University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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you a ra infh flBMMHHIk. Vi W V Story by Lynn Kayner photo provided by ROTC cadets e all that you can be. Get an edge on life, in the Army. All of us had seen the commercial. But how many people ever stopped to think about those students at the University involved in ROTC (Reserve Officers ' Training Corp)? Students in the ROTC program were diverse in interests and goals, but shared a genuine friendship built on similar values, discipline, and the understanding of what it meant to serve the United States of America. Students were required to serve in either active or reserve units after graduation. However, many cadets found their experiences in ROTC to be so positive that they planned on making a career out of the armed services. Cat Crossen, a senior in the Army Nursing program, worked with a mentor nurse in Washington, D.C . who showed her what Army nursing had to offer. One advantage, Crossen explained, was having a steady job in my field right after graduation. The ROTC program enhanced students ' discipline, self-confidence and practical knowledge. Crossen, and others like her, prepared with rigorous ROTC training to be commissioned as second lieutenants upon graduation from the University. Cadets spent approximately 15 hours per week in physical training, classes and meetings. Being in the ROTC has really taught me to plan and organize my time wisely, commented Crossen. Army students learned valuable skills through ROTC classes, like Small Unit Tactics, which dealt with leading effectively in the infantry. They train you to be an infantry leader, senior Rick Grubb II explained. Those in the infantry maintain the front line. If you can lead infantry, you can lead anywhere. Mike Ferrario, an Air Force senior, agreed. In four years, ROTC has made me a better person. It ' s given me self- confidence that carries over into every aspect of my life. The ROTC program helped students develop strong friendships as well as their personal images. I really liked the people and the intensity that the ROTC offered me, said Ferrario. We are a tight-knit group. In addition to working as a team in class and on the field, students socialized at the Military Ball and picnics. The Army is a shared experience, said Grubb, It is not an individual one. It is like a giant family. ROTC offered students a chance to prove themselves physically, mentally, and personally. It prepared them for military and civilian life in ways that most University students never experienced or even imagined. It has given me the opportunity to be associated with people who love our country and want to serve it, summed up Ferrario. Layout by Howard Sidman 12 Michigan Life

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s -a ' at i n :hip Peterson c TT 26 i ' v AA go blue! road to victory The team and the cheerleaders run under the M Club ' s Go Blue banner. Members of different University sports teams alternated holding the banner at the beginning of each home game. Students and alumni reach the final stretch ot the walk from campus to the stadium. Almost an hour before kick-oft, thousands of fans began filling the streets near the stadium, keeping traffic to a minimum. Walking to the game with everyone, feeling like part of this school, gives me such a sense of pride. -Lisa Randazzo, junior, biopsychology m .aye idman Greg Kessler lie 11

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dy, aim, fire Jeremy Grandon, senior, leads a squad of cadets through battle drills in the Arboretum. The older classes strength- ened their leadership ability by training younger cadets. % JL I walked 8 hours in sand with a 145 pound pack on my back... it gave me great self-respect. -Rick Grubb II ROTC senior thrills and drills ROTC cadets rappel off the Dental School parking structure. Students tested their physical and mental skills as well as their ability to work as a team through hands-on training. photo provided by ROTC cadets