CIR News
CJCS Admiral Mike Mullen Visits CIR
12 Jun 2010 | posted by Center for Innovation and Research | in CIR News Archive, Past Events
President Steven Sample, Admiral Mike Mullen, Deborah Mullen, Dean Marilyn Flynn, CIR Director Anthony Hassan, and ICT Executive Director Randall Hill
On June 11, 2010, CIR received an unprecedented visit from a very distinguished guest – Admiral Mike Mullen, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Mullen accepted an invitation from CIR and the School of Social Work to come and learn more about the Military Social Work program, and the innovative military-focused research being spearheaded through CIR and the School.
Mullen, who was accompanied by his wife Deborah, arrived at the School of Social Work, and was greeted by both President Steven Sample and Dean Marilyn Flynn as he entered the Montgomery Ross Fisher building for a special luncheon held in his honor. During the luncheon, Mullen jokingly expressed appreciation over having a chance to actually eat, as his full schedule usually keeps him from enjoying meals. Mullen then shared his vision for helping military veterans with the group of invited guests, which included Social Work faculty and staff, USC students, members of the community, and military personnel.
Admiral Mike Mullen addresses the audience at the Town Hall meeting
After the luncheon, Mullen and his wife watched a demonstration of the Virtual Patient, an advanced virtual reality simulation developed by the Institute for Creative Technologies (ICT) in partnership with CIR. Mullen and his team then set off across campus, for a Town Hall meeting held at USC’s Town and Gown. At the Town Hall, Mullen addressed an audience of over 450 students, faculty, staff and community members, some of whom had driven in from other states to hear Mullen speak. Mullen shared his views about the current state of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as his personal vision for service members returning home. Both Mullen and his wife also took questions from the crowd, and addressed them at length.
For more information about the Town Hall event, please see: Admiral Mullen Discusses Challenges Facing Military Families
To watch a video of the Town Hall, please see: Town Hall Meeting with Admiral Mike Mullen (CJCS)