One of the top national recognitions for ROTC cadets, according to an IU press release, the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement ROTC Award is given annually to cadets who demonstrate scholastic excellence in military and academic subjects.
Maj. Gen. Ross Ridge presented the award to Morrison during a special IU Reserve Officers’ Training Corps dinner Thursday, Nov. 19, in the Indiana Memorial Union Tudor Room.
“I feel extremely honored to receive this award,” Morrison said in the release. “I have definitely worked very hard my four years here, and this award is a recognition for all the hard work I’ve done.”
Morrison, who studies kinesiology at the School of Public Health, is the top cadet in her class on IU ROTC’s merit list, according to the release. IU ROTC’s merit list primarily takes academics into account but also considers leadership and physical fitness.
“Aryn is everything I expect a leader and an Army officer to be: smart, mentally agile and mentally tough, physically fit, a critical thinker who is a humble, self-aware and selfless team player,” said Lt. Col. Tim Hoch, commander and professor of military science with the IU Army ROTC, in the release. “Most impressive is her character. She is morally and ethically straight and candid and truthful. She possesses the intellect, skills, fitness, confidence and character to lead American soldiers, and I’m proud that she is representing IU with this award.”
Morrison, set to graduate in the spring, will attend flight school in Alabama as part of the Army Reserves to become a reserve helicopter pilot, according to the release. She will then attend an accelerated nursing program in Texas in hopes of working as a nurse practitioner in pediatrics.
John Schrader, assistant dean for student academic affairs at the School of Public Health, nominated Morrison.
“As a student within our school of approximately 2,300 majors, Aryn’s name is highly recognizable amongst the faculty as someone dedicated to do her absolute best in all aspects of her life,” the letter read. “Her past five semesters have been nearly flawless with a 3.9+ GPA.”
Morrison served as the only female member of IU’s Ranger Challenge team for three years, studied in Russia her junior year and trained in Slovakia the summer after her junior year, according to the release. She has also received the Sons of the American Revolution Award, the Reserve Officers of America Award and the Gold German Armed Forces Badge of Military Proficiency.
“Being a part of IU’s ROTC has been a great experience,” Morrison said in the release. “It introduces you to great people who have big goals, so in turn you set big goals for yourself. Plus our cadre are incredible; whether you have a personal or professional problem, they put everything into helping you. I have a home away from home here.”
Ashleigh Sherman
