WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Kurt M. Maly, of Effort, is the initial recipient of Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Army ROTC First-Year Scholarship. The award covers tuition for Maly’s freshman year.
“We are proud to offer this scholarship for incoming ROTC students,” said Carolyn R. Strickland, vice president for enrollment management and associate provost at Penn College. “For several years, ROTC students at the college have distinguished themselves in and out of the classroom. We have every expectation that Kurt will continue that tradition.”
Scholarship applicants were judged on several criteria, including high school GPA, standardized test scores, and a personal essay on the meaning of becoming an officer.
“Being a United States Army officer means that I can fulfill a long family line of military service, and I can lead others to protect the greatest country in the world,” Maly wrote.
Maly’s father, grandfather and grandmother, as well as other relatives, have served in various branches of the military.
“Kurt’s application demonstrated a passion for military service and academic and leadership success,” Strickland said. “His educational goals and commitment to serve in the Army are an ideal fit for both ROTC and Penn College.”
A graduate of Pleasant Valley High School, Maly served as captain of the football and track and field teams. He also was active in several clubs and organizations.
At Penn College, he is seeking a bachelor’s degree in building automation technology: mechatronics engineering technology concentration. His goal is to serve in the Army Corps of Engineers.
Maly is one of 24 Penn College Army ROTC cadets. In addition to their regular college activities, the cadets take classes on military science and leadership and engage in physical training three days a week in order to meet conditioning requirements.
During their undergraduate work, the cadets are eligible for a scholarship from the Army covering tuition and providing a monthly stipend. Maly has already secured the Army’s three-year ROTC scholarship for his sophomore through senior years. Combined with his Penn College first-year scholarship, he will earn his bachelor’s degree tuition free.
Upon graduating, Maly will be commissioned as a second lieutenant and commit to four years of active duty or eight years in the Army Reserve or National Guard.
“The ROTC cadets like Kurt tend to be among our most dedicated students and have achieved career success both in the military and in the civilian workforce,” Strickland said. “Their dual commitment to academics and country is inspiring.”
The Penn College Army ROTC program is part of the Bald Eagle Battalion, headquartered at Lock Haven University.
For information on ROTC at Penn College, visit www.pct.edu/admissions/rotc or email ROTC@pct.edu.
Penn College is a national leader in applied technology education and workforce development. Visit www.pct.edu, email admissions@pct.edu or call toll-free 800-367-9222.