Prof Day named best ROTC teacher in U.S.
By BRIAN HOBBINS
News Writer
No one does it better than Notre Dame Navy ROTC instructor Lt. Mark Day, according to the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), which recently named Day the top ROTC instructor in the nation.
Day learned that he won the Col. Leo A. Codd Memorial Award at an in-class presentation. Father Richard Warner, counselor to the University president, the Navy Marine officer, the Navy executive officer and Day's wife served as presenters.
"There was a short little prologue, and the award was presented to me. I was just standing there, pretty stunned," Day said.
"We submitted [his name] for the award without him knowing. Each of the services presents nomination packages," Navy ROTC Commander Gary Luttrell said.
An NDIA committee examines written nominations. In selecting winners, the NDIA looks at an applicant's service, teaching evaluations and activities within the university and local communities.
"I just try to be open for the students, more or less address all questions and concerns," Day said.
"I like to teach classes at a relaxed discussion-style pace rather than a `cram it down your throat with a fire hose' style."
Day deals with issues that young sailors will face when they enter the service after graduation.
"We deal with problems along the lines of what to do when your troops get into alcohol problems," Day said, noting that sailors in a stressful environment might be tempted to consume alcohol. Day said he teaches his students how to address such a problem from a position of leadership.
While Day hopes to continue to strive towards excellence, his students are making the most of their time with him to ask questions about their own future leadership. Day said he trains his senior students in military ethics and the law of armed conflict before their induction into the Navy after graduation.
All News Stories for Monday, April 17, 2000
