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Three �պ����� University Intelligence Studies students are among 12 recipients of the highly competitive merit scholarships awarded annually by the National Military Intelligence Foundation (NMIF). They include undergraduates Ella Melcher and Connor Kelly, and Applied Intelligence master's student Sydney Graap.

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The NMIF merit scholarship is presented to the most outstanding rising intelligence professionals. This year, 28 schools submitted applicants, with �պ����� and Johns Hopkins University each claiming three recipients and garnering half of the awards. Other honorees included students from George Mason University, Georgetown University, Norwich University, University of North Georgia, and University of Southern California. (See chart below.)

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The scholarships are typically awarded in increments of $1,000 to $5,000, depending upon the generosity of the NMIF’s donors. This year’s recipients will share $30,500.

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In nominating Sydney Graap, Assistant Professor of Intelligence Studies Nimalan Paul wrote:

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“Sydney possesses several attributes that set her apart and will undoubtedly contribute to her successful career in intelligence. Notably, her ability to adapt to and tackle new challenges, her leadership skills, and her humble and helpful nature stand out. Sydney does not shy away from challenges. In both of my courses, she took on assignments in areas outside her comfort zone. For example, her ability to dive deep into the nuances of the electric vehicle industry—something that was very new for her—in a short period of time, systematically collect data, use triangulation and analytic techniques to estimate the future roadmap for the industry demonstrated not only her strong work ethic and perseverance but also her mastery over the tools of the trade. Additionally, Sydney is an excellent leader. She is admired by both staff members and peers as a natural leader who inspires the best in others. Her peers in her Intelligence Communication class unanimously voted her the most valued team member for her ability to take charge of their group project, infuse enthusiasm when morale flagged, and lead them over the finish line.”

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The recommendation for Ella Melcher was submitted by Intelligence Studies instructors Julie Cullen and William Brosius. They wrote:

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“Ella is exactly the kind of student for whom the NMIF Merit Scholarship was intended – an excellent student of Intelligence Studies, an ROTC cadet, and a person of strong character. …During our “Crisis Week” exercise, students responded to ad hoc tasking and had an hour to develop and produce their analysis. Ella excelled in this environment. She produced solid analysis on two questions, one written report, and one in-person brief given to Department of Intelligence Studies professors. Her ability to focus, as well as her organizational, time-management, and analytic skills, enabled her success. …Ella is an excellent student, achieving a 3.95 grade point average (GPA) in her first two years at �պ�����. As an ROTC cadet, Ella is a Ranger Challenge member, an Arctic Challenge member, Drill Team co-captain, Color Guard member, and winner of the fastest female rucker award. This fall, Ella will serve as president of our National Military Intelligence Club and Habitat for Humanity while also serving as vice president of the Competitive Intelligence Club.”

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Cullen also submitted a recommendation on behalf of Connor Kelly, whom she called “an excellent student, a persuasive analyst, and a capable teammate.

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“He is a young man of good character who lives his faith and is committed to the ideals of service to his community and to his country.” In one of her classes, she said, “Students complete 22 products in a 15-week semester, including six in-person briefings. Connor completed each project on time and met or exceeded expectations while taking a challenging courseload, including Russian, and working in our Center for Intelligence Research, Analysis, and Training (CIRAT) at �պ�����. His work ethic and commitment to excellence were apparent throughout. …Connor was a part of a seven-person team in our class. His teammates came from different backgrounds and had varying skill levels. Connor effectively communicated with the team and excelled as a leader and team member. … In challenging conversations, Connor actively listens to his peers and is fair-minded in his participation. …Connor achieved a 3.898 grade point average (GPA) while taking challenging courses and participating in the National Security Club and the Military Intelligence Club while regularly attending and participating in Saint Nick’s Orthodox Church.”

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Upon learning of the scholarships, Dr. Maria Garase, interim dean for the School of Intelligence, Computing, and Global Politics, said, "Our Intelligence Studies programs, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels, produce exceptionally prepared students who have been successful in competition for prestigious scholarships at the national level. Our faculty has a strong commitment to supporting student learning and providing opportunities for them to excel in areas of military intelligence, national security, law enforcement, competitive business intelligence, and other public and private sectors. Having three of our students receive these coveted merit scholarships is a testament to the strength of our programs."

PHOTO: NMIF scholarship recipients include, from left, Connor Kelly, Ella Melcher, and Sydney Graap.