Local College Students Earn ROTC Scholarships, Contracts

Five Army ROTC cadets from Pennsylvania College of Technology and two from Lycoming College have been rewarded with scholarships and commissioning contracts for their dedication and perseverance.

Penn College scholarship recipients are residential construction technology and management: building construction technology concentration majors Hayden N. Beiter, of Williamsport, Jordan H. Murray, of Chambersburg, and Austin S. Weinrich, of Jenkintown; and plastics and polymer technology major Casey A. Curtin, of Berwick.

Christopher T. Craig II, an automotive technology management major from Rixford, earned a commissioning contract.

The scholarships cover all college expenses and provide a monthly stipend. The contracts include a stipend and funding for a portion of college costs. The scholarships and contracts both lead to a cadet’s commissioning as a second lieutenant upon graduating with a bachelor’s degree.

Penn College honored its cadets and the two Lycoming College cadets – scholarship recipient Samuel D. Pollock, a criminal justice and political science major from Wrightsville, and contract recipient Kaitlyn Barmore, a criminal justice major from Succasunna, New Jersey – during an April 3 campus ceremony.

“We are so proud of these fine students who have distinguished themselves both in and out of the classroom,” said Carolyn R. Strickland, vice president for enrollment management and associate provost at Penn College. “Their commitment to academics and their country is to be admired. They represent the best of their generation.”

In addition to their regular college activities, Army ROTC cadets take classes on military science and leadership and engage in physical training three days a week in order to meet conditioning requirements.

Graduates of the ROTC program commit to four years of active duty or eight years in the Army Reserve or National Guard. Both avenues result in specialized training in a designated branch of the Army and the opportunity for postgraduate education.

“The ROTC program has proven to be an outstanding opportunity for young men and women to develop leadership skills that are vital for success, not only in the military, but also in the civilian workforce,” Strickland said.

Along with Mansfield University, Penn College and Lycoming College are part of the newly constituted Bald Eagle Battalion, headquartered at Lock Haven University. Both Penn College and Lycoming College were members of the Bison Battalion at Bucknell University.

“The Army suggested the realignment to the Bald Eagle Battalion due to geography and resource allocation,” Strickland said. “We anticipate that more cadets from both Penn College and Lycoming College will receive strong consideration for scholarships. The scholarships recently awarded are a good sign that will become a reality.”

For more information, visit the ROTC webpage or send an email.

Penn College is a national leader in applied technology education and workforce development. Email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.

– Photos by Larry D. Kauffman, digital publishing specialist/photographer

The afternoon's VIPs, front and center

Capt. Courtney A. Zimmerman, assistant professor of military science/instructor at Lock Haven University

President Gilmour offers gratitude and encouragement to the cadets.

Family, friends and college mentors gather in the PDC for Tuesday's ceremony.

Maj. Jonathon M. Britton, professor of military science, Lock Haven University

A salute segues into a handshake for Craig and Britton.

Beiter and Britton firmly seal the deal.

Raising his hand opposite Britton, Curtin (left) affirms his commitment.

Holding an oversized scholarship check, Murray keeps one hand free for a congratulatory grip from Master Sgt. Steven Kowatch, senior military science instructor at Lock Haven University.

The Stars and Stripes provides an apt backdrop as Weinrich takes his oath.