Steve Mihalacki
Johnstown, PA
Major: Economics
When Steve Mihalacki leaves the IUP and the Honors
College "Community of Scholars," he will find himself
in a very different, much older, highly honored community –
accepting a well-deserved commission as a Second Lieutenant in
the United States Army!
"I have been heavily involved in ROTC and, as Resident
Advisor, in the day-to-day concerns of residence life at IUP.
As I prepare to accept a commission in the US Army, both activities
will help me to be a better officer and leader/role model to soldiers
wherever I serve."
Steve Mihalacki isn't kidding when he says he's been "heavily
involved" in ROTC. The depth and the demanding nature of
his activities during his four years at IUP might surprise most
college students. Among Steve's internships, he spent the summer
of 1999 at Airborne School, winning an army parachutist's badge
and, for the summers of 1999 and 2000, receiving the Superior
Cadet Award. In the summer of 2000, Steve took Cadet Troop Leaders
Training and attended the ROTC Advanced Training Camp (for officers).
In 1998-99, Steve was appointed Cadet Command Sergeant Major.
And all the training, the classes, the study, and the work he
did as an Economics major – where does that fit in with Steve's
plans?
"My economics degree helps tremendously. My major has
taught me to think critically and analytically, which will be
beneficial in the future – when I am responsible for the
lives of many soldiers and millions of dollars worth of equipment.
Not only that, one thing I learned in the Honors College –
the ability to write effective papers, to express myself clearly
and concisely – has already proven extremely valuable to
me. It's one of the things about the Honors College I'll always
be grateful for! That – and how much I enjoyed the community
of scholars. Overall, as I look back, it's the people I will miss
the most…."
And once he has his commission, where does Steve Mihalacki hope
to go and what does he plan to do?
"For starters, I'd like to get stationed in Germany –
or somewhere exotic. Once I've met my military commitment, I may
go on to graduate school and take a civilian job. Or, who knows?
I might just stay in the Army and make my career right there!"
More information about Steve
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