Commonwealth University-Lock Haven ROTC Cadet Receives Multiple Scholarships

Christian Good of Muncy is the recipient of Commonwealth University-Lock Haven's John F. Curcio Scholarship and Perna Family Memorial Scholarship for the 2022-23 school year. Good is preparing to enter his senior year in the 3+2 undergraduate physician assistant (PA) program at The Haven. He is also an Army ROTC cadet and a member of the Boxing Club, the Christian Student Fellowship, and Campus Crusade for Christ.

The scholarship, established in 2020, is named in honor of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. John F. Curcio, of Renovo. Curcio flew 35 combat missions over Europe as a tail gunner in B24 bombers during World War II. The scholarship is awarded annually to a student actively serving in the military, ex-military, or a member of ROTC.

The Perna Family Memorial Scholarship was established in 1999. It is awarded annually to a rising senior with a minimum GPA of 3.5 and demonstrated evidence of leadership and community service.

"I cannot thank the donors enough or express what it means to me to receive their scholarships," Good said. "I promise to use these scholarships to help me excel in my education in order to pursue my career, all in hopes of giving back to the community in similar ways that they have for me."

Good was drawn to Lock Haven three years ago because of its PA and ROTC programs, as well as its proximity to his hometown. Since arriving, Good said the beautiful campus, smaller class sizes, great faculty and ROTC cadre have offered him a wealth of opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge to become an Army officer while simultaneously pursuing his academic and civilian dreams of becoming a medical professional.

He referenced the leadership skills he has developed during his experiences with ROTC and the generosity and impact of receiving scholarships as instrumental parts of his Haven experience that have helped him make the dean's list numerous times on his way to achieving a cumulative 3.82 GPA.

"ROTC puts you in a position where you have to make quick decisions in stressful situations," Good said. "It has really helped me to become more organized and to become better at thinking on my feet."

"Without scholarships like the John F. Curcio Scholarship and Perna Family Memorial Scholarship, there is no way I would be as successful or be able to pursue my dreams of being a PA and serving in our military," he added. "I am incredibly thankful for the financial assistance receiving these scholarships provides, and for the way they enable me to focus on my academic and ROTC requirements that ultimately make my college experience more enjoyable."

Good aims to be commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army, before beginning his career in medicine.