UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — At the Penn State Board of Trustees meeting on Veterans Day (Nov. 11), the board heard from two members of the University’s military community on how Penn State is serving student veterans and how the University’s ROTC programs are helping train the next generation of military leaders.
Lt. Col. Daniel Gross, a Penn State professor of military science who helps oversee the Army ROTC program, shared that Penn State has the largest traditional Army and Navy ROTC programs outside of the nation’s senior military colleges, with over 550 ROTC cadets on the University Park campus. Penn State’s ROTC program also produces between 40 to 50% more commissioned officers than the next largest university ROTC program.
The students who participate in ROTC gain hands-on learning experiences with a focus on developing their leadership skills, Gross shared. Physical training events, weekly “Leadership Lab” programing and outreach events to the wider Penn State community are all planned and executed by ROTC cadets. In addition, second- and third-year cadets are placed into leadership roles, with a focus on developing their skills to be able to make effective leadership decisions under stress. As a result, graduating cadets who enter the military as commissioned officers “are prepared to enter military service as junior leaders right out of the gate,” Gross said.
John Buckley — a U.S. Navy veteran and fourth-year student who was recently named a fellow of the National Veterans Leadership Foundation — also addressed the board to share his perspectives and experiences as a student veteran at Penn State. During his service as a Hospital Corpsman providing medical care to both service members and civilians, he said he developed a focus on “leadership, communication, patience, empathy and understanding” that he has continued to carry with him.
He said that returning to school as an adult learner and a veteran was a “daunting” experience, but lauded the support he received from Penn State’s Office of Veterans Programs. Within four weeks of sending an initial outreach email to the office, Buckley was enrolled in Penn State and connected with staff members and resources to support his unique needs and life experiences. He praised the staff of the Office of Veterans Programs for their understanding and their commitment to supporting students with military ties, affirming that the University’s investment in resources for student veterans makes a direct and positive difference in the lives of his peers and colleagues.
“I am the living proof standing before you today that your investment has returned dividends,” Buckley said. “I’ve seen time and time again the support and guidance provided by members of the staff in the Student Veterans Center to young, transitioning veterans, and it makes Penn State one of the greatest schools for veterans in the country.”
Retired U.S. Navy Capt. Ryan McCombie, an emeritus member of the Board of Trustees, also addressed the board and the public. Over the course of his more than 26 years of service, McCombie said he saw some of the most difficult and the most beautiful parts of life, all while engaged in actively trying to make a difference in the world. “I got to travel the world with people I love and do things I think mattered,” he said. “I am forever grateful. Thank you.”
The University’s leadership, including board chairman Matt Schuyler and Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi, concluded these remarks by thanking all members of the U.S. armed forces and all members of the Penn State community with military ties.
“We are truly only the land of the free because we are the home of the brave,” Bendapudi said.