Veteran Receives Honorary Degree

Tom Wall, a 20-year Marine veteran with over 1,000 combat missions flown in Vietnam, received an honorary degree for his support of community colleges and his long-time association with Irvine Valley College, at a reception in his honor on Feb. 3.

Wall, a reserve police officer for the City of Laguna Beach, received an Honorary Associates in Science degree in Administration of Justice.

The college, in association with the Irvine Chamber of Commerce, honored Wall for his distinguished service as a U.S. Marine Corps aviator and tactical helicopter commander, for his service as a law enforcement officer, and as a respected community and business leader.

Wall was acknowledged by his peers and members of the community for his accomplishments as a college professor, as a president and spokesperson for numerous professional and non-profit organizations including chambers of commerce, community college foundations, and professional associations, and as a successful real estate, business consulting and e-commerce business owner.

Currently, Wall serves as the homeland security team leader for a Fortune 100 multinational engineering and project management company.

Jacquie Ellis, President and CEO of the Irvine Chamber of Commerce, announced the establishment of the Lt. Col. Thomas Wall Scholarship Endowment. The endowment will provide scholarships to students at the college beginning in 2006.