SHSU Officially Recognizes New Military Science Alumni Club

Sept. 27, 2013
SHSU Media Contact: Julia May

The Sam Houston State University Alumni Association has added the SHSU Military Science Alumni Club to its list of official groups under the umbrella of the main organization.

Composed primarily of former military officers who were all once in the Bearkat Battalion at SHSU, the new club is open to anyone who completed at least one semester of the military science curriculum at the university; is a spouse of someone who has done so; or has been recognized by the club for his or her military science education or participation during their lifetime.

Current and former cadre of the Bearkat Battalion are also invited to join. Non-degree alumni, parents of students, and other friends of the university may also join the SHSU Alumni Association and participate in the club’s activities.

The primary mission of the SHSU Military Science Alumni Club is to provide scholarship, financial and leadership support to the university’s military science department by working closely with the military science faculty, the military science cadre and the cadets of Bearkat Battalion.

Prior to official recognition as an alumni club, the group informally worked to fund a scholarship in memory of Army Capt. Rowdy J. Inman, class of 2000, who was killed in Iraq in 2007 while leading his men into combat. Since its establishment, the scholarship has been awarded each semester to deserving cadets at SHSU.

“There is a social side to the new club, as it brings together so many old friends from times past who met at Sam Houston,” said Buddy McCaig, secretary of the organization. “These individuals developed lifelong friendships and associations based on the shared experiences of the Bearkat Corps of Cadets, student life at the university, and their military experiences. Periodically, the group gathers informally to share memories and catch up with one another, family and friends.”

The SHSU Military Science Alumni Club is literally international in its reach, with members currently living throughout the United Sates, Central and Eastern Europe, and in other parts of the world. The club leadership is dedicated to growing the new club into a significant, contributing member of the SHSU Alumni Association.

Officers and directors of the new club are: Rich Mills, ’74, president; Brian Leighton, ’78, past president; Ron Penry, ’75, vice president; Buddy McCaig, ’72, secretary; Rodney Smith, ’75, treasurer; and directors, Larry Booth, ’73; Ross Asher, ’74; John Barfoot, ’78; John J. Adams, ’75; Hall Werlein, ’72; and Todd Platzner, ’76.

Anyone interested in helping support the Bearkat Battalion by joining this group should contact the SHSU Office of Alumni Relations at 1.800.283.7478, or email apfeil@shsu.edu. Individuals associated with the regional clubs of the Alumni Association are encouraged to join the SHSU Military Science Alumni Club, as no additional dues are required.

“I would like to invite those interested to joining us at the SHSU homecoming game tailgate party on Oct. 12 to learn more about this new club,” said McCaig. “We will be located with the Bearkat Battalion ROTC group in Section C.”

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