determination, motivation, mental toughness, teamwork, and leadership. Most importantly, I learned how to win and to lose with dignity.”

A Life-Long Learner Lives a Life of Service to Others 

After graduating from UNC, General Gorry challenged himself to the demanding 10-week officer-candidate course at the Marine Corps base in Quantico, Va. After completing officer training, he embarked on a 32-year journey with his family, which took them all over the world. 

A self-described life-long learner, General Gorry held leadership positions at the Marine Corp University and National Defense University. He ended his military career at the rank of Brigadier General and earned a doctorate degree in management from Walden University.  

“The Hill School instilled in me the value of education. So, with each promotion and new assignment I pursued an advanced degree commensurate with my rank and level of responsibility.” 

Unfortunately, due to medical setbacks, his military career ended abruptly. However, that didn’t stop General Gorry from living a life of service. “I retired with dignity, and I turned my attention to veterans who are less fortunate than myself.” 

He used his education and experience to open a 150-bed veteran assistance center in North Carolina. He now serves as the Executive Director of the Veterans Life Center, where he continues to serve his country and fellow veterans. “I joined and served in an organization founded on the same qualities and character traits that I learned in the formative years at The Hill School, and that matured at UNC, and have become an integral part of my life.” 

“I fully realize that my life journey would not be the same without my Hill School experience which taught me the importance of thinking about what is true and pursuing excellence in all things especially the things that are truly most important - my faith, my family, and my friends.” 

General Gorry gave a special shout-out to his 1980 classmates, some of whom were in attendance, and thanked them for their loyalty, friendship, and support over the last 45 years. He also thanked the Alumni Association and Hill's faculty and staff for “remaining true to the excellent standards of this wonderful institution. I am truly humbled and honored to receive this award and grateful for my Hill School experience.”  

In closing, General Gorry shared the following inspirational quote:  

Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny. 

“This short poem has many truths that are essential to developing character and in the end that is all that really matters,” he remarked. “I wish all the students the very best this academic year, and I really hope my remarks can benefit you as you think about your future.”