The Alan Robert & Veronica Lenox Cotariu Memorial Scholarship

Alan R. Cotariu was born in Chicago in 1918 to Harry and Reba Cotariu, immigrants from Romania. When his father passed away in 1933, Alan dropped out of school, falsified his age, and enlisted in the Marine Corps in order to help support his mother and younger sister. He was one of the historic China Marines from 1935-1936. When Alan completed his enlistment in the Marine Corps, he returned home but later joined the Navy. Following flight school, he was designated a Silver Eagle Naval Aviation Pilot, and flew in the South Pacific during WWII. In 1950, Alan married Veronica Lenox and retired from the Navy as a Lieutenant in 1959 with a total of 24 years of military service. He subsequently worked in the aerospace industry and eventually returned to school to earn a Associates Degree in Business at Foothill College in 1972.

Veronica (Ronnie) Lenox was born in Winchester, Massachusetts, the third of seven children to Joseph and Jan Lenox. She attended school in Medford but after the 10th grade, Ronnie, a lively and strong -willed young woman, refused to continue high school, insisting she did not need further education. When the United Stated Entered WWII, she went to work at General Electric, to support the war effort by filling positions vacated by young men who were now serving in the military. In 1944 inspired by her younger brother Ronnie defied her parents wished and enlisted in the Navy. Ronnie’s primary responsibility as a WAVE was as a Link Trainer Instructor. The Link Trainer was a flight simulator used for every combatant nation during WWII and the majority of instructors were male. Ronnie and a small number of other WAVES, were assigned this critical mission because of a shortage of qualified men. Ronnie achieved the rank of Specialist 2nd Class. Ronnie eventually returned to school, earning a Associates Degree at Foothill College, a Bachelors of Arts Degree at San Jose State University, and a Masters of Arts in Education at Santa Clara University.

The Alan Robert & Veronica Lenox Cotariu Memorial Scholarship committee is seeking a Navy or Marine Corps active duty service member or veteran who is pursuing his/her first bachelor’s degree, to present as our candidate for this highly competitive scholarship. The scholarship is a one time award of $1000.00. The award can be used for tuition, books, and/or fees. This is not a need based scholarship and can be used in conjunction with the GI Bill.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements:

• Be a Navy of Marine Corps active duty service member or veteran.
• Be pursuing his/her first bachelors -level degree program.
• Have completed a minimum of 30 semester hours by the application deadline.
• Have achieved a 2.50 GPA
• Be enrolled at an accredited college or university.

Application Instructions:

• Interested candidates should submit a request for the application form to CotariuScholarship@gmail.com between September 1, 2018 – February 1, 2019.
• Completed applications packets are due no later than March 1, 2019.

A completed application packet will include:

• Completed application form
• Copy of the students academic transcripts
• Copy of DD214 ( with social security number blacked out) or a statement of good standing from command.
• Three letters of recommendations with at least one from a academic advisor or professor and one from a professional associate, preferably a current or former member of your military chain of command.

Review Process:

An interview for each finalist will be scheduled after the close of the application period.

By applying this constitutes release for the Alan Robert and Veronica Lenox Cotariu Scholarship committee to use your name and likeness on scholarship promotional materials.