Last week the White House awarded Sergeant Major Thomas Payne, an instructor assigned to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroic actions at Hawija, Iraq. On September 15, Won Palisoul, ’16SPS, Nonprofit Management, arranged for veterans groups across the university to meet Sergeant Major Payne and celebrate the accomplishment in an interactive virtual event.
In partnership with the Columbia SIPA Veterans Association (CSVA), Milvets Club, and student veterans of the Columbia Business School, Palisoul brought together a lively discussion and acknowledgement of Payne’s achievements and contributions to the U.S. Army. Dr. Stephen Biddle, Professor of International and Public Affairs and a member of the Arnold A. Saltzman Institute of War and Peace Studies at SIPA, hosted the event. Human Capital Management Academic Director Dr. Steve Safier gave the closing remarks.
Won Palisoul herself has made significant contributions to the veteran community. She played a crucial role in increasing veterans’ access to financial education and training through her work with the CFA Society of New York and Women Veterans on Wall Street and founded the Women Veterans and Families Network. Palisoul is Associate Director at UBS and lectures in the Nonprofit Management and Human Capital Management programs. Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces play an integral part in the student life, academic endeavors, and intellectual accomplishments of the School and the University. Learn more about veterans resources for students at SPS.
