Richard Wilson, an electrical engineering major with a minor in military studies, was selected as the fall student marshal for the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) at Penn State. Credit: Provided by Richard Wilson.
Electrical engineering major named ROTC student marshal
Nov 7, 2024
By Mariah Lucas
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Richard Wilson has been named the fall 2024 student marshal for the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) at Penn State. He will receive a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the Penn State College of Engineering with a minor in military studies at the University’s undergraduate commencement ceremony, which will be held at 1 p.m. on Dec. 22 in the Bryce Jordan Center.
Student marshals are selected for their outstanding academic achievement and contributions to student life.
A graduate of Upper Moreland High School in Montgomery County and son of Richard and Carol Wilson, Wilson earned a 3.95 grade point average and appeared on the dean’s list all eight semesters. He received several awards and scholarships, including the Military Order of the World Wars Award, the Thomas W. Phillips Electrical Engineering Scholarship and the Hai-Sup Lee Memorial Scholarship.
“I know I have put serious work in over the past four years, but it was never to earn anything other than a college degree and to say that I did my best at Penn State,” Wilson said when asked about his thoughts on receiving the recognition. “Receiving this honor is a blessing from Jesus Christ alone, and I am thankful to Him for this recognition.”
During his time in college, Wilson was involved with the Penn State Navigators, where he led its Tri-Service ROTC Bible study. He also completed two summer training programs with the U.S. Navy through Penn State’s Naval ROTC. For one summer, he shadowed the electrical division aboard the USS New Orleans in Sasebo, Japan, and, for another, he trained with the P-8A Poseidon Naval Aviators of PATRON 40, otherwise known as the Fighting Marlins, at Whidbey Island, Washington.
“It was during my time at Penn State that Jesus brought me back to His love for me,” Wilson said when asked what he will take from his time at the University. “I have learned of the Lord’s love and faithfulness to me. His love for me, and the world for that matter, is unconditional, and I have been reminded of that time and again in the past four years.”
After graduation, Wilson will be stationed at the Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida to begin flight training as a student naval aviator.
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