Spring/Summer 2026
Naval R.O.T.C. Scholarship Fund Inc.
by Tony Fessler, Class of ’70
As our Unit’s Scholarship Fund enters another year providing financial support to midshipmen at Northwestern and Loyola Universities, it celebrates noteworthy changes in its board composition. It also anticipates joining with our midshipmen and the command staff in planning for the Unit’s very special centennial recognition in the fall.
As Northwestern and Loyola NROTC midshipmen, staff and alumni have appreciated over many years, the Fund’s generous scholarships have contributed directly to both the recruitment and retention of a cadre of the nation’s most highly qualified students exhibiting a passion for earning a commission in the Naval service in conjunction with being awarded an undergraduate degree from a prestigious university. After commissioning, many of our midshipmen have made significant contributions to the Naval service and thereafter transitioned to hold positions of great responsibility and leadership in post service careers. The establishment and highly successful impact of the NU NROTC one-of-its-kind Scholarship Fund can in large part be attributed to the foresight, ingenuity, dedication and hard work of our longest serving board member, Mrs. Maryann Seery. Maryann recently announced her retirement from the Board.
Maryann and her late spouse, Bob, along with a cohort of WWII NU NROTC graduates had the foresight in 1985 to establish what was to facilitate hundreds of Unit midshipmen being able to pursue their passion for a commission in the Navy or Marine Corps while earning undergraduate degrees at Northwestern or Loyola. Maryann and Bob along with their fellow plank owners, organized and contributed the initial financial support operationalizing and incorporating the Scholarship Fund as an IRS certified 501c(3) entity. Most recently, the Fund allocated $90,000 in scholarships to nineteen midshipmen – the largest total award ever made to the greatest number of applicants. The vision of Maryann and Bob in establishment of the Fund has made a life changing impact on the lives of hundreds of our midshipmen. Maryann’s extensive experience, wise counsel and selfless dedication will be greatly missed by her fellow board members. As she steps down after over four decades of service to the Unit and our nation, we wish Maryann fair winds and following seas. This fine lady leaves an extraordinary legacy to many who have benefited from her service and insight.
While honoring the extraordinary service of its longest serving member, the Board is pleased to welcome its newest trustee, Mr. David Kahlow. Joining the NU NROTC in 1986, David earned his commission and a BA in Political Science from Northwestern in 1990. Ensign Kahlow entered Naval Flight Officer school at Pensacola upon graduation continuing training at Mather AFB in 1991-92, From 1992-1995 he made three deployments with Antarctic Development Squadron Six (VXE-6) in support of Operation Deep Freeze engaging in complex operations throughout Antarctica. Dave returned to Chicago in 1995 for a three-year tour as an officer recruiter. Concurrent with this tour, Dave went on to earn a master’s degree in Engineering Management awarded in 1998. Dave is currently the Director of Asset Management at PECO Pallet, inc. He and his spouse Julie are the proud parents of two sons. The Board welcomes Dave and anticipates the value of his experience and expressed dedication to the Fund’s mission.
With these recent changes to its membership, the Scholarship Board is working with the command staff and our midshipmen to plan the Unit’s centennial celebration to occur on the Evanston campus during the Northwestern October homecoming weekend. The detailed schedule for centennial events is still in development. We do anticipate an open house for alumni and friends at the Unit headquarters with a history tour and a possible tailgate. The Northwestern game kickoff is expected for 2:30 pm which may include an on-field special centennial recognition of the NU NROTC Unit and alumni. The Board and Unit are planning an evening dining event at a location to be determined.
As the specifics of this centennial event are finalized, alumni and friends will receive further detailed information. This will be an extraordinary event that recognizes that our NU NROTC is one of a select few in the entire nation which has been in continuous existence since its inception circa 1926. The NU NROTC’s unbroken history of recruitment, retention and commissioning of many of the finest midshipmen in U.S. Naval service over the past one hundred years is cause for all our alumni and friends to join us for the special centennial recognition during the fall 2026 homecoming weekend. Detailed information inviting maximum participation by alumni and friends will be forthcoming. Please mark your calendars and save the weekend!