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It was a proud moment for students, families, faculty, staff and the College of Engineering and Applied Science on May 10 when six recent college graduates were commissioned into the United States Navy as brand new ensigns.

Of the 12 commissioned CU Boulder graduates from this year’s Navy ROTC class, half were students in Engineering and Applied Science – an unprecedented representation. Four men and two women were commissioned, and all of them will now enter into active duty in various capacities to serve the nation.

Ensign Gemma Nowak renders her first handshake and challenge coin exchange as a new Navy officer.

The new Navy ensigns, with their majors and specific areas of assignment are:

• Ensign William Benson, Mechanical Engineering – Naval aviation
• Ensign Jeremy Fie, Aerospace Engineering – Nuclear submarines
• Ensign Michael Hardy, Mechanical Engineering – Nuclear submarines
• Ensign Mackenzie Kirschner, Architectural Engineering – Naval aviation
• Ensign Andrew Lapham, Mechanical Engineering – Navy special warfare
• Ensign Gemma Nowak, Mechanical Engineering – Naval aviation

The college actively supports our ROTC students from the Navy, Army and Air Force. Approximately 30 NROTC cadets are currently enrolled in engineering programs. Additionally, several students are pursuing Navy career opportunities through the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program.