Franciscan University charters Coast Guard auxiliary program

STEUBENVILLE -- Fourteen Franciscan University of Steubenville students were recognized as founding members of the university's Coast Guard Auxiliary University Program unit during a charter ceremony Tuesday.

The 14, and one University of Pittsburgh student, dressed in their operational dress uniforms and received formal recognition from active-duty and auxiliary Coast Guard members, who gave the students Plankowner Certificates -- a practice of the Coast Guard that recognizes service at the commissioning of a vessel or group.

Franciscan's stand-alone, youth-based AUP unit was initiated through the efforts of Charles Nemeth, head of the university's criminal justice department and AUP unit liaison. Although AUP units are not a proper reserve officer training corps, as are present in most other U.S. military branches, participating members are offered an educational pathway to a Coast Guard career if they choose.

Attending the ceremony virtually was Russ Gasdia, national branch chief for development for the Coast Guard's AUP program, who works to establish stand-alone units at colleges and universities. Franciscan's unit, he said, is the sixth that has been established since late 2021, out of a national total of 14.

"Whatever your goals, take full advantage of this opportunity in front of you," Gasdia said to the participating students. "Whether you seek a career in the Coast Guard or not, your involvement in the Coast Guard auxiliary and the AUP program of study will help to expand your academic experiences (and) enhance your life experiences, all while you participate in one of the most highly-respected volunteer organizations in the nation."

Nemeth, himself a Coast Guard auxiliary member, said participants in the unit who graduate with distinction have the opportunity to enter the "highly-selective" Coast Guard's Officer Candidate School. Students who do not choose to pursue a career in the Coast Guard can still join to engage in the program's service, internship and certification opportunities for various disciplines provided for free through the Coast Guard.

The program will follow a curriculum that includes subjects like marine safety, communications, weather, leadership and emergency and incident response. Participants are required to achieve a certain number of hours from these courses on "operational specialties," said Nemeth, a certified teacher for the courses. The courses themselves are extra-curricular and bring other certified teachers to Franciscan's campus to provide the training.

Participation in the unit provides for educational collaboration or internship opportunities with the nearby Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit in Pittsburgh and auxiliary Flotilla 082-07-02, located in Sewickley, Pa., which the Franciscan unit is associated with.

Available to provide mentoring for participants is Lt. j.g. Eyobe D. Mills of MSU-Pittsburgh, the AUP unit's volunteer officer. Mills said his role as the unit officer is "representing the active-duty side of this program ... (and) telling them what the Coast Guard is about," also being able to facilitate visits to the MSU.

Mills spoke to the ceremony's attendees on the five officers at MSU-Pittsburgh and their diverse backgrounds, which he said will offer unit participants a wide range of expertise, networking and resources that will help them "achieve all (their) goals."

The sentiment of helping participants achieve their goals was shared by Francisco Molina, commander of Flotilla 082-07-02, who welcomed the unit participants to the auxiliary.

Service opportunities include a major visual restoration project for the Steubenville Marina. Nemeth said he is speaking with individuals from the city to acquire paint to refresh the marina's existing design, beginning as soon as the spring.

About two weeks ago, members of the unit traveled to the marina, picking up six bags of garbage and planting 250 tulips. Nemeth expressed that the unit will remain invested in the service project moving forward.

Nemeth said Franciscan's AUP is open to college-age individuals in the area, not just Franciscan students. Those interested in the AUP should email cnemeth@franciscan.edu.

The Rev. Dave Pivonka, TOR, president of the university, said during the ceremony that he was "honored and humbled" to help establish the new unit. The unit, Pivonka said, has values that naturally mirror those of Franciscan University and the Coast Guard itself, specifically service, sacrifice and witness to the fact that "there's something more important than myself" that individuals should uphold.

Nemeth agreed with that sentiment later, stating, "The mission of the Coast Guard, the AUP (and) Franciscan just blend together perfectly. There couldn't be a better match."

Christin Junger, dean of the School of Professions at Franciscan, thanked Nemeth for his involvement in initiating the AUP unit, which she said sets the school apart as one of the few universities and colleges offering the stand-alone program. Junger emphasized the importance of the unit's development of virtue, helping participants become "critical thinkers and leaders" who go above and beyond what is expected of them.

Each unit participant was recognized by name, and brief reflections were offered by the Unit Leader Eleanor Toner and Deputy Unit Leader Patrick Uhlenkott.

Katelyn Henry, a sophomore history major, said after the ceremony that she joined the unit at the beginning of the fall semester. Having always had an interest in the military, Henry said the AUP will provide an opportunity for her to "ride the line" and see if a Coast Guard career is right for her.

"The reason I signed up was for the education opportunities, leadership skills and (to have) something that really stands out on my résumé for any career field," Henry said.