Utah Valley University (UVU) student, Nolan Hicken, was named the top graduate in last summer’s Officer Candidate School (OCS) at the Marine Corps base in Quantico Virginia, and in the process brought the Commadants Trophy to UVU for the first time.
The trophy recognizes Hicken’s excellence in academic performance, physical ability, and leadership skills. He was honored at a recent school basketball game where the trophy was presented to UVU President Astrid S. Tuminez. Hicken, who is a full-time UVU student, is now preparing to attend the senior and last level of OCS training in 2024.
“Nolan has done himself and UVU proud by his performance at Marine OCS last summer,” said captain Mark Caldwell, the Marine Corps Officer Selection officer assigned to UVU.
The trophy not only recognizes Hicken for his achievments but also UVU for its contribution to national defense and development of Marine officers. This is the first time UVU has received this award. “According to Caldwell, UVU has a history of producing extremely capable Marine officer candidates.
Captain Caldwell, described OCS as “the most difficult entry-level training in the Department of defense.” “It [OCS] is designed to sharpen young men and women into highly refined leaders capable of decisive action in the nation’s toughest battles.”
Any full-time college student, male or female, can apply to enter the Marine OCS. There is no requirement that students be in the military or the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) programs when they apply. For more information see https://www.marines.com/become-a-marine/process-to-join/become-an-officer.html
