Welcome to Cal State Fullerton Commencement highlights, featuring members of the Class of 2008. The following is a news release prepared in advance of the May 17-18 ceremonies.
Cadet Sam: She's No. 1
Anthropology Major Honored for Grades, Fitness and Service
No need to dig up the annals of Cal State Fullerton's Army Reserve Officers Training Corp. to find the name of the first female to garner the top prize for a cadet. There isn't one in those old records.
But, there will be such an entry this year as anthropology major Deneve R. Sam makes her mark as the university's first woman to capture the Omar Bradley Superior Cadet Award for being ranked the No. 1 soldier in her battalion. The award is given to the cadet with the highest academic standing, best physical fitness and outstanding community service.
Top cadet Deneve R. Sam
The 23-year-old Lake Forest resident is completing her bachelor's degree, summa cum laude, and will take part in her commissioning ceremony Saturday, May 17, when she will be promoted to second lieutenant.
Sam, of American Indian descent, said she joined the ROTC in 2006 "in hopes that one day I could make a difference in the Army."
Indeed she will, said Lt. Col. Billy Howard, professor of military science and coordinator of the ROTC program.
"Deneve is a smart, strong and considerate cadet who has excelled tremendously in the ROTC program," he said. "She will go far in the military and in life because she has what it takes to be a great leader."
Sam will spend the next five months in military intelligence training at Fort Wachuka in Arizona. Then, she could be deployed to fight in Iraq or elsewhere.
"Once I complete my training, I have nothing but the utmost of confidence that I will stand ready to deploy at any given moment," she said, adding that she does harbor some fear. But, "every good leader should have fears because it shows she cares."
Her plans for the future include remaining in the Army Reserves and, once she gets promoted to the rank of captain, she plans to continue her career in the military's civil affairs unit.
"I do not know where my Army career will take me," Sam said. "Everyday, it seems like there is a new opportunity around the corner. I am an archaeologist and plan to eventually work for the Army and Navy as they hire archaeologists from the civilian sector. In my opinion, I'll get the best of both worlds."
Photos: Available online at www.fullerton.edu/newsphotos
Media Contacts:
Mimi Ko Cruz, Public Affairs, 657-278-7586 or mkocruz@fullerton.edu
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