The University of Oklahoma Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) alumni generously provide a variety of scholarships and awards to qualified cadets. Scholarships are typically merit-based and competitive. Nominations are made by the ROTC cadre each year. The Association currently provides 57 different scholarships and awards with a total value over $77,600. Alumni scholarships and awards include:
THE MULVA FAMILY SCHOLARSHIPS ($40,000)
Twenty-six scholarships valued at three different tiers: 4 Cadets earn Tier 1 at $3,000, 12 Cadets earn Tier 2 at $1,500, and 10 Cadets earn Tier 3 at $1,000. All scholarships are endowed by the Mulva Family Foundation. The purpose of these scholarships is to provide encouragement, support, and opportunity for deserving cadets to serve the United States of America through military service.
THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA ARMY ROTC ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP ($6,600)
An endowed award established and funded collectively by OU Army ROTC alumni to an “Exceptional Cadet” selected by the Professor of Military Science and to eight cadets awarded in increments of $700: two freshmen, two sophomores, two juniors, and two seniors. The award is based on performance and potential in the Army ROTC Program.
THE FIRST LIEUTENANT DAVID T. WRIGHT II SCHOLARSHIP ($4,000) AND BRONZE BERET
An endowed award established by Tim and Michele Wright in honor of their son, First Lieutenant David T. Wright II. 1LT David Wright graduated in 2006 from the University of Oklahoma. 1LT Wright commissioned as an infantry officer and was assigned as a platoon leader with the 2nd Infantry Division stationed at Fort Lewis, WA. On September 14, 2009, enemy forces attacked 1LT Wright’s vehicle with improvised explosives as he lead his platoon on a patrol in Helmand Providence, Afghanistan, which resulted in his death. This award honors 1LT Wright’s sacrifice and heroism. The recipient is chosen based upon their strong morals, values, and character. This coveted award is reserved for a leader who will lead America’s sons and daughters with the same selfless service and internal fortitude as 1LT Wright.
THE FORD BROTHERS BUSINESS SCHOLARSHIP ($3,000)
Bill and Bob Ford are both distinguished Oklahoma businessmen and graduates of OU Army ROTC who have established this endowed scholarship, which is given annually to two exemplary cadets whose academic major is in a business-related field. Each cadet receives $1,500.
THE MAJOR GENERAL JOHN LONG SCHOLARSHIP ($2,500)
An award established by Major General (Retired) John Long. MG Long is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma where he received his commission into the Quartermaster Corps. This award is presented to the college junior who has shown the most overall improvement and progress as a cadet in the OU Army ROTC program.
THE LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDWIN RAMSEY SCHOLARSHIP ($2,500) AND SABRE
An award established by Dr. Raquel Ramsey to honor her husband, Edwin Ramsey. Following the Japanese invasion of the Philippines in World War II, then-Lieutenant Ramsey helped slow the Japanese advance on the Bataan peninsula, allowing fellow Americans to escape. Ramsey also led what would become the last horse cavalry charge in US military history. Avoiding the Bataan Death March, Ramsey helped establish and lead a guerrilla force that resisted the Japanese occupation and provided critical intelligence to the Philippine Liberation led by General Douglas MacArthur. For his actions in saving tens of thousands of American and Filipino lives, Ramsey was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. The LTC Ed Ramsey Scholarship is presented to the outstanding cadet who most exemplifies the attributes of LTC Ramsey.
THE MCCONNELL ARMY ROTC AWARD ($2,100)
The McConnell Army ROTC Award is an award endowed through the University of Oklahoma Foundation that is awarded to an outstanding Army ROTC cadet each year. The recipient must be an active and enrolled cadet in good standing who is chosen by the Army ROTC Professor of Military Science (PMS) and staff based upon criteria set forth jointly by the McConnell family and the PMS. Typically, the McConnell Army ROTC Award will be presented to a cadet demonstrating outstanding qualities and a high standard of excellence. The award is presented in the amount of no less than $1,500 and is conveyed along with an engraved ceremonial U.S. Army officer’s saber valued at more than $500. The award is presented in honor of COL and Mrs. Donald W. McConnell and the McConnell family and is provided by LTC (Ret.) and Mrs. Brian W. McConnell. A plaque with the names of all recipients resides in the Armory at the University of Oklahoma.
THE LIEUTENANT COLONEL DALE MAGNIN SCHOLARSHIP ($2,000)
An annual endowed award provided by the Magnin family to a worthy cadet in the Army ROTC program. The selected cadet will have demonstrated the willingness to step forward, even if not asked, to accept responsibility for required tasks and missions, and to timely and efficiently accomplish those tasks and missions. The cadet must also be committed to serving in the U.S. Army.
