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The U.S. Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program in the Midwest got a boost from Benedictine College, providing meeting space, equipment and scholarships for its campus in Atchison, Kan. Benedictine hosts Alpha Company, Pony Express Army ROTC Battalion, and enjoys one of the largest Corps of Cadets in the region. Benedictine College recently invested in the program by providing permanent space in Cray Seaberg Hall and $5000 for Rogue fitness equipment for the unit to use in its physical training.
“ROTC is one of the best leadership programs in the country,” said CPT Seth Hanapole, the Battalion’s Assistant Professor of Military Science. “The curriculum is a combination of classroom lectures and hands-on training, including physical fitness training three times per week and a weekly leadership lab.”
The room dedicated to Army ROTC is 1,000 square feet and can be used as a lounge, meeting space and even instruction space. The fitness equipment purchased includes free weights, medicine balls, kettle bells, and more. It is stored in the Murphy Recreation Center on the Benedictine campus and used by the Army ROTC program either in the rec center or outside for physical training.
“We appreciate the dedication of our ROTC cadets at Benedictine College,” said Benedictine College President Stephen D. Minnis. “We want to support them and help the ROTC program grow. It is very much a part of our patriotic vision.”
Army ROTC cadets are eligible to compete for national scholarships as well as campus-based scholarships to cover tuition and fees. Benedictine College has taken the additional step to permit Army ROTC scholarship recipients to apply their institutional scholarship toward their room and board.
“Working together with Benedictine, the Army can offer full rides to select candidates,” CPT Hanapole said.
In addition to leadership, other ROTC training includes Land Navigation, Rifle Marksmanship, Rappelling, and participation in the Ranger Challenge and Ranger Buddy competitions.
Founded in 1858, Benedictine College is a Catholic, Benedictine, residential, liberal arts college located on the bluffs above the Missouri River in Atchison, Kansas. The school is honored to have been named one of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report, the best private college in Kansas by The Wall Street Journal, and one of the top Catholic colleges in the nation by First Things magazine and the Newman Guide. It prides itself on outstanding academics, extraordinary faith life, strong athletic programs, and an exceptional sense of community and belonging. Benedictine College is dedicated to transforming culture in America through its mission to educate men and women within a community of faith and scholarship.
