Saturday is full of milestones for one ISU senior

TERRE Haute, Ind. - For one Indiana State University senior, Saturday is a day of dual milestones.

Ryan Hobert, a senior English major from Indianapolis, has spent the last two and a half years as a member of the Army ROTC. Roughly four hours before walking across the stage at Hulman Center to receive his bachelor’s degree, he will take part in a ceremony in the College of Technology where he will be commissioned as an Army intelligence officer.

His involvement in ROTC has had a profound effect on Hobert’s college experience. The ROTC has given him lifelong friends, more focus and more.

“It has been an incredible experience for me. I have meet lifelong friends and become a much better person because of the training and comradely that is associated with ROTC, and the army in general. Being held to a higher standard than my counterparts, due to the fact that I will be a leader of men in combat, has only made me a better person, both mentally and physically,” he said.

Hobert was drawn to the Army because of values - loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and courage.

“I hold these same values dear to my heart,” he said, “Without these values, I could not be the man, and soon to be officer, that I am today.”

Family played a role in him becoming involved with the military and in becoming a Sycamore.

Both Hobert’s grandfathers, Mel Hobert and John Bodenhammer are veterans and will play a part in his commissioning ceremony.

Hobert’s father, Terry is a 1976 alumnus of Indiana State along with Mel Hobert, who earned degrees from Indiana State in 1971 and 1972 as a non-traditional student.

“Becoming a Sycamore was an easy decision. I have a heritage here, not to mention the fact that the campus visit had me hooked. The university is perfect -- not too big, not too small. It was apparent that people took pride in its appearance and its treatment of people,” the younger Hobert recalled.

While he will be forging his own path in life, he will continue to look to his family for guidance and inspiration.

“My father and grandfather have always had a strong influence in my life because I have been witness to their success. They are my rock and a constant in my life. Their intelligence and high standards pushed me to have high expectations for myself,” he said.

Hobert will leave the ISU campus to serve with the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, in Honolulu, Hawaii with a much bigger mission for his future.

“I plan on having the experience and training to make a difference for people in world. I plan on making the world a better place to live in, because of my commitment and dedication to the people of the United States of America.”

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Contact: Ryan Hobert, Wildth8253@aol.com

Writer: Paula Meyer, ISU Communications & Marketing, (812) 237-3783 or pmeyer4@isugw.indstate.edu