From serving as counsel to the US Senate’s Committee on Veterans’ Affairs to recently sharing stories of Vietnam War veterans through his photography, Jack Wickes (B.A. ’69, Government) has led an incredibly fruitful life, exemplifying what it means to be an alumnus of the IU College of Arts and Sciences.
Below, Wickes shares his insights on his time at Indiana University and the years after.
Reflecting on your time at Indiana University, how did specific experiences shape your career aspirations or personal trajectory?
In May 1968, many Black students at Indiana University “sat-in” at the Little 500 bicycle track on the weekend of that race, protesting Indiana University’s fraternity’s system’s heritage of racial exclusiveness. I was the president of the Interfraternity Council and significantly involved in the negotiations and discussions that led to a resolution of the sit-in and the beginning of efforts to address the fraternity system’s heritage of racial exclusiveness.
The experience awakened me to the previously unseen barriers faced by many other fellow students, developed in me a greater understanding of the need to improve and constantly work at “listening skills,” caused me to realize the importance of respecting others’ positions, and made me cognizant of just how important empathy is.
What surprised you about Indiana University?
I have been surprised how attached to Indiana University I became in my undergraduate years and how strong that feeling has remained.
What pivotal moments or milestones shaped your life after graduating?
Immediately upon graduating from Indiana University in 1969, I was drafted into the U.S. Army. I served one year with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam in 1970-1. I was married in 1973 to the former Julia Zollman (Class of ’71) from Bedford, Indiana. We celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary last year.
I am the father to three daughters: Katie (IU Class of 1998), Maggie, and Anna. I served as counsel to the US Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and was primarily involved with veteran readjustment issues from 1975 until 1979. In 1988, I was the democratic nominee for US Senate.
I practiced law in the private sector for close to 35 years, primarily with the law firm of Lewis Kappes.
What challenges have you faced?
Service in the US Army and in Vietnam and readjustment thereafter were challenges that left an imprint if not a scar and helped form my strong belief as to how significantly war affects society.
Running for political office is challenging, especially as an under-funded underdog. An under-funded effort, whether in business or politics is especially challenging because there is so much less margin for error. Coming up short in any such business or political undertaking is not the measure of the person; it is where you go from there.
If you could give one piece of advice to recent graduates, what would it be?
Hone your ability to express yourself both verbally and in writing. Yet as important as those skills are, really work to develop your listening skills. Your verbal and writing efforts will never be clearer than your thinking, and your thinking can be significantly aided by your ability to listen, your ability to hear.
Forest Wallace is a senior at Indiana University working towards a bachelor of science in public affairs, double-majoring in nonprofit management and leadership and law and public policy. He currently works as a development scholar intern for the College of Art and Sciences' Office of Advancement.
