Going back to school 50 years later: The story of a man who

never gave up on his dream

At 64, James Gorden returned to
Miami University to finish his degree in
the Farmer School of Business after
being drafted into service and serving
in Vietnam as a Marine.
By Kara Nowakowski, Strategic Communications
Representative for the Office of University James in uniform during his time serving as a marine(left) and last
Communications & Marketing at Miami University year (right). Photos by Brian Jackson and James Arthur.

James Gorden was enrolled at Miami University in the 70’s when he was drafted into service,
forcing him to put his studies on hold.
His life drastically changed in the years to follow as he served in the U.S. Military in Vietnam as a
Marine.
“During my time there, I would continue to tell myself that things could always be worse and that I
would make it. There was too much that I still wanted to do. This is what got me through those
endless days and nights where I feared for my life and those around me.”
James’s mental health was significantly impacted from the involvement in warfare, making the
transition back to his regular life quite difficult.
A few months after his return, he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder as well as
depression. Many veterans suffer from mental illness after having served due to the stress and
trauma that they endured.
Although, he hasn’t let these conditions stop him from pursing his dreams.
“The day I left Miami I made it my goal to come back someday and finish what I started,” James
said.
Thankfully, James has a strong family base that has helped him through the darkest of times and
motivated him to never give up.
As his mental health improved, he worked towards finding a way in which he could finally earn his
degree.
Returning to Vietnam: An experience like no other
It is a common tradition for Vietnam Veterans to make return trips to Vietnam to revisit the places
they were stationed and meet locals in order to find a sense of peace in their traumatic experiences
from war.
Last month, James and his son Matthew made a 25-day long trip to Vietnam. While there, James
was able to find the closure he has been searching for while gaining a whole new perspective.
James and Matthew were among eight other Vietnam veterans visiting the battlefields where they
once fought many years ago as part of a program through the Vietnam War Foundation.
During his time serving as a Marine, James unfortunately lost his best friend in battle, making the
trip back that much more meaningful.

“I was afraid at first. I feared that all the

memories I tried to push away would come
right back. But what I felt was nothing like
that, I was deeply touched by all I saw and
everyone I met along the way,” James said.
Upon their arrival home, members of the
Oxford and Miami communities stood in the
terminal to celebrate James’s return with
posters and flags in hand.
James’s return from Vietnam with members of the Oxford and
Miami Communities surrounding in celebration. Photo by Sarah
Gorden.

Tears streamed down his face as he saw the many familiar faces standing in support of him.
“It was a feeling like no other. I couldn’t be more thankful for the love that the Miami community
showed that day. I am blessed to have such an amazing support system,” James said.
Unfortunately, this was an experience that many returning soldiers in the 1960’s and 1970’s,
including James himself, never had, due to the numerous individuals who opposed American
involvement in the Vietnam war.
Earning his degree: James’s return to Miami after
50 years
James was a sophomore and straight A student
here at Miami University when his studies were put
on pause after being drafted.
Recently, James connected with the Wounded
Warrior Project where he learned about a unique
program run through Miami’s Center for Veteran
Services that would allow him to enroll and finish
his degree.
“This was the opportunity of a lifetime for me and
there was no way I could pass it up,” James said. James’s friend Tim showing him love at the terminal upon their
arrival home. Photo by Sarah Gorden

Through the Student Veterans Association, James was able to find a strong support network that
gave him a sense of belonging and helped him adjust to being back at school.
He is currently enrolled in four classes here at Miami University and commutes from Cincinnati,
Ohio, where he lives with his wife and two dogs.
Life as a student in their 60’s
For James, being the oldest student in the classroom doesn’t matter. He feels comfortable working
with anyone and wouldn’t change his situation for the world.
“I look forward to going to class each day. Being surrounded by so many young and intelligent
minds is an incredible experience,” James said.
His love for learning is truly inspiring.
“He is one of the hardest working people I know and I couldn’t be more proud of him,” said his wife
Sarah.
James plans on finishing his degree in the next year and attending the graduation ceremony with
his friends and family by his side.