Past Scholarship Recipients
2022 Recipient
Daniel Armstrong ’22
Major: Criminology
Hometown: Acton, Massachusetts
Service in the Marine Corps Reserve:
I enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in 2017 and went to boot camp at Parris Island, SC, about 2 weeks after graduating high school. After completing boot camp and infantry school, I got to my unit: Bravo Co. 1st Battalion 25th Marine Regiment 4th Marine Division. I then began school at St. Mike’s. I missed my sophomore year to go on a scheduled Deployment (UDP 20.1). I spent about 13 months on active orders, with 9 of those months overseas. I spent time in Okinawa, Japan, Camp Fuji Japan, the DMZ in South Korea, and the Philippines. I signed a 6-year contract, so I have about a year and a half left in the reserve component. My MOS is 0311, infantry rifleman, and am currently a fire team leader and assistant squad leader.
Campus Involvements:
For the past two years I was an Orientation Leader. I really enjoyed this experience; it was a really great way to get to know my classmates as well as welcome the new students to campus. I also am a part of the Student Veterans of America chapter here at Saint Mike’s. I have played different roles, such as Social Media officer, Vice President, and President. This club is my favorite part of school, as it helps me stay connected to military folks on campus. The SVA club also is great because we do a lot of volunteer work and service on campus and in the community.
What is your favorite thing about Saint Michael’s?
My favorite thing about Saint Michael’s is the community. I like the small school feel, where I have good relationships with my professors and mentors. The students at this college are also fantastic. I have made a lot of friends who come from very different backgrounds, and they are all so friendly and welcoming.
What are your career plans after you graduate?
Upon my graduation, I have been conditionally hired to become a Police Officer in the city of Everett, Massachusetts. I will be attending the Police Academy this summer, and am looking forward to continuing my service to the community.
Thank you:
Thank you so much for awarding me this generous scholarship! I am so appreciative of your generosity. This will help me pay for school, as the GI Bill does not cover my entire tuition here at Saint Michael’s College. I am grateful for your continued support of the military community at Saint Michael’s College, as we are a small community these days, but we still have a great impact on campus. Thank you again for your generous scholarship, this money will really lessen the burden that college tuition has on me, and will help me have financial security to plan for my future. Thank you for the award and support!
2021 Recipient
Nicholas Bourdon ‘21
Major: Criminology
Hometown: Saint Albans, Vermont
Campus Involvements:
The predominant focus of my energy is invested in my assigned work. As a non-traditional student, I do not live on campus. Nevertheless, I strive each day to provide my absolute best. Previously I wrote a waiver request/policy reconsideration letter to the Saint Michael’s College administration that they consider abolishing the maximum required transferable credit policy for Veterans so they might be able to apply more credits towards graduation. This waiver request was accepted and approved. I hope that it greatly assists veterans in the future so that their experience be transferable.
What is your favorite thing about Saint Michael’s?
Saint Michael’s College is special because of the dedicated professionals that create and maintain the environment. From the Board of Trustees to the cafeteria staff, each individual I have interacted with I have found to be warm, kind, and helpful. Professors are inspiring and masters of their craft who care immensely for their students, the college, the surrounding communities, and their country.
What are your career plans after you graduate?
My passions in life are oriented towards helping, advocating for the unfortunate, and protecting the innocent. After college, I will move to Maine, where I can live closer to my children from a previous marriage. I am enthralled by my fiancé, her son, and our nearly one-year-old twins. I plan on applying to law enforcement agencies in the surrounding area and aspire to become a detective and/or a SWAT detachment leader. Nevertheless, I would consider any presented opportunities.
Thank you:
I am humbled to have been selected as this year’s recipient for this scholarship. Captain Charles J. Wanzel ’69 gave his life for our country during the Vietnam conflict. He, flanked by his flight crew, flew reconnaissance missions into Laos, Cambodia, in order to report back key enemy positions and other information that was undoubtedly critical to the success of ground forces during the Vietnam conflict. Our military works only because of the many different roles fulfilled by Americans like Charles Wanzel. Collectively, those roles combine to become the most efficient military in the world. As an Infantry Team Leader deployed to Iraq, and later, an Infantry Squad Leader deployed to Afghanistan, I have relied on reconnaissance imagery that pin points the enemy’s position, among other crucial details. I can say for certain that CPT Wanzel’s assignments during the Vietnam Conflict would have saved countless American lives. It’s an absolute honor to have been selected as this year’s recipient. Moreover, we are all indebted to our servicemen and servicewomen who committed themselves to a larger cause; a more just and merciful world, to individuals who ultimately gave their lives in such pursuits. Prometheus!