Kyan Macdonald '27 named 2025 STEM Student of the Year

In a field where innovation meets national security, c/MSG Kyan Macdonald '27 has been recognized for his exceptional academic performance and emerging leadership in the critical disciplines of cybersecurity and information assurance. Macdonald, a junior pursuing a degree in cybersecurity and information assurance with a minor in information warfare, has been named the 2025 STEM Student of the Year, receiving a $12,500 scholarship through a program funded by RTX, one of the world's leading aerospace and defense companies.

“Receiving the 2025 STEM Student of the Year award is an incredible honor,” said Macdonald. “My time at Norwich has challenged me to grow both technically and personally, and I'm grateful for the support of the faculty and peers who continue to inspire innovation and curiosity on campus.”  

Now in its sixth year, the STEM Student of the Year Scholarship celebrates outstanding sophomore and junior students who demonstrate promise in fields vital to the future of defense, aerospace, and intelligence. The award not only recognizes individual excellence but also underscores the shared mission between academia and industry to prepare the next generation of innovators and protectors in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Investing in the Next Generation

The scholarship program, created in partnership with the Association of Old Crows Foundation (AOC), represents a sustained commitment to developing talent in engineering, cybersecurity, and defense-related technology. It seeks to identify students who possess not only academic achievement but also curiosity, initiative, and a deep sense of responsibility toward advancing national and global security.

For RTX, this investment in emerging leaders reflects a broader vision. The company describes its mission as “accelerating ideas to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges by bringing together the brightest, most innovative minds across aviation, defense, and intelligence.”

With operations spanning Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon, RTX is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology, defense, and innovation. The company's partnership with AOC demonstrates an understanding that technological breakthroughs begin not in boardrooms, but in classrooms where students like Macdonald are laying the groundwork for the future.

The New Front Line of National Defense

For Macdonald, cybersecurity is more than a discipline. In a digital world where the lines between technology, intelligence, and warfare continue to blur, Norwich University's rigorous cybersecurity and information assurance program provides a foundation for leadership in the most dynamic area of modern defense.

His minor in information warfare complements his coursework by exploring how data, technology, and human decision-making intersect in both offense and defense operations. It’s a blend of theory and practice that mirrors the real-world complexity of the cyber domain.

As an institution that has long prepared leaders for both military and civilian service, Norwich has been a national leader in cybersecurity education for decades. The University's designation as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security reflects its deep-rooted commitment to advancing cybersecurity literacy and workforce readiness.

Macdonald's achievement highlights that legacy and extends it into the next generation. His recognition as the 2025 STEM Student of the Year places Norwich and its students among the vanguard of those working to safeguard systems, infrastructure, and national resilience against emerging digital threats.

A Partnership for Progress

The Association of Old Crows Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing electronic warfare and information operations education, has been fostering excellence in STEM fields for over 35 years. Through scholarships, grants, and professional development programs, the Foundation supports military personnel, veterans, and students pursuing careers in engineering, physics, mathematics, and related disciplines.

Its work is particularly significant at a time when the electromagnetic spectrum — the invisible domain where data, communications, and electronic warfare converge — is becoming one of the most contested arenas in modern conflict. By supporting students in this field, AOC and RTX are helping to build the expertise required to defend critical systems and maintain technological superiority.

Together, these two organizations provide more than financial aid — they create pathways to opportunity. The STEM Student of the Year Scholarship serves as a bridge between academia and industry, connecting young innovators with professionals who are shaping the future of aerospace and defense.

Empowering Emerging Leaders

For Norwich University, this recognition of one of its own reinforces the institution's mission to prepare students to lead in service to nation and world. Macdonald's achievement represents not only individual excellence but also the collective strength of Norwich's academic programs and experiential learning model.

In classrooms, labs, and cybersecurity centers, Norwich students are challenged to think critically, act ethically, and solve real-world problems. They learn by doing, whether through internships with defense contractors, participation in cyber competitions, or engagement with faculty who bring extensive military and industry experience.

That immersive approach prepares students like Macdonald for careers that demand adaptability, analytical skill, and leadership under pressure. It also aligns directly with RTX's focus on fostering innovation through collaboration.

The scholarship's emphasis on sophomores and juniors ensures that students receive meaningful support at a pivotal time when academic coursework, internships, and career direction converge. For many recipients, this recognition serves as both affirmation and inspiration, reinforcing their potential to contribute to the evolving defense and aerospace ecosystem.

A Legacy of Innovation and Service

The RTX Corporation, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, was formed through the merger of Raytheon Company and the aerospace divisions of United Technologies Corporation. Today, RTX stands as one of the largest aerospace and defense enterprises in the world, employing more than 180,000 people and driving innovation across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains.

Its business segments — Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon — serve as leaders in propulsion systems, avionics, and advanced defense technologies. The company's focus on innovation, sustainability, and security reflects a long-standing commitment to addressing global challenges while supporting those who protect and serve.

By investing in programs like the STEM Student of the Year Scholarship, RTX strengthens the talent pipeline for these mission-critical industries and reaffirms its role not only as a defense contractor but as a catalyst for educational advancement and technological leadership.

Building a Pipeline for the Future

The collaboration between RTX and the Association of Old Crows Foundation serves as a model for how industry and academia can work together to meet national needs. By identifying and supporting students early in their academic careers, these programs help ensure that emerging leaders are prepared to address the complex, interdisciplinary challenges of modern defense and intelligence.

In particular, AOC's commitment to supporting veterans and enlisted personnel pursuing degrees in STEM disciplines reinforces the value of lifelong learning and professional development. These initiatives extend far beyond the classroom, building capacity in technical education, fostering mentorship, and inspiring innovation among the next generation of engineers and analysts.

For Norwich students, opportunities like these also underscore the University's enduring mission: to prepare individuals to act as well as to think, and to lead with integrity, skill, and service. Macdonald's recognition demonstrates that the values of Norwich — leadership, perseverance, and excellence through action — continue to resonate in every field where Norwich graduates serve.

Looking Ahead

As technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, the importance of programs like the STEM Student of the Year Scholarship cannot be overstated. They represent not only recognition of past achievement but also investment in the future, one defined by innovation, collaboration, and service.

For Macdonald, this honor marks an important milestone in a journey that combines academic rigor with real-world impact. His work in cybersecurity and information warfare places him at the forefront of a new generation of professionals committed to securing the systems and networks upon which our world depends.

For Norwich University, it stands as another proud example of the institution's leadership in developing students who will meet tomorrow's challenges with courage and capability.

And for RTX and the Association of Old Crows Foundation, it reaffirms a shared belief: that by empowering bright, driven students today, we can strengthen the security and innovation of tomorrow.