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Niagara University ROTC cadets lauded for academics, fitness & leadership

by jmaloni

Press release

Thu, Jan 17th 2013 12:25 pm

The results are in, and Niagara University's ROTC program is still outstanding.

As part of the Second ROTC Brigade Senior Leader Conference held Jan. 7-10, the Purple Eagle Battalion was recognized for achieving the highest overall average ranking on the 2012 National Accessions Order of Merit List within the Second ROTC Brigade.

The Second ROTC Brigade consists of 41 senior ROTC programs located across Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Scores for cadets are based on a formula that incorporates:

  • Cumulative grade-point average through the spring semester of the cadet's military science III year (typically the spring semester of junior year).

  • Physical fitness performance during the cadet's time in ROTC.

  • The cadet's leadership performance on campus.

  • Participation by the cadet in the ROTC program.

  • Evaluation of the cadet during a 29-day leadership development and assessment course that occurs in the summer of their military science III year.

"Our cadets' commitment to excellence, the professionalism of the Niagara University ROTC cadre and the overwhelming support of the university community has enabled the program to achieve this award as well as to continue to add chapters to the program's legacy," stated Lt. Col. Paul Dansereau, professor of military science.

Related to the achievement is that 46 of the 69 contracted/enrolled cadets of the Purple Eagle Battalion earned dean's list recognition during the fall 2012 semester.

"The prioritization of academic performance provides cadets with the greatest amount of future opportunities in a career as an Army officer," Dansereau said. "In the near term, their cumulative GPAs are directly related to their overall ranking on the National Accessions Order of Merit List, which determines selection to active duty and Army branch opportunities. In the long term, their grades may foster opportunities to compete for selection for U.S. Army's fully funded graduate school programs."

Niagara University's Army ROTC program is consistently ranked among the best in the country, garnering the No. 1 standing in the U.S. in 2004 for recruitment, retention and quality of training.

Military alumni of Niagara include two Medal of Honor recipients, Gen. William Donovan and Lt. John Bobo, and a humanitarian nominated for sainthood, Father Nelson Baker. Being in close proximity to Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station and the regional Military Entrance Processing Station, Niagara is responsive to the unique needs of military students, veterans and dependents.

Niagara University participates in the Department of Veterans Affairs GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program, a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008.

For more information on Niagara University's ROTC program, visit http://purple.niagara.edu/rotc. To learn more about services that NU offers for veterans, go to www.niagara.edu/veterans.

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