Skip to Main Content
Enriching firm friendships across our alumni and Buckeye communities

Navy ROTC Alumni Society - About

Midshipmen in green uniforms standing next to a Navy helicopter spelling O-H-I with their arms.

About

A place for all to promote connection, community and mentorship among alumni, midshipmen and friends.

The Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) has a proud history spanning more than 70 years at The Ohio State University. Hundreds of Naval, Marine and community leaders have launched their careers through Ohio State’s NROTC program.

The NROTC Alumni Society helps preserve this legacy by connecting alumni, midshipmen, staff and friends through events, communications and activities. We share the rich naval traditions of Ohio State, keep alumni informed about the NROTC Unit and support both midshipmen and graduates.

Our initiatives include football reunion tailgates, the Flag Honor Hall of Fame, midshipmen scholarships, and year-round support for NROTC Battalion activities — all designed to keep the Navy and Marine Corps spirit alive at Ohio State.

Our society has a long-standing record of excellence, earning the highest distinction — Outstanding Alumni Society — twelve times. Most recently, in 2025, we achieved the elite designation of “Outstanding Society”, an honor reserved for the top three societies.

Today’s midshipmen are training to lead the Navy and Marine Corps of tomorrow. They deserve the full support of the university and its alumni. Now, more than ever, we must continue to develop strong leaders for the Fleet and the Corps. By becoming a paid member of the NROTC Alumni Society and the Ohio State Alumni Association, you can help make this possible.

Ways to get involved: 

  • join the Ohio State Alumni Association and the NROTC Alumni Society — your dues fund vital programs
  • contribute to the NROTC Alumni Society Seawolf Endowment Fund, which provides scholarships for midshipmen
  • encourage students to apply to Ohio State and NROTC
  • nominate someone for the Flag Honor Hall of Fame
  • serve on a committee or on the Board of Directors
  • mentor a current midshipman or student

Wishing you fair winds and following seas.

Board of Governors

Note: "FHHOF" denotes NROTC Flag Honors Hall of Fame honoree


Officers

Steven Drefahl ’74 CAPT USN (retired)

President

Brian Ginnane ’93 CAPT USN (retired)

Vice President, Movies Coordinator

Mark Bortnem ’98 COL USMC

Secretary

Kenneth L Worthy ’91 CAPT USN (retired)

Treasurer

Darrell L. Dreher ’66 LT USN

FHHOF
Assistant Treasurer

Members

David E. (Dave) Ozvat ’70 RDML Ohio Naval Militia (retired)

FHHOF
Member At-Large

David (Dave) Happ ’71 CDR USN (retired)

Membership Chair & Website Collaboration

Gerard Thomas (Tom) Lennon, Jr. ’71 CAPT USN (retired)

FHHOF
Football Ticket Coordinator

Henry Phillips