by Halle Johnson, Student Public Relations Writer
This fall, the U.S. Department of Defense has awarded scholarships to Cedarville University cyber operations students.
Receiving the scholarship for a second year are senior computer science majors specializing in cyber operations Aaron Campbell, Madeline Chairvolotti, and Aidan Graef. In addition, new recipients include Jordan Hopkins, David Stirn, and Benjamin Smid, who are participating in their first year of the program.
“It is a huge honor to have these students awarded the scholarships,” said Dr. Seth Hamman, associate professor of cyber operations and computer science. “Our acceptance rate exceeds the national average and that is a testimony to the growing reputation of our cyber program.”
Students apply in February of their sophomore or junior year for the full-ride scholarship. Students accepted as sophomores receive the scholarship their junior year, and they are eligible for renewal. Along with tuition costs, students receive a $25,000 stipend, a $1,500 laptop, and all of their course fees and textbooks are also covered. All sophomores that are selected participate in a summer internship before their senior year, and each recipient is committed to working for the Department of Defense upon graduation.
“For these students, this scholarship is a full ride for two years, an internship, and a job offer all rolled into one,” said Hamman. “This program changes the trajectory of our students' lives and opens up incredible career opportunities as well as a debt-free education.”
Cedarville’s Bachelor of Science in computer science program with a specialization in cyber operations was recognized as a National Security Agency National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations in 2018. The program has expanded to include a new Bachelor of Science in cyber operations degree created in 2020.
“Working in cybersecurity requires integrity,” said Hamman. “Integrity that goes way beyond simply signing a statement of ethics. At Cedarville we want students to have a vision larger than themselves, a vision worth sacrificing for. Character requires sacrifice. All aspects of a Cedarville education focus on putting that compelling vision in front of our students on a daily basis from the classroom to the dorm room to the dining room.”
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 4,715 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 150 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, including the Bachelor of Science in Cyber Operations program, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and high student engagement ranking. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.