News

Three students in Norwich University's Master of Arts in Diplomacy and one in the Master of Science in Information Assurance program have been selected as finalists in the 2012 Class of Presidential Management Fellows (PMF), a competitive federal internship program sponsored by the US Office of Personnel Management.

The PMF program, formerly known as the Presidential Management Intern Program, is designed to draw outstanding graduate, law and doctoral students to federal service.

The four finalists from Norwich are a part of 628 students selected for the class of 2012 finalists, out of an applicant pool of over 9,100 students. All finalists were assessed on their superior writing, interpersonal, analytical and leadership skills.

In order to become an official Presidential Management Fellow, a finalist must obtain an internship with the federal government within one year of being selected as a finalist. Each spring, the US Office of Personnel Management holds a job fair where students are able to meet and interview with personnel from many federal agencies.

"We are delighted that four of our students have become finalists in the PMF program and have been recognized for their wonderful accomplishments in a highly competitive process," said William Clements, vice president and dean of Norwich's College of Graduate and Continuing Studies. "It is quite an honor to be selected as a fellow and speaks well of our students' achievements and of Norwich University; I look forward to learning more about the great work they will do as fellows and Norwich alums."

Meet the Students:

Matthew Bambrick, 42, of North Aurora, Ill., a student in the information assurance program, who also holds a Master's Degree in Business Continuity Management from Norwich University said: "This distinction is a great testament to the high caliber of students that Norwich University educates."

"I pursued this opportunity for the privilege of serving the United States and wanted the opportunity to make an impact in solving the nation's largest and most complex problems."

Bambrick, who currently teaches at Ashford University within the Homeland Security, Emergency Management and Criminal Justice curricula, added: "The knowledge and experience I gain from the PMF program can be directly transferred to my students in the form of enhanced knowledge and provide them an enriched educational experience. I also hope to inspire others to pursue the PMF program and provide the necessary guidance to help make them successful. "

Adrienne Sommers, 32, of Denver, Colo., a student in the diplomacy program concentrating in international commerce said: "I am extremely honored to be selected as a Class of 2012 Finalist for the PMF Program."

"I pursued this program while currently serving in the US federal government for the opportunity to further my career and to make a difference and positive impact to our nation's citizens and communities, either domestic or foreign.

"My intention and hope is to work for an international organization and implement my educational background and skills in a leadership capacity. The PMF program is an exceptional opportunity, in which I know I will learn from and gain extended knowledge, management skills, and leadership abilities."

Julia Ruddock, 25, originally of Montego Bay, Jamaica, is a student in the diplomacy program concentrating in International Conflict Management and Resolution and an Army Combat Engineer assigned to the 11th Engineer Battalion (Combat) since 2007. She is in the process of transitioning into civilian status to pursue a career in international affairs/development in the Middle East

Ruddock said she began her journey to civil service while studying Arabic at West Point and now diplomacy at Norwich, a program she began during a volunteer deployment as an individual augmentee to Al Anbar Province, Iraq, with the US Army Corps of Engineers from 2010-2011.

"Having now obtained this new opportunity to make a difference, I hope to return to Iraq to contribute my efforts to the development of a strong and mutually beneficial relationship between our countries," she said.

Richard (Cliff) Schroff, 27, a US Marine and student in the diplomacy program, said he looks to the PMF program to help him help our nation.

"I joined the Marine Corps in pursuit of a challenge and adventure rather than a real sense of patriotism. That has changed a lot in my almost six years of service. My experiences in the military and through my studies at Norwich have shown me how incredibly important it is that the United States set the standard for efficient, effective, and ethical governance. We are facing a lot of challenges in a changing world and to meet those challenges we need to be flexible and innovative. I think this is an exciting time to do real and tangible good in government service and I want to be a part of meeting the challenges we face as a nation. I have no idea where PMF will take me but I am really excited about all the possibilities."