David Nichols

David Nichols, junior criminal justice major and ROTC cadet.

Junior David Nichols is enthusiastic about his future in criminal justice, and he has an In College Leadership Scholarship from the Air Force ROTC at Trine to help him get there.

The scholarship contributes $18,000 a year toward his tuition, and Trine makes up the difference to create a full-tuition scholarship. He also receives money for books and a monthly stipend. The stipend eliminates the need for a part-time job and allows him to spend more time on his studies.

"After graduation and completion of the ROTC program, I will be commissioned as a second lieutenant, the first officer rank in the Air Force," Nichols said. "I will serve the Air Force for four years after I graduate, and then I can decide whether or not to stay in longer. Besides having a secure, well-paying job after college, this opens up many career opportunities. The experience I gain in the Air Force will help me get a job in law enforcement if I leave the military. Military service is one of the best things you can put on a resume. I am very pleased with the program so far, and plan to complete all four years."

Students attend the ROTC classes and leadership lab at the University of Notre Dame one day a week, with transportation provided by Trine. "Our driver, Walt, is great, and allows us to sleep or do homework on the way there. The cadre (commissioned officers that oversee the detachment) are very friendly and helpful, and so are fellow cadets. We have many exciting opportunities, such as base visits, flying with the civil air patrol or participating in summer programs like paratrooping and job shadowing. A couple cadets are being paid to go to other countries on their summer programs, one to a Japanese air base."

In addition to the Air Force ROTC, he belongs to the American Criminal Justice Association handgun team and Delta Chi fraternity at Trine. He likes the small classes and professors who get to know and engage students in class.

"Professor Laker made a strong impact on my decision to come to Trine. He is always caring and greeting people with a smile. He is giving of his time and works hard for the criminal justice department. He has an extensive background in law enforcement and is more than happy to share his knowledge and stories. I have enjoyed it very much, and look forward to my final years at Trine University," he said.