University of Colorado at Boulder student Steven DeGroot has excelled in the classroom, as a volunteer and as a mentor and leader in his Navy ROTC battalion, and in recognition has received the university's first CU Proud Award.
Created by the CU Parents Association, the award recognizes CU-Boulder students who exhibit exemplary acts of character, courage or compassion on or off campus. DeGroot, a senior mechanical engineering major and platoon commander within his Navy ROTC battalion, received the award this month.
"The goal of the university experience is not only to produce academic knowledge, but also to build personal character and responsibility," said Sandy Pennington, president of the CU Parents Association. "This award recognizes those students who by their actions, often in less than ideal circumstances, make CU proud to have them as a member of its student body."
As platoon commander of his Navy ROTC battalion, Midshipman DeGroot has mentored younger students on the skills required of future naval officers and also helped them navigate the demands of the university, according to Commander Sandra Davidson, executive officer of the Navy ROTC program at CU-Boulder.
"I have had the privilege of being Steven's adviser and executive officer for the last three years and have been impressed with his ability to balance his academics, involvement within the unit and involvement around campus," said Davidson. "He truly is an impressive young man whose desires to serve his country and community have made CU proud and made him worthy of this recognition."
DeGroot also has taken an active role in the Guidelines and Objectives of Responsible Drinking organization, or G.O.R.D., and has been instrumental in providing alcohol education and awareness to CU-Boulder students.
After graduation and the granting of his naval commission, DeGroot plans to attend flight school.
For information about the CU Proud Award call the CU Office of Parent Relations at 303-492-1380 or visit .