Expect Challenge. Achieve Distinction.
Staff - Naval and Marine Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NROTC)
Colonel Don Maraska enlisted in the Marine Corps as a machine gunner in 1989. From 1989-93, he was a reconnaissance Marine with 1st Recon Battalion serving in Desert Storm with Task Force Ripper and in Somalia with the 11th MEU (SOC). Maraska was honorably discharged in 1993.
Captain Robert E. Denoyer was assigned as the Marine Officer Instructor at Norwich University in June 2020. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and was commissioned in May, 2013 via Georgia Institute of Technology NROTC.
Captain Benjamin Woessner is a Marine Corps Aviation Supply Officer from Virginia Beach, VA and a graduate of Old Dominion University, Class of 2015. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with a focus in Sports Management and a minor in Marketing. He was commissioned in May 2016 via Officer Candidate School in Quantico, VA.
Lieutenant Alia Cartwright currently is an NROTC Instructor at Norwich Unviversity in Northfield, VT. She graduated from the University of Rochester in 2016 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Brain & Cognitive Sciences.
Lieutenant Matthew B. Gibson was assigned as the Aviation Officer at Norwich University in February 2023. He teaches Introduction to Naval Science and Naval History and works with MIDN interested in the Aviation community to educate them and help them pursue Aviation opportunities through their selected Branch of Service.
Lieutenant Andrew M. Kline was assigned as the Nuclear Power Officer at Norwich University in November 2021. He teaches Ship Systems I and II, and prepares MIDN interested in the Nuclear Navy community for their qualification interviews and future responsibilities.
Gunnery Sergeant Zachary R. O’Connor was assigned as the the Assistant Marine Officer Instructor for the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps unit at Norwich University in March 2022. GySgt O’Connor is a Marine Aviation Ground Support Equipment Technician from Rochester, NY. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on 22 February 2007 and attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD), Parris Island Beaufort, South Carolina. After graduating recruit training, he attended Marine Combat Training (MCT) at Camp Geiger Jacksonville, North Carolina.
Room & Board
Cadets that earned an ROTC scholarship received an additional $15,000 annually from Norwich for Room & Board.
3.0 and 90%
To improve your AFROTC scholarship chances, you’ll want to carry a 3.0 gpa and 90% fitness score or better. Learn More scholarship tips.
Leadership Pays
NROTC Scholarship Tip: Seek out leadership opportunities in the Corps of Cadets, athletic teams, clubs or volunteer work on and off campus.
Meet our Cadets and Graduates
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Jack Brennan ’23, environmental science major
"I wanted to come to Norwich and join the U.S. Marine Corps to be a part of something bigger than myself. I wanted to build a good foundation so that I can give back to my community and my country. The Norwich NROTC Battalion has pushed me to become a more confident and competent leader so that I achieve those goals to the best of my ability, and one day, lead Marines." -
Ryan Litch ’23, mechanical engineering major
"From a very young age, I had a love for the U.S. Navy. I chose to come to Norwich and its NROTC unit because I knew it was unparalleled by any other. The level of training and knowledge I have received from this program has done a great job of preparing me for the fleet thus far. If you are looking to challenge and set yourself apart from others, NROTC at Norwich is the right place to do it." -
Sebastian Martin ’22
“Following graduation and commissioning, I will be attending Basic Division Officer Course and Junior Officer of the Deck schools to learn ship handling and seamanship. Afterward, I go to Yokosuka, Japan, to serve as a surface warfare officer on the USS Blue Ridge LCC-19, an amphibious command ship for all of Seventh Fleet. After qualifying as officer of the deck (OOD) onboard, I will be laterally transferring to designator 1810, cryptologic warfare officer. This highly selective community specializes in cryptology, space, signals intelligence, cyberspace operations and electronic warfare to achieve global military objectives. ” -
Jasmine Wilkerson ’23, architecture major
"When applying for colleges, Norwich's appeal came from its ability to balance life within the Corps of Cadets while also participating in an ROTC, all within a climate with which I was unfamiliar. The Naval battalion (in conjunction with the Corps) has not only given me opportunities to develop my leadership skills, but has also shown me what options are available career-wise while in the service and once I leave the service."
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VISIT NORWICH
The only way to truly know if Norwich is for you is to experience it for yourself. So come explore our campus, talk with faculty, meet our students, and see for yourself how ROTC makes the most of beautiful Vermont.
TALK TO US
Not sure which service branch you are interested in, need help determining if Norwich is the right fit, or confused by what ROTC offers you, reach out to one of our dedicated Norwich Admission Counselors.
GET MORE INFO
Whatever you think you're capable of, you can achieve here—and more. Learn how a Norwich education prepares you to lead in a career you love.
Navy & Marines Reserve Officers' Training Corps
NAVY Option POC
LT Andrew Kline
NROTC Nuclear Power Officer
1 (802) 485-2193 or
akline1@norwich.edu
MARINE Option POC
Capt Edward Pingel
NROTC Marine Officer Instructor
1 (802) 485-2194 or
epingel@norwich.edu
