Morning Assembly Welcomes the 2019 Distinguished Military Alumnus
Colonel Robert L. Friedrich ’59, USA
“Everybody brings something to the game.”

Colonel Robert L. Friedrich ’59, Jesuit’s 2019 Distinguished Military Alumnus

Watch the Video of Col. Friedrich’s Game Day Address

On Rivalry Game Day, Friday morning, Oct. 4, 2019, students heard from Jesuit’s 2019 Distinguished Military Alumnus, Colonel Robert L. Friedrich ’59, USA. A Blue Jay alumnus whose military service earned him numerous commendations (including the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross, three Bronze Stars for Valor, six Air Medals, and two Purple Hearts), Col. Friedrich moved the spotlight away from himself and his incredible accomplishments and focused it on Jesuit and the potential of today’s students. 

View the Photo Gallery from Morning Assembly

The humble Distinguished Military Alumnus opened his address by explaining how he was unaware, 60 years ago, that his life would be guided by the subliminal knowledge he gained at Jesuit. Col. Friedrich showed students a sketch titled, “What have YOU done for the soldier today?” The sketch was made personally for him.

“What have you done…for your peers, your friends?” he added, pointing to the different elements of the sketch. “The next thing [the sketch] showed was personal worth. Everybody brings something to the game. Everyone. We are all valuable, and we should all be looked at that way.” In closing, he presented a copy of the sketch to Jesuit president Fr. Christopher Fronk, S.J, and saluted the student body!

Shortly after retiring, Col. Friedrich returned to the New Orleans area and purchased Crescent Belt Manufacturers, which produces high-quality belts from fifteen different leathers from sustainable, non-endangered sources. He also supports veterans through the Wounded Warrior Project and supports soldiers serving overseas and their families. He and his wife, whose six brothers are Jesuit alumni, have four children and four grandchildren. Read his full bio.

RIVALRY LINKS…

• Gameday Tickets – Rivalry Shirts are sold out of all sizes.
• Gameday Festivities – Tailgate, Parade, Schedule of Events
• Alumni Honorees – Distinguished Military Alumnus & Legends of the Game
• Student Honorees – Scholar Athlete & Community Service Award
• Quarterback Club
• Fun Facts About the Historic Rivalry (NEW!)
• Student Photos throughout Rivalry Week