Second Chances: A Math Professor Gives Back at West Point

Dr. Ted Hromadka came to West Point with the Class of 1972 and was nearly through Beast when a medical condition required a leave of absence. When he reapplied for admittance with the Class of 1973, he was unable to get a medical waiver for color-blindness. He then began a pursuit of lifelong learning, earning two Masters Degrees and three Doctorates while starting a consulting firm and teaching full-time at Cal State-Fullerton. After retiring from Cal State as a full professor, he and his wife decided to return to the east coast for part of each year, and Dr. Hromadka accepted a teaching position in the Department of Mathematics at West Point. In this interview, Dr. Hromadka talks about his life’s journey, starting with his parents, both Army Officers in WWII who inspired him to come to West Point, and continuing through his college education and multiple careers. He also discusses living on borrowed time. Several years ago, he was diagnosed with Leukemia. He describes the two miracles that occurred, first when one woman was identified as a perfect match for a bone marrow transplant out of 25 million in the database, and the second when she agreed to be a donor. Several years ago, Dr. Hromadka was given three months to live. He is now cancer free, and has devoted himself to giving back everything he can to West Point and to the Cadets whom he views as the best hope for the future.