THE PAUL KIM MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP ($2,000)
The Captain Paul Kim Memorial Scholarship was established with contributions from friends and family of Captain Kim to honor his memory and legacy. Paul was commissioned from the University of Oklahoma Army ROTC in 2011. Paul worked hard to join the infantry and served proudly. After his Army service, he volunteered to serve in Ukraine in June 2022. On 05 October 2022, Paul was killed in combat while defending the sovereignly of Ukraine and its people. While studying as a Cadet and earning his commission, Paul provided constant inspiration and motivation to his peers. Paul’s buoyant spirit encouraged his peers to strive for excellence and continue through challenging and dangerous training events. Paul’s vigilant concern for others has inspired his classmates to create this scholarship in his name. This scholarship will embody Paul’s spirit by providing financial aid and a memorabilia gift to an OU Army ROTC Cadet who is selected by peer vote of OU Army ROTC Cadets each Fall before the Alumni and Friends Banquet.
THE COLONEL WILTSE SCHOLARSHIP ($1,500)
An award established by Elliot and Chris Wiltse in honor of their father Colonel Woodrow Wiltse, who commanded OU Army ROTC from 1965-1969. Both Elliot and Chris received commissions from OU Army ROTC in 1969 and 1972, respectively. The Wiltse award is presented annually to an outstanding cadet who demonstrates exceptional academic and military skills and has a desire to pursue a military career.
THE WOLF FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP ($1,500)
Two $750 scholarships are given by Jim and Susan Wolf. Jim is an OU graduate who served as an officer in the United States Army and went on to a successful business career as an accountant and financial advisor. The annual scholarship is presented to an outstanding Cadet of any military science class who demonstrates exceptional academic and military skills as well as involvement in the program and its extracurricular activities.
CHEVRON ROTC SCHOLAR AWARD ($1,000)
A $1,000 scholarship presented to an engineering student who shows the ability to become a leader in the oil and gas industry through their academic excellence, project work, and leadership ability.
OU ARMY ROTC RANGER DETACHMENT SCHOLARSHIP ($1,000)
The OU Army ROTC Ranger Detachment was started in the early 1980’s. Shortly thereafter, the OU Program was designated “The Treadwell Detachment” in honor of Colonel Jack Treadwell, Medal of Honor recipient. Colonel Treadwell served with the 180th Infantry Regiment of the 45th Infantry Division throughout World War II. As a First Lieutenant, he single-handedly captured or destroyed six enemy pillboxes while under murderous fire from German machine guns. This scholarship is awarded annually to a Cadet who shows mental toughness and his or her commitment to the Army ROTC Ranger Program.
THE COLONEL NEAL HARRIS AWARD ($500)
A merit-based award to a deserving cadet or midshipman belonging to any ROTC program at OU.
THE BOB KALSU CHARACTER AWARD ($500)
An award suggested by Major General (Retired) Geoffrey Lambert, to be funded by the alumni of Pershing Rifles at OU. Named in honor of First Lieutenant Bob Kalsu, the award criteria are based on outstanding character and leadership–doing things the right way, as reflected by the life and service of 1LT Kalsu. Selection is not limited by any factor and is based on a demonstration of “going above and beyond.”
THE MULDROW PISTOL AWARD ($500)
A cash award of $500 accompanies a 1911 Para Ordnance pistol, which is awarded to the top cadet in the Army ROTC program. This award has been conferred annually since 1954 by the Muldrow family, in honor of General Hal Muldrow.
THE HAMILTON INFANTRY LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP ($350)
An endowed award established by Doctors William and Penny Hamilton. This is an annual award for a full-time, regularly-enrolled University of Oklahoma Army ROTC senior cadet who has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities in the Army ROTC program, at the University of Oklahoma, or in other community-social organizations. The recipient must be slated for commissioning as a Regular Army infantry officer to secure the award. The award includes an engraved trophy, and the recipient’s name is engraved on a plaque for perpetual display at the Army ROTC department.
GEORGE NORRIS SCHOLARSHIP ($300)
An endowed award in honor of Colonel George Norris. This award is to be presented to an advanced Army ROTC cadet selected at the discretion of the Army ROTC selection committee and approved by the Professor of Military Science.
PAUL GARRETT MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP ($300)
An endowed fund established in memory of Paul Garrett to be used for awards for advanced Army ROTC cadets.
COLONEL DWIGHT E. AULTMAN II MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP ($300)
An award to be given each year in memory of Colonel Dwight E. Aultman II, a 1940 Army ROTC graduate.
THE NATHAN ANDERSON AWARD ($300)
An award presented in the name of Nathan W. Anderson to a ROTC cadet in the senior class who is selected at the discretion of the Army ROTC selection committee and approved by the PMS. The committee may establish its own criteria based on good citizenship, community involvement, and leadership.
LIEUTENANT COLONEL A.E. ANDERSON SCHOLARSHIP ($300)
An endowed fund established in the name of Lieutenant Colonel A.E. Anderson to provide awards in the Department of Military Science. Proceeds from the fund are to be awarded annually to a deserving Army ROTC cadet who meets the following criteria: actively participating in Army ROTC, full-time student at OU, demonstrated financial need, and demonstrated potential to serve as an Army officer.