| NROTC Celebrates History and Student Achievement |
With the end of the semester around the corner, Rensselaer’s Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) program carved out time to honor student achievement and celebrate the 235th anniversary of the Navy and Marine Corps.
Midshipman Cale Hays, a native of Willingboro, N.J., was recently honored by the Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Award Corporation (HENAAC). A senior majoring in mechanical engineering, Hays received the 2010 HENAAC Military Academy Award, which recognizes outstanding midshipmen/cadets pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering, or math who exemplify leadership and the core values of their service.
Already recognized as an inspirational leader, and the unit’s top ranked Marine Option Midshipman at Rensselaer, Hays was also cited for his efforts in maintaining a high level of achievement in all areas of his school work and extracurricular activities, along with his role of serving as a volunteer to support several community-based fundraising and education efforts.
The award recipients are selected nationally, one from the appropriate academy and the other from an ROTC program. During the conference, awardees have the opportunity to address Hispanic and minority students who are pursuing military careers, and share some of their personal stories, achievements, and future goals.
“It was very rewarding to talk to the young people, and to try to instill in them the pride, drive, and confidence the Marine Corps has instilled in me,” said Hays. “While at the conference I was also able to attend a few technical presentations by various engineering companies and defense contractors, and see some of the corporate cultures and works in progress on display. Many companies have a similar pride and drive to that of the military and their work ethic reflects highly upon themselves and their companies. It was also a good experience to “talk shop” with other attendees, cadets, and midshipmen about their leadership experiences and see that other kinds of people and attitudes yield high quality.”
On a national level, the NROTC unit celebrated the Navy and Marine Corps birthday during a formal ball held on the Captain JP II cruise ship. More than 180 midshipmen, staff, parents, and guests participated in the event. Rear Admiral Michael Connor served as the guest of honor. The Midshipmen Battalion also supported the Capital District Marine Corps Leagues celebration of the Marine Corps birthday on Nov. 10, aboard the USS SLATER in downtown Albany. City of Albany Mayor Gerald Jennings and Congressman Paul Tonko attended the event. Lt. Col. Eric Larson, who currently serves as the executive officer, Marine officer instructor, and associate professor of naval science in Rensselaer’s NROTC branch, delivered the keynote address. |
