Fall 2025
Dear Northwestern NROTC Alumni and Friends,
The achievements of the Northwestern University NROTC Unit and its midshipmen are a continued source of pride for all alumni. The quality of our midshipmen performance and continuing strength in Unit enrollment has us on a solid trajectory for the future. The qualitative and quantitative improvements exceed anything experienced in many years.
Apart from the broader consortium enrollment of 73, the NROTC Unit enrollment as of this fall stands at 34 midshipmen. Sixteen of these midshipmen are Northwestern University students and the balance of 18 are undergraduates at Loyola University. Reflecting the Unit staff and alumni focus over the past two years on increased recruitment and retention, the two largest classes are the 4th class with 10 new midshipmen and 3rd class boasting 11 more. The strong enrollment is of course a function of both recruitment and retention. Compared with midshipmen cohorts at other NROTC Units, the Northwestern and its Chicago Consortium compares favorably with its counterparts around the nation. The Scholarship Board notes that recruitment of qualified youth into national service demands staff focus, high energy and extraordinary commitment. Northwestern NROTC alumni support is key and essential in supporting the Unit staff’s recruitment and retention strategy.
A key part of our continued success stems from highlighting NROTC program visibility at Consortium schools. Our midshipmen are viewed on their respective campuses as integral parts of student life. No longer is a midshipman’s enrollment in a program of national service low visibility to fellow students.
Program success is also enhanced through the Scholarship Fund providing a powerful tool for the Unit staff to recruit and retain qualified midshipmen at Northwestern and Loyola. Our unique scholarship support responds to student needs to meet the dramatically increased costs of higher education – even for those with Navy-Marine Corps scholarships. Affordability of higher education for many of our midshipmen is a determining factor in pursuing their passion to earn a commission in the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps. The Fund’s annual awards allow many of our midshipmen to pursue their passion.
Alumni and friends are asked to ensure the Unit continues its aggressive recruitment and enrollment strategy through strengthening the Scholarship Fund. The Scholarship Fund is effectively a “force multiplier” for Captain Adams and his staff as they build and sustain Unit midshipmen strength. Our continued tax-free contributions to the Scholarship Fund are in many cases the central factor which makes it possible to bring highly qualified young midshipmen to national service.
Act now and make a tax-free donation using the enclosed form or electronically through our website (www.nu-nrotc.org). As you do so, please provide any biographical updates and contact information using the enclosed form. Help us find alums with whom contact has been lost. Alumni are also encouraged to connect using the LinkedIn link to the joint alumni group at https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14606758 .
Best Regards,
Tony Fessler
NU, Class of 1970
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE FLORIDA DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) OR ONLINE AT www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. REGISTRATION #: CH 5534.
Thank
You!