The Cameron University Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of two endowed scholarships that will benefit military science students in perpetuity. The LTG (R) Randall L. and Carol A. Rigby Endowed Scholarship in Military Science is earmarked for full-time CU students who demonstrate an intent to join CU’s Army ROTC program in pursuit of an officer’s commission. The CU Comanche Military Science Club Endowed Scholarship is open to any full-time CU student, with preference given to students studying military science.
“Endowed scholarships are vital to so many Cameron students’ ability to complete a degree,” says Albert Johnson, Jr., Vice President for University Advancement. “The Cameron University Foundation is fortunate to have donors like LTG (R) Randall and Carol Rigby – both CU alumni –and the members of the Military Science Club– both past and present – whose generosity has made these endowments possible.”
Randall and Carol Rigby each earned an Associate in Arts in Arts and Sciences degree from Cameron in 1966. Both were named Distinguished Alumni by the CU Alumni Association in 1996. During his 32-year tenure in the U.S. Army as an artilleryman, LTG Rigby’s duty stations included command of a firing battery in Vietnam, an 8 Inch Howitzer Battalion with a nuclear mission and the 6th Infantry Division Artillery. He served as an assistant professor at West Point, and spent three tours in the Pentagon as an action officer, Division Chief, executive officer to the Army Vice Chief of Staff , Deputy Director J-8 on the Joint Staff , and Director of Program Analysis and Evaluation in the Office of the Chief of Staff, Army. He was also the Chief of Field Artillery and Commander of the U.S. Army’s Field Artillery Center and Fort Sill. His last duty station prior to his retirement in 2000 was as Deputy Commanding General, US Army Training and Doctrine Command.
Mrs. Rigby was active in the Lawton/Fort Sill community during her husband’s tour of duty here. Among her many activities, she served on the boards of 20 civic organizations and was a popular speaker. Her civic work continued as her husband’s duty stations led her to new communities. In 1986, she was inducted into the Honorable Order of Molly Pitcher by the U.S. Field Artillery Association. The award recognizes the voluntary efforts of individuals who have contributed in a significant way to the field artillery community.
“We are proud to recognize General and Mrs. Rigby as Cameron alumni,” says Johnson. “Throughout their lifetimes, they have brought honor and commitment to each of their individual endeavors. The Cameron University Foundation deeply appreciates their generous donation.”
When members of Cameron’s Military Science Club decided to establish an endowed scholarship for CU students, they immediately launched fundraising efforts and succeeded in raising their goal in less than a year. The Military Science Club was formed to enhance its members' involvement on campus and in community events and to increase opportunities for personnel and professional growth and development.
“What an outstanding group of students we have in the Military Science Club,” Johnson says. “This dedicated group chose to focus their efforts on helping CU students in perpetuity and succeeded very quickly in reaching their goal. They have demonstrated foresight and leadership in doing so. By raising the funds to establish an endowment, the Military Science Club has raised the bar for all CU student organizations.”
“We identified a need for financial assistance without ROTC command,” says Cadet Jornall Whigham, president of the Military Science Club. “The impact of COVID-19 has reduced the number of hours at jobs and diminished the number of scholarships available. This endowment will continue to assist cadets long after the pandemic ends.”
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PR# 20-136
December 4, 2020
