U.S. Air Force Lieutenant, Kyle Schwerman, completes business degree at The College of St. Scholastica with Commander's Leadership Scholarship

2013 Jul 30

Kyle Schwerman of St. Germain, WI, has earned an officer ranking of lieutenant in the United States Air Force, while at the same time receiving a bachelor's degree with high honors from The College of St. Scholastica, in Duluth.

Schwerman graduated cum laude from St. Scholastica in May, earning a bachelor's degree in finance and minor in Russian and management. During his college years, he was active in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Detachment 420 in Duluth. The Detachment 420 unit trains future Air Force officers enrolled at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, The College of St. Scholastica, Lake Superior College, and the University of Wisconsin-Superior.

His commitment to the AFROTC enabled Schwerman to earn his military wings and an officer ranking as lieutenant upon graduation.

His father, Dick Schwerman of St. Germain, WI notes that his son's dedication to the AFROTC while in school was not surprising.

"Kyle has always been a patriot," Dick Schwerman said. "He's very passionate about his country."

During Kyle Schwerman's winter break of his senior year in high school, he was offered the commander's leadership scholarship from now-retired Col. Al Chromy of the United States Air Force. Chromy awarded Schwerman the highly sought-after scholarship after meeting him for the first time and listening to his personal story of living with a single father.

"It's one of the few scholarships that the Air Force gives out," Dick Schwerman said. "One of Col. Chromy's children attended St. Scholastica, so he recommended that Kyle go as well."

With the combination of the commander's leadership scholarship and St. Scholastica's Benedictine scholarship, Kyle Schwerman received a full-paid scholarship for all his four years at the College.

"Kyle exemplifies the values that are such an integral part of the St. Scholastica experience," says Mary Meyer, admissions event specialist. "He will use these values to make the world a better and safer place for all as part of the military."

Schwerman has now begun flight training at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. He has a 10-year commitment with the Air Force, with a college degree and officer ranking already behind him.