General Joseph P. Hoar, United States Marine Corps (retired), a Boston native, graduated from Tufts in 1956 before pursuing a distinguished 37-year career in the United States military.
Hoar's impressive career includes enforcing the no-fly zone in Iraq and overseeing peacekeeping and humanitarian operations in Kenya and Somalia.
He served as commander in chief of U.S. Central Command from 1991 to 1994.
During that time, he was in charge of planning and operational responsibilities for 19 countries in the Middle East, South Asia and Africa.
He has been the subject of interviews in the New York Times and the Executive Intelligence Review regarding his warnings for caution with the current war in Iraq, as well as testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Hoar joined the Marines in 1957.
In 1984, he was promoted to brigadier general. On Aug. 9, 1991, Hoar first assumed the position of general.
Hoar has a masters degree from George Washington University and is also a graduate of the Marine Corps Command and Staff College and the National War College.
Hoar has received the Distinguished Service Medal, the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" and gold star, and the Meritorious Service Medal with gold star. He retired in 1994.
Hoar will be receiving an honorary doctorate of public service.
