Military and ROTC Programs Announce 2026 Outstanding Students

The mission of military ROTC and programs at San Diego State University is to transform students into leaders and instill skills in them that go beyond the classroom. These students work toward serving in the U.S. military or being involved alongside it as civilian employees.

Aiden Adamson: Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Air Force Leadership Studies

“Being confident in my own abilities and being willing to ask for help have been really hard lessons for me to learn as a student,” says Aiden Adamson, a Political Science major and outstanding student in Air Force leadership studies. “...I had to knock off that feeling of allowing my lack of confidence to keep me from being a strong leader and someone that others could rely on. Once I internalized that I actually am good enough at the different things that were being asked of me, I really gained so much confidence as a leader and stopped second-guessing my decisions so much.”

Adamson has been involved in two AFROTC clubs. As president of the Aztec Aviation Organization, he taught cadets through aviation ground school and flight simulator courses, helping build the foundation for future Air Force pilots. He was also involved in the Arnold Air Society John Burdette Binkley Squadron, a leadership training and community service focused organization. 

Adamson was selected to attend Air Force pilot training at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas and aspires to become a fighter pilot upon graduation. He says that while this career path may seem different from his political science major, the discipline has taught him to think critically about the world around him and given him a deeper understanding of geopolitics.

“Being a military leader means not just doing what you're told but also being able to see the why behind it, and my major has given me the tools to do this,” Adamson said.

Adamson said Lt. Col. Donovan Matteson was the person within the AFROTC department who had the greatest impact on him.

“He has been the epitome of who I hope to be as a leader and has seriously provided the blueprint of what leadership looks like,” Adamson said. “Lt. Col. Matteson has always been there for us cadets whenever we need advice on literally anything, and he will always provide that advice and mentorship in a way that shows he really cares.”

William Nguyen: Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Military Science

“I am passionate about maintaining safety, upholding the law, and serving my community,” says William Nguyen, a criminal justice major with a minor in military science and outstanding military science undergraduate. “In the future, I hope to continue growing in leadership roles within the criminal justice and law enforcement field while making a positive impact on the lives of others.”

During his time at SDSU, Nguyen was involved in Army ROTC and Army Color Guard, and his career aspiration is to be a correctional officer.

Nguyen said his experience as a criminal justice major supported his goals by giving him a deeper understanding of the justice system, law enforcement practices, corrections, and the social factors that affect crime and rehabilitation. 

“Studying Criminal Justice has helped me better understand the responsibilities and challenges that come with working in corrections and law enforcement. It has also strengthened my commitment to professionalism, integrity, and service,” he said. “The knowledge and experiences I have gained through my major continue to support my growth as a correctional officer.”

Nguyen identified Tania Mejia-O'Donnell as the professor who left the most impact on him.

“She has helped me learn more about corrections and the roles of correctional officers, and that better prepares me to enter the field,” Nguyen said.

After graduation, Nguyen will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the California Army National Guard as a Military Police Officer.

Also included in the ROTC and military program outstanding students is Aaron Johnson: Outstanding Undergraduate Student in the School of Naval Sciences.