A Foundation for Life: From Northwestern Military and Naval Academy to a Career in Technology – Alumni Spotlight: Paul Jakstas N’58

When Paul Jakstas N’58 reflects on his life and career, he doesn’t necessarily see himself as someone who belongs in the spotlight. In fact, Paul has always considered himself more of a low-profile person. But his story is a wonderful example of how the lessons, friendships, and experiences gained at Northwestern Military and Naval Academy can provide a foundation for success long after graduation.

Paul often tells people that whatever success he has experienced in the “grown-up world” began with his military academy experience at Northwestern. The discipline, development, leadership, and sense of responsibility he gained there helped prepare him for what he calls “Part 2” of his life, his service as an officer in the U.S. Army.

His journey, however, did not follow a straight line. Paul’s family connection to the Mineola Hotel on the Chain O’ Lakes began in 1943, when his parents leased the historic resort. Paul was just three years old at the time, and the hotel remained his home whenever he wasn’t away at school or serving in the Army. The Mineola Hotel would eventually be placed on the National Register of Historic Places, becoming an important part of both the area’s history and Paul’s own life story.

After graduating from Northwestern Military and Naval Academy in 1958, Paul entered the U.S. Army. His military experience provided another important chapter in his development, including training in information technology and work that would ultimately lead him toward the rapidly changing world of computers.

At one point, Paul left the family’s marina business and took the initiative to interview for a position at Ripon College. He loved Ripon—and still does—but ultimately decided that it wasn’t the next step he was looking for. Instead, another “fork in the road” led him into the world of computers.

Paul went on to build a career in the technology world, serving as a Project Manager on high-level corporate projects. His IT training gave him the technical foundation, while the leadership, organization, communication, and decision-making skills developed through his military and professional experiences allowed him to successfully manage complex projects and work with people at all levels of an organization.

One particularly notable chapter came during his Army career in Germany, where Paul was involved in the difficult task of handling the shutdown of the Autobahn. It was a demanding responsibility that required leadership, organization, and the ability to manage a complicated situation under pressure.

Perhaps one of the most meaningful parts of Paul’s NMNA experience has been the lifelong friendships formed with his classmates. The Class of 1958 has remained remarkably close over the decades. Although only approximately seven or eight classmates remain today, they continue to communicate regularly and make an effort to gather together.

That enduring connection speaks to the bond they formed as young men at Northwestern Military and Naval Academy. Classmates such as John Galley, Chuck Sansone, and Ken Ruud have been important leaders in keeping that connection alive and helping the class maintain its tradition of staying in touch.

More than six decades after graduation, the Class of 1958 continues to demonstrate that the relationships formed at NMNA can last a lifetime. For Paul, that connection is an important part of what makes his academy experience so meaningful. The school gave him an education and preparation for his future, but it also gave him friendships and a sense of belonging that have remained with him throughout his life.

Today, Paul remains connected to SJN and enjoys sharing his perspective with those who continue the traditions he experienced more than six decades ago. He understands the importance of alumni staying connected because he has spent much of his life interacting with people connected to those he has been connected to, as well as with institutions he attended.

Looking back, Paul sees a common thread connecting the different chapters of his life. From NMNA to the Army, to technology and corporate project management, he repeatedly found himself at a crossroads and had to decide which direction to take. He describes those moments with a favorite piece of advice attributed to baseball legend Yogi Berra:

“If you come to a fork in the road, take it!”

For Paul, those forks in the road became opportunities rather than obstacles. Perhaps the most important lesson from Paul’s journey is that success doesn’t always come from following a carefully planned path. Sometimes it comes from recognizing an opportunity, making a decision, and moving forward.

Paul Jakstas’ story is a reminder that the education and experiences received at Northwestern Military and Naval Academy don’t end at graduation. They become part of who you are—and can provide the foundation for whatever comes next. And perhaps just as importantly, the friendships made along the way can become a lifelong part of the journey.

For Paul, that foundation—and those friendships—have lasted a lifetime.