KU News Release

Army ROTC honor society taps eight new members in Spencer Research Library

LAWRENCE — Eight cadets in the University of Kansas Army ROTC program were inducted into Scabbard and Blade, a national honor society, during a special ceremony for invited guests Nov. 16 in Spencer Research Library.

Brig. Gen. John Davoren of Leavenworth, a 1976 KU graduate who was commissioned as a distinguished military graduate, spoke to the society’s members and invited guests. Davoren is the deputy commanding general of 35th Infantry Division, Kansas Army National Guard, at Fort Leavenworth. Don Steeples, vice provost for scholarly support, represented the university administration.

Presentation of the new members included being tapped with a Civil War saber that belonged to KU Chancellor John Fraser, a Civil War veteran. Fraser served as chancellor from 1867 to 1874. His saber and Civil War uniform are held by University Archives within Spencer Research Library.

Scabbard and Blade society members represent the elite scholars, athletes and leaders of ROTC. The society is steeped in tradition and promotes the importance of being a scholar and leader. New members must have a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

“The society does this by embracing military traditions and KU history,” said Lt. Col. William J. Maxcy, battalion commander and professor of military science. “Additionally, members strive to take a more active involvement in the community to promote closer bonds with our civilian electorate. This year, we are looking to establish a new tradition by hosting the event at Spencer Research Library.”

For this year’s community project, Scabbard and Blade is donating Army ROTC documents dating from 1921 to 1970 to University Archives. The documents include historical records and archived pictures of Army ROTC activities at KU including the first commissioning ceremony.

KU’s ROTC programs also serve area colleges and universities that do not maintain separate ROTC programs, including Washburn University in Topeka, Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, Baker University in Baldwin City and MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe.

The National Society of Scabbard and Blade was founded during the 1904-05 school year at the University of Wisconsin.

Current and newly inducted society members are listed below by hometown and university. KU students are listed with their major, parents’ names and high school (when available) and company assignment.

DOUGLAS COUNTY
From Lecompton
Cadet Noah Michael Rees, senior in Germanic languages and literatures, son of Mike Rees, Perry-Lecompton High School. ROTC activities include Jayhawk Battalion Commander, Ranger Challenge (four years), Ranger Buddy Competition (three years) and Mountain Warfare (summer and winter). He is with the Engineer Corps and is a new member.

JEFFERSON COUNTY
From Winchester
Cadet Judee S. Herring, senior in nursing, daughter of Ronald and Lorraine Herring, Jefferson County North High School. ROTC activities include Ranger Buddy Competition (two years) and Nurse Summer Training Program. She is with the Nurse Corps and is a new member.

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY
From Basehor
Cadet Kristofer Johnson, junior in political science, son of Tim and Linda Johnson, Basehor-Linwood High School. ROTC activities include Jayhawk Battalion Command Sergeant Major and Ranger Challenge (two years) and Airborne. He is a new member.

From Leavenworth
Cadet Raymond W. Hanson, Washburn University student, son of Steve and Regina Clark, Leavenworth Senior High School; company commander and current member.

Cadet John Arthur Irvine, junior in business management, son of John and Marcia Irvine, Leavenworth High School. ROTC activities include Ranger Challenge (two years) and Winter Mountain Warfare. He is a new member.

Cadet Ross Franklin Low, senior in history, son of Rodney and Liz Low, Lansing High School; company executive officer and current member.

Cadet Joshua Scott Nikes, University of Saint Mary student; company first sergeant, national Web master and current member.

Cadet Brad Thomas, University of Saint Mary student; national executive officer and current member.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY
From Caney
Cadet Jesse Nathaniel Hall, senior in computer science, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Hall, Caney Valley High School. ROTC activities include Jayhawk BN S3, Ranger Challenge (three years), Ranger Buddy Competition (one year) and United Kingdom Officer Candidate Exchange Program. He is new member.

NEOSHO COUNTY
From Chanute
Cadet Shawn Allen Kirby, Washburn University student. He is a new member.

SHAWNEE COUNTY
From Topeka
Cadet Joshua Keith Conser, Washburn University student. ROTC activities include Airborne and Rifle Team. He is a new member.

COLORADO
From Pueblo
Taylor Carlile Gillespie, University of Saint Mary student, national deputy commander of support and current member.

IOWA
From Lester
Cadet Michelle Lynn Davis, graduate student in business administration. ROTC activities include Jayhawk Battalion Adjutant and Ranger Challenge (one year). She is with the finance branch and is a new member.

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