The lessons LTC James Engoglia ’71 took from Canisius University helped shape a 22-year career in the U.S. Army, where ethical decision-making, analytical thinking and responsibility for others became central to his approach to leadership.
Engoglia credits his Canisius coursework with preparing him for the challenges of military service and his later work as a consultant.
“Courses in philosophy and religion provided the mindset for both critical thinking and making ethical decisions throughout my career,” he says. “Economics courses helped me examine financial and logistical problems, while quantitative coursework gave me the skills to learn and apply advanced analytical methods.”
During his 22 years in the Army, Engoglia served as a finance and accounting officer, with a secondary specialty as an operations research systems analyst. His assignments took him to Korea, California, Washington, D.C., Massachusetts and Germany, where he worked on financial management, budgeting and analytical problems for Army leadership and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
His approach to leadership centered on the people responsible for carrying out a mission. Engoglia believes an officer is “100% accountable” for accomplishing the mission, but that success depends on the people doing the work.
“They must believe their leader understands what is needed, that their efforts are worthwhile and that the leader will stand up to higher leadership when necessary and share in the sacrifices. Teamwork is critical,” he says emphasizing that leadership requires both accountability and a willingness to support the people who make a mission possible.
Among his most rewarding responsibilities was developing young officers and noncommissioned officers (NCOs) for success. Engoglia described this mentorship as his legacy, writing that it has given him “real self-worth in my latter years.”
His understanding of service also includes the families who share the demands of military life. Just two days after his wedding, Engoglia was assigned as a casualty assistance officer. Working with an Army chaplain, he met with the family of a fallen service member and then helped ensure the family received its entitled benefits in the weeks that followed.
His wife, Mary, built her own career with the Army Contract Audit Agency while navigating the expectations and demands placed on military spouses. Today, her commitment to service continues as a member of the Army Arlington Ladies, a group of volunteers who attend funeral services at Arlington National Cemetery to ensure no service member is buried alone and to offer condolences to the families of fallen service members.
Engoglia and his wife also served together as Arimatheans at Fort Myer Old Post Chapel, assisting the Catholic chaplain with services and Communion at funerals held at Arlington National Cemetery.
“I am proud of my bud in life,” says Engoglia.
He also hopes others better understand the sacrifices military families make. “Simply put a military family have no control over their lives,” he wrote, reflecting on the uncertainty that comes with military assignments and the demands placed on spouses and children.
Looking back, Engoglia considers his military service a blessing that allowed him to mature through increasing responsibility.
His advice to Canisius graduates is to step up to demanding opportunities rather than let the fear of failure hold them back. He views failure as part of the learning process and believes a Canisius education offers more than technical knowledge.
“Canisius graduates leave with an education grounded in the “practical values of Western philosophy” — a foundation he credits with helping him navigate the ethical decisions, complex problems and leadership responsibilities of a career in service.
More to read: Two U.S. Air Force Veterans Prepare Future PAs at Canisius University
Canisius continues to prepare students for military and civilian leadership through its Army ROTC program, which emphasizes service, purpose and care for the whole person. [Learn more about Canisius University Army ROTC.]
