SFU student Alexis Strange was awarded a three-year Army ROTC national scholarship last month.
Criteria for the scholarship include strong academic performance and good SAT scores. Strange also needed to meet specific physical fitness requirements and demonstrate leadership qualities to qualify for the award.
The scholarship will cover both her tuition and room-and-board costs.
“It’s kind of a combination,” said Strange, a Physician Assistant major, about the scholarship’s criteria. “They look at leadership qualities and roles that you’ve served in. They also looked at your physical standards.”
Strange was presented the scholarship at an on-campus event on Oct. 1. In attendance at the presentation was University President Fr. Malachi Van Tassell; Dean of the School of STEAM Art Remillard; and Lt. Col. Erich Steffens of the ROTC Program.
“The scholarship is paid for by the Army and it’s meant to offset the cost of education for people who intend to be officers in the Army,” said Remillard.
“What that means is that you are having your tuition paid for by the Army in exchange for you giving four years of active duty, or six years of service (in the reserves).”
Strange plans to work as a PA while serving in the U.S. Military. She is a native of York, Pennsylvania.
Strange’s family has a tradition of military service. Her father served in the Army and National Guard for 12 years and her mother served in the Navy for two years.
Her uncle was active duty in the Marines and Army for 25 years and Strange’s sister is currently serving in the U.S. Space Force.
ROTC’s purpose is to prepare students to become Army officers while completing their college degrees. Cadets engage in leadership development, military training and physical fitness activities. Upon graduation, they enter the Army as commissioned officers.
