Meet Dan Koehr ’23 M.S., a distinguished U.S. Army Captain and Construction Program Manager stationed in Kuwait. With over six years of diverse military service, Dan pursued his Engineering, Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Excellence Master's degree at the University of Notre Dame. The ESTEEM program, focusing on Entrepreneurship, Technology, and Innovation, provided an ideal platform for Dan to integrate his technical background with business education. Key aspects of his journey include opportunities for spiritual growth and engagement with a diverse academic community. This program has enhanced his problem-solving skills, significantly impacting his professional growth. Dan encourages students to fully explore the multifaceted offerings at Notre Dame for a comprehensive and transformative educational experience.

Education:

The Catholic University (Bachelors in Civil Engineering, ROTC)

University of Louisville (Masters in Engineering Management)

University of Notre Dame (ESTEEM '23)

Join us as we explore Dan's military career, his motivations for joining the ESTEEM graduate program, the program's impact on his life, and his sage advice for future students:

ESTEEM: Tell us about your role in the military.

Dan: I currently serve as a Captain in the United States Army, working as an Engineer Officer. In my role as the Construction Program Manager for the Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) based in Kuwait, my primary responsibility is to validate construction requirements that arise from the Combined Joint Operation Area (CJOA). My responsibilities involve extensive travel throughout Iraq and Syria, where I assess and verify construction needs essential to our operations. Tasked with ensuring alignment between construction projects and CJTF-OIR objectives, my role demands meticulous validation, effective stakeholder collaboration, and adaptation to dynamic operational conditions.

ESTEEM: What motivated your transition from active military service to pursuing the ESTEEM program at Notre Dame, and what factors influenced your decision to choose ESTEEM?

Dan: Embarking on a journey from my operational role as a United States Army Engineering Officer back to school at Notre Dame for the ESTEEM program was a long-cherished aspiration rooted in my profound desire to study at Our Lady's University. Notre Dame's distinguished reputation for academic excellence and values-driven education has always held a special place in my ambitions. The ESTEEM program emerged as the perfect nexus for me to blend my robust technical background with a newfound enthusiasm for the business realm. It presented an unparalleled opportunity to acquire a holistic skill set, seamlessly integrating engineering, science, technology, and entrepreneurship. Choosing ESTEEM at Notre Dame allowed me to fulfill a lifelong dream of studying at this ‘esteemed’ institution while strategically aligning my academic pursuits with my evolving professional interests. I am confident that this transformative experience has equipped me with a unique perspective and skill set that will contribute significantly to my future endeavors.

ESTEEM: What were the key highlights of your experience in the ESTEEM program?

Dan: Reflecting on my ESTEEM experience, I find it challenging to pinpoint a single highlight, given the multitude of enriching experiences, from the spring break trip to Silicon Valley to the impactful Ara Parseghian fundraiser. However, if I distill it to two particularly standout moments, the first would be the profound spiritual growth opportunities that Notre Dame uniquely provides. With an astounding 60 chapels on campus, I found solace in the ability to slip into a chapel between classes, immersing myself in the grace that permeates Our Lady’s University.

Another significant highlight about the program was the people. My classmate, Robbie Matthews put it perfectly when he said, "The people make the program, and that’s what’s special about it… the program does a really good job of recruiting really interesting people from a wide variety of backgrounds. I don’t know how they do it." The diverse and dynamic community within the program became an invaluable part of my journey, fostering collaboration, shared learning, and friendships that extended beyond the academic realm. These two highlights encapsulate the unique and multifaceted nature of my ESTEEM experience, blending spiritual reflection with the rich tapestry of individuals who collectively made the program truly exceptional.

ESTEEM: How has the ESTEEM program equipped you for your post-graduate career, and what specific skills or insights from the program do you find most beneficial in your current role?

Dan: ESTEEM has been instrumental in enhancing my skill set and mindset, providing valuable assets that directly contribute to my current career. The capstone project stands out as a transformative experience. It taught me the importance of delving deep to truly comprehend underlying issues, emphasizing the need to "marry the problem and only date the solution." This mantra became a guiding principle, urging me to resist the temptation of prematurely latching onto solutions and, instead, invest time in understanding the intricacies of the challenges at hand.

The capstone project fostered a rigorous approach to problem-solving, encouraging me to gather stakeholder information meticulously. This skill has proven invaluable in my current career, where accurately discerning and addressing the real needs of the warfighter is paramount. The ability to navigate and understand the complexities of various perspectives has become a key asset, enabling me to develop solutions that are not only technically sound but also aligned with the nuanced requirements of those involved.

ESTEEM's emphasis on holistic problem understanding, stakeholder engagement, and solution development has significantly enhanced my effectiveness in addressing challenges in my current career. These skills have not only elevated the quality of my work but have also positioned me as a more strategic and empathetic contributor to the success of projects and initiatives.

ESTEEM: If you could offer one piece of advice to current or future ESTEEM students, what would it be?

Dan: My advice to students embarking on the ESTEEM journey is to venture beyond the confines of Innovation Park and embrace the entirety of what Notre Dame has to offer. Unlike many universities, Notre Dame possesses all the tools to develop the entire person, but the onus is on you to take the initiative and explore the myriad growth areas available. The university is a holistic treasure trove, providing opportunities for spiritual, mental, and physical development. Make the most of this transformative year by immersing yourself in the diverse offerings: the numerous chapels for spiritual reflection, the rich academic environment for mental stimulation, or the various athletic and recreational facilities for physical well-being. Don't let the potential for growth slip away; seize every opportunity to make this year at Notre Dame the most enriching and transformative experience of your life.

Originally published by Notre Dame ESTEEM at esteem.nd.edu on November 11, 2024.