Two BVU Students Receive Army ROTC Scholarships

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BVU student Tamara Dean (front center) is presented with a full-tuition Army ROTC Scholarship by Captain Daniel Manor (left) and BVU President Joshua Merchant.

STORM LAKE, IA (11/17/2017) (readMedia)-- Two Buena Vista University (BVU) Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) cadets are the recipients of full-tuition Army ROTC Scholarships.

The ROTC students selected for the scholarships are Tamara Dean, a first-year biomedical sciences major from Red Oak; and Elijah Zaiger, a sophomore strategic public relations major from Audubon.

Zaiger's scholarship will take effect at the start of the Spring 2018 semester, while Dean's will begin at the start of the Fall 2018 semester. Both scholarships will cover full tuition and fees through the remainder of the students' time at BVU. Dean and Zaiger will also receive a stipend of approximately $420 each academic month, plus an allowance for books and other educational items. In return, BVU will pay for all costs associated with room and board.

"It was a huge relief knowing that I had received the scholarship. I was absolutely overjoyed," said Dean, who plans to one day be an officer in the Army Medical Corps. "I love learning everything ROTC teaches me. My favorite part, though, is the family atmosphere between cadets."

The scholarships were awarded on the students' overall merit, as well as their high school transcripts and GPA, ACT scores, physical fitness, and leadership potential. Eligible students must also be enrolled in military science courses.

"Tamara continues to show a great attitude and is willing to learn in all aspects of the military science classes she's enrolled in," said Captain Daniel Manor, assistant professor of military science at BVU. "Her positive attitude is infectious amongst her peers and she displays great potential as a cadet and future Army officer."

Those who are selected to receive the scholarship have a commitment to the Army upon graduation. Dean will fulfill the commitment by commissioning as a second lieutenant in the Army National Guard, Army Reserve, or Army active duty.

Zaiger, who recently joined the Iowa National Guard, will commission as an officer in the Army National Guard or Army Reserve upon graduation from BVU.

"The scholarship has been in the works for a while now, but I was excited to learn it was finally a reality," said Zaiger. "I've enjoyed being a part of the ROTC and appreciate all that it's done for me. I'm really looking forward to what's to come."

Manor added, "Elijah is currently the only sophomore student in our ROTC program and has rapidly become a part of this small team here at BVU. He has shown extreme perseverance and continues to display a great attitude in the classes and training. He's absolutely ready for the next level of leadership."

About Buena Vista University

Since 1891, Buena Vista University has prepared students for lifelong success and blends liberal arts with real-world applications. Our traditional campus on the shores of Storm Lake hosts students in a variety of majors and pre-professional programs, including elementary, secondary, and special education; business and accounting; and biological and chemical sciences. Our 16 degree-completion locations, online, and graduate programs expand student potential with a pace and academic rigor designed for working adults and a variety of class formats that make scheduling even more convenient. With an average scholarship of more than 50 percent off of tuition, BVU is an affordable option for all students. Visit www.bvu.edu.

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