Maria Ciasullo of Sewell Enrolls in Army ROTC Program at Widener University

2015 Sep 24

Maria Ciasullo of Sewell, N.J., a freshman nursing major at Widener University, has joined the Army ROTC Dauntless Battalion at Widener as an enrolled cadet.

According to Lt. Col. Matthew Ignatovig, battalion commander and professor of military science, 25 cadets from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Illinois comprise this year's freshman class of cadets at Widener. In total, the Dauntless Battalion, which is based at Widener, welcomed 53 freshman cadets this fall including cadets from West Chester University, Villanova University, and Penn State-Abington.

"We are excited about both the size of the class and the quality of students who have enrolled this year as cadets," Ignatovig said. "These students will become immersed in one of the finest leadership programs in the world at a university that is focused on inspiring students to be citizens of character who demonstrate professional and civic leadership."

Army ROTC is a leadership development program run by the Military Science Department. Students develop leadership abilities by learning critical-thinking skills; self-discipline; team building; and the value of character, competence and courage.

Students also challenge themselves through participation in activities such as physical fitness, orienteering, rappelling, small-unit tactics, marksmanship, and leadership reaction courses. Additionally, ROTC Cadets are eligible to apply for generous scholarships that can cover the full cost of tuition. Also Widener covers the cost of room and board for its cadets.

Upon completion of the ROTC program and fulfillment of all requirements for a baccalaureate degree, a student may receive a commission as a second lieutenant and is eligible for assignment with the Active or Reserve Forces of the U.S. Army.

Widener University is a metropolitan university that connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention, leadership development and experiential learning are key components of the Widener experience. A comprehensive doctorate-granting university, Widener is comprised of eight schools and colleges that offer liberal arts and sciences, professional and pre-professional curricula leading to associate, baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees. The university's campuses in Chester, Exton and Harrisburg, Pa., and Wilmington, Del., serve more than 6,000 students. Widener is proud to be a tobacco-free campus. Visit the university's website, www.widener.edu.