Penn College Army ROTC cadets earn contracts

Two Army ROTC cadets at Pennsylvania College of Technology were honored Monday for their commitment to education and duty.

Cameron A. Reaugh, of Blairsville, and Connor M. Rossman, of Howard, took the Army ROTC contracting oath during a ceremony at the college. The contract provides a monthly stipend from the Army. Reaugh also received a three-year scholarship, covering tuition and fees and providing a book allowance.

“Earning an Army ROTC contract is quite competitive,” said Anthony J. Pace, dean of enrollment and academic operations at Penn College. “To do so, cadets must excel in the classroom and in fulfilling their ROTC requirements.”

In addition to their regular college courses and activities, ROTC cadets take classes on military science and leadership and engage in physical training three days a week to meet conditioning requirements.  Each semester also includes a field training exercise.

“The Army ROTC program offers an outstanding opportunity for personal and professional growth,” Pace said. “We’re proud of Cameron and Connor for obtaining a contract and look forward to watching them advance their skills at the college and embark on successful careers.”

Both Penn College cadets are seeking bachelor’s degrees: Reaugh in civil engineering technology and Rossman in welding & fabrication engineering technology.

Upon graduation, the cadets will be commissioned as second lieutenants and embark on specialized training in their first Army branch. They will commit to four years of active duty or eight years in the Army Reserve or National Guard.

The Penn College Army ROTC program is part of the Bald Eagle Battalion. Other members are Lock Haven and Mansfield universities and Lycoming College. Two Lycoming students also received contracts and three-year scholarships: Anthony Coukart, of Portage, and Nickolas Arnold, of Millville.

Maj. Daniel Gaitan, professor of military science at Lock Haven and director of the Bald Eagle Battalion, administered the oath to the cadets and presided over the contracting ceremony, which included remarks by Patrick Marty, chief government and international relations officer for Penn College and a former Army field artillery officer.

“Inspiring others and effectively managing resources are attributes that are highly valued – not only in the military but in private industry and public life,” Marty said. “Army officers know how to motivate and problem-solve. More importantly, they demonstrate the values – duty, honor, loyalty, integrity, commitment, selflessness and respect – that are universally admired and desired.”

For information on ROTC at Penn College, send an email.

Penn College is a national leader in applied technology education. Email the Admissions Office admissions@pct.edu or call toll-free 800-367-9222.