Hungiville Takes the Helm

By Valerie Krinke '22
December 7, 2020

This year has brought many new beginnings and unknowns for everyone. This year, Lieutenant Colonel Greg Hungiville began his first year teaching during a pandemic. 

After 25 years in the military, LTC Hungiville was given an opportunity to teach here at Cretin-Derham Hall. He had always wanted to get into teaching, no matter the grade level. 

“It was a good fit,” he said, referring to the JROTC program, but also the CDH community as a whole. 

CDH reminds him of the Catholic high school he graduated from. The tight-knit community, tradition, and religious foundation have made him feel welcome, and he says it is obvious the teachers truly care about the students. 

The first year of teaching can come with many ups and downs, especially in the midst of a pandemic. For LTC Hungiville, mask-wearing has made it harder to learn the names of students. 

“It has also made me focus a lot harder on hearing what students are talking about and understanding them,” he said. “My favorite thing is I get to mentor young adults and teach them leadership.” 

The mission of JROTC is to motivate young people to become better citizens, and LTC Hungiville is doing exactly that. 

His positive attitude through this uneasy year has impressed SGM Dave Berrisford ‘81, JROTC instructor. 

While many JROTC traditions have looked different this year, LTC Hungiville enjoyed his first Diamond Promotions ceremony. 

“Everybody has a vested interest in putting the right cadet into leadership roles,” he said. “It’s obvious people care about the future leadership of the school.” 

Leadership is very important to LTC Hungiville, who is particularly interested in growing girls’ leadership in the JROTC program. 

“That’s what I’m really excited, the women’s leadership initiative, bringing more women into the program,” Hungiville said. “That’s my number one focus.” 

Over the past few years, many more female cadets have joined the Corps, and are active in many diverse parts of JROTC.

He developed his own leadership skills through his decades in the military. His career started in the Marine Corps, then he moved to the Army. His most recent deployment was to the Middle East, and he retired last year. He has been deployed to many different places, including Africa, South America, and the Middle East. 

“I’ve always had an interest in the military, I like the structure. I like the discipline,” Hungiville said.

Because he has been recently deployed rather than retired and teaching for years, he may bring a unique set of skills. 

“It will give him a level of patience that he may not otherwise have,” said Berrisford. 

Especially this year, patience and positivity are key to success in teaching. 

With Hungiville at the helm, CDH’s JROTC program is sure to continue its long history of excellence.

Valerie Krinke '22 is a Communications Apprentice. She is also involved in JROTC, Swim Team, service activities, and Drill Team. "I love the CDH community," she said. "There are many diverse parts of the community whether it is sports, music, or service; there is truly something for everyone."