First Alumni Association Scholarship Awarded to Midshipman 3/C Benjamin Daniel Apple

On April 19, 2001, the Association awarded the first UNC NROTC Alumni Association Award. The recipient was Midshipman 3/C Benjamin Daniel Apple. Midshipmen Apple is a Drill Team squad leader, a PT coordinator, a platoon sergeant, and a Special Olympics volunteer, and has a high GPA. The award was presented at the final Naval Science lab of the year, which was attended by the entire battalion. Sam Gorham, Class of 1965, presented the check for $1,000.00 and a certificate (designed by board member Don Ledford) on behalf of the Association. The photo above shows the presentation to Midshipman Apple, with CAPT Dennis Haines, the Commanding Officer, looking on.

Applicants were required to describe in 100 words or less new ways the NROTC Unit can contribute to the University (and improve the image of the Unit and the University). Midshipman Apple's thoughtful response is as follows:

"Many UNC students do not understand the military - its role, ethos, and culture. Though there is little hostility between the University and the NROTC Unit, great difference exists between these two institutions whose goals are so similar: the personal development of a leader. Creating a forum for the exchange of ideas between midshipmen and other students can bridge this gap. Towards these ends I propose the establishment of a NROTC Leadership Conference whose centerpiece will be a roundtable discussion between midshipmen and Student Government leaders. This group could discuss leadership training, problem solving, and differences between civilian and military leadership."

The NROTC Alumni Association Award is awarded to a 3/C Midshipman who demonstrated during his or her freshman year a potential for strong leadership, who meets established academic standing (this year, a 3.2 average), who has exhibited strong military bearing, and who has contributed or is likely to contribute to the NROTC program and to the University.

Currently, only one award is given. Hopefully, more awards can be given in the future, but any larger, sustaining program will require an endowment. Comments and donations are welcomed.