Student Profile: Jarquin Committed to Studies While Preparing for Military Career

NROTC Midshipman Commanding Officer Harold Jarquin

At 22 years of age, Harold Jarquin has flown aboard the U.S. Navy’s EA-18G Growler and taken a cruise on the USS Bataan, an 843-foot aircraft carrier equipped to act as a 600-bed hospital ship. Three years into his collegiate NRTOC career, he has risen to midshipman commanding officer, leading the 30-member NROTC Unit on campus. An electronics engineering technology major, Jarquin’s dedication to leadership and excellence is also evident in his school work, where he sustains a 3.7 overall GPA.

“Mr. Jarquin is by far our top midshipman and the position he holds is earned not given,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Adrian D. Ragland ’95, who commands the unit. “There’s no doubt that he will be a strong leader in the United States Navy.”

Born to a Colombian mother and a Nicaraguan father, Jarquin’s attraction to military service sprouted during his junior year in high school. After joining the Junior NROTC, he heard about the experiences of classmates and the opportunity for personal growth afforded by military service. He was connected to Savannah State University’s NROTC program by his naval science teacher and after graduating from Henry County High School (Ga.) in 2019, his future path was already in motion.

“I made a choice to be part of the military,” he said. “I knew it was beyond wars and I was specifically interested in the leadership skills that it taught,” he said.

He began his studies at SSU in spring 2019 and by June 2020 he had been offered the four-year National NROTC scholarship. His training so far has included two summer tours, which gave him the opportunity to shadow officers aboard the USS Bataan and fly a combat aircraft and a helicopter out of the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash. He is on track to be commissioned in fall 2024. After that, he plans to join the Navy flight school in Pensacola, Fla.

“Being in the military is a different world,” Jarquin said. “The rank comes with privileges and responsibilities. It is about serving the enlisted crew members. I know this is what I’m supposed to do.”

Comments

SSU Announces 40 Under 40 Awards

SSU Announces 40 Under 40 Awards Savannah State University (SSU) is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural 40 Under 40 Awards to recognize young alumni of the university who have made significant contributions to their profession and community. “Ideal candidates for the award should have achieved notable professional success, demonstrated exceptional leadership in their fields, made a positive impact in their communities and embodied the values and mission of Savannah State University,” said Cynthia Robinson Alexander, J.D., SSU Interim President. A nomination form is available HERE . The form requires the nominee's contact information, a brief description of their accomplishments, and an explanation of why they deserve to be recognized. The nomination deadline is August, 30, 2024. Only graduates of Savannah State University may submit a nomination. Only two nominations are allowed from each nominator. Self-nominations will not be accepted. All nominations will be reviewed b...

Savannah State University Announces 40 Under 40 Recipients

Inaugural Class of Nominees Recognizes Achievements of Young Alumni Savannah, GA – Savannah State University (SSU) recently announced the inaugural Class of 40 Under 40 Awards recipients, a prestigious recognition to applaud the outstanding success stories of its young alumni and inspire current and future students. SSU will honor the recipients with an award ceremony including recipients, guests and faculty on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. The award recognizes the contributions of individuals who have excelled in their respective fields before the age of 40. This year’s recipients work in a wide array of environments from municipalities to universities to federal agencies and Fortune 500 companies. The list includes company founders, executives, state representatives, doctors and lawyers. “We’re overjoyed to share with the world what these young alumni have accomplished in just a few short years since graduating from this beloved institution,” said SS...

Alumni Spotlight Wall: 28 Tigers Who Have Made and are Making History

During the month of February, each day, as we celebrate Black history, we will shine a light on Savannah State University's notable alumni who have made and are making history. Wesley McGriff, class of '90 Wesley McGriff, class of 1990, is the co-defensive coordinator/ secondary coach at the University of Louisville. A native of Tifton, Ga., Wesley McGriff, class of 1990, is the co-defensive coordinator/ secondary coach at the University of Louisville. McGriff played at South Carolina State for one year before transferring to Savannah State, where he started at outside linebacker for three seasons and was named the conference’s 1989 Male Academic Athlete of the Year. McGriff has been in the coaching ranks since 1990 when he was hired as a graduate assistant at Savannah State, where he coached for four years. Starting as a graduate assistant, McGriff tutored running backs before coaching the secondary in 1991-92 and then served as defensive coordinator in 1993-94. He was Savanna...

Savannah State University News

Search This Blog