Tulane ROTC students’ academic achievements honored
A new commemorative wall has been established to honor the outstanding academic achievements of Tulane ROTC students.
The wall, which is located in the Navy Building, was established through the generosity of Tulane alumnus and trustee of the university Donald Peters (A&S ’81) and his wife, Lora, to celebrate those students who earn Latin honors during their undergraduate years.
“When you see people doing something extraordinary, that should be recognized,” said Donald Peters.
He notes that in addition to successfully carrying a full course load, midshipmen have to take an additional military-related course each semester as well as four-to-six-weeks of military training every summer (after the semester is completed).
Commanding Officer and Professor of Naval Science for the Tulane University Naval ROTC Unit Captain Paul D. Bowdich, USN was thrilled with Peters’ gift.
“We recognize our midshipmen for a lot of their accomplishments within the community. We do have some academic awards that they get, but this one is special because it is from one of our own alumni.
“To have someone of his caliber and his success to be able to come back and tell the students that it started here goes a long way for them. It gives them that drive to be a little bit better, to do a little bit better academically,” said Bowdich.
Peters, who is an equity portfolio manager at T. Rowe Price, was a member of the Tulane Navy ROTC during his undergraduate years. After graduation, he was selected by Admiral Hyman G. Rickover to work at his headquarters for the Navy's nuclear propulsion program.
“In many respects, without the Navy, I never could have attended a place like Tulane. So, it really was transformational,” he recalled.
Peters hopes that the wall helps raise awareness among alumni and students about the achievements of ROTC students at Tulane by highlighting some of their achievements.
“Someone who can do well at a top university like Tulane has a high probability of being very successful in the military and in life,” said Peters.
Students who achieve recognition on the commemorative wall also receive a wave trophy, said Bowdich.
“It’s something that they can proudly display in their spaces and hopefully inspire some of their young sailors and marines academically. It goes beyond just recognizing our midshipmen that excel — they can inspire somebody else,” he said.
This isn’t the first time that Peters has gone above and beyond to recognize exceptional achievement among Tulanians. The “Graduated with Honors” Wall in the James W. Wilson Intercollegiate Athletics Center was also made possible through the generosity of Don and Lora Peters.
The ROTC wall already has three honorees: 2nd Lt Dominic P. LaPata, who graduated Magna Cum Laude; ENS Zoe R. Alvarez who graduated Cum Laude and ENS John F. Lochner who graduated Cum Laude.
