Schoomaker Portrait Donated

This fall, a portrait of alumnus and retired Gen. Peter Schoomaker was donated to UW’s Army ROTC with an estimated value of $25,000–$30,000. UW Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Kate Miller, UW President Laurie Nichols, UW Professor of Military Practice Lt. Col. Thomas Haas and UW Foundation Director of Development Tyler Spear traveled to the University of Tampa in November for  a portrait unveiling and leadership discussion panel.

The portrait stands 3 by 5 feet, and its donation was made possible by Army veteran Tom Arthur, a Wyoming ranch owner and director of Pioneer Natural Resources. Arthur is a celebrated donor to the University of Tampa.

The unveiling event was hosted by Arthur, University of Tampa President Ronald Vaughn and his wife, Renée. Distinguished guests included retired Gen. Ann Dunwoody, retired Adm. Eric Olson, Gen. Raymond Thomas III, Maj. Gen. John Evans and retired Maj. Gen. Clayton Hutmacher Schoomaker was the guest of honor. Born to an Army family in Michigan in 1946, he went on to attend  UW and played football for the Cowboys  when they made it to the 1968 Sugar Bowl. Schoomaker was commissioned a second lieutenant through UW’s ROTC program upon graduation in 1969. He entered active duty and completed airborne and ranger training. During his long and illustrious career, he served as reconnaissance platoon leader, commanded squadrons, served as assistant inspector general in Korea, attended the Marine Amphibious Warfare School, earned a master of arts in management, attended the Command and General Staff College, served as an executive officer in Europe, served in various command positions and attended the National War College. In 1993, he was promoted to brigadier general, served as deputy director for operations, readiness and mobilization in D.C., and commanded Joint Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg. In 1996, he was promoted to major general and then lieutenant general and general in 1997. 

Schoomaker retired from active duty in 2000 but returned as the 35th chief of staff of the Army from 2003 to 2007. His daughter, Lara Schoomaker, is also  a UW Cowboy Battalion alumna.