Christa Harrop, a senior majoring in psychology, was selected as the recipient of the George C. Marshall Leadership Award. Harrop represented the state of Nevada at the 36th annual George C. Marshall Awards & Leadership Seminar which was held April 14-17 at the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Va.
"Cadet Harrop's performance has been outstanding and it afforded her the opportunity to attend the George C. Marshall Leadership Seminar. The seminar served as a prime venue for facilitating critical thinking on complex issues that leaders in the defense arena will face in the years to come" commented Colonel Mike Minaudo, chair of the Military Science Department.
The top Army ROTC cadets from around the nation had the opportunity to hear from several of the Army's leading experts about the future of the military and the difficulties that will be face by future young leaders. The keynote speakers included Brigadier Gen. Julie A. Bentz, Director, Strategic Capabilities Policy, National Security Council; Brigadier Gen. Kimberly Field, Deputy Director of Strategy, Plans and Policy, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7; Major Gen. Jefforey A. Smith, Commanding General, U.S. Army Cadet Command; and Gen. Robert W. Cone, Commanding General, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command.
Harrop summarized her experience stating that, "It was an honor to be included in such a prestigious group. The knowledge and advice passed along to us is imperative to our future. I can only hope to pass along what I learn as a leader to those in our future."
The cadets also had the opportunity to participate in roundtable discussions led by experts in the field including such topics as cyber terrorism, dealing with cross-cultural challenges, and shifting from a joint working environment to an interagency working environment.
The seminar was chaired by Gen. (Ret.) Richard A. Cody, former Vice Chief of Staff of the Army.
The Virginia Military Institute was the host for the event as Marshall's alma mater. The cadets had the opportunity to explore some of the rich history of the area at the Marshall Museum, Robert E. Lee Museum and Burial, and VMI Museum. The seminar concluded with a military parade put on by the students of VMI.
