KU News Release

Four KU Army ROTC students, alumni chosen for National Order of Merit

LAWRENCE — Four students and alumni of the University of Kansas Army ROTC Jayhawk Battalion have qualified for the 2008 National Order of Merit by ranking among the top 10 percent of cadets nationwide based on overall academic and military excellence.

They include KU seniors Frances Glass of Lawrence and John Irvine of Leavenworth; and two recent graduates from universities that participate in KU’s Army ROTC program: Virgil Barnard, spring 2008 political science graduate from Washburn University in Topeka; and Brett Weir, fall 2008 graduate of the Baker University School of Nursing at Baldwin.

“These cadets excelled as students and as leaders,” said Lt. Col. John Basso, KU Army ROTC battalion commander and professor of military science. “They’ve furthered KU Army ROTC’s tradition of excellence, and their leadership has played a major role in the 37 percent increase in our program’s enrollment over the past year.”

The National Order of Merit assessment boards met in fall 2008 to evaluate cadets from all over the United States. Selection to the elite NOML group is based on grade-point average, physical fitness, extracurricular activities, recommendations from military science instructors and completion of and performance at a 33-day summer leadership camp at Fort Lewis, Wash.

KU is one of only 50 universities in the nation offering an ROTC program that represents all branches of the military. Students in KU’s ROTC programs are not only from KU but also from Baker University, Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, the University of St. Mary in Leavenworth, Washburn, Mid-America Nazarene University in Olathe and Kansas City Kansas Community College.

Students from KU recognized for NOML status are listed below by hometown, major and level in school, parents and high schools, if available.

DOUGLAS COUNTY
From Lawrence 66049
Frances Glass, senior in mechanical engineering, daughter of Steve and Edwina Glass; Lawrence Free State High School.

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY
From Leavenworth 66048
John Irvine, senior in geography and management, son of John and Marcia Irvine; Leavenworth Senior High School.

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The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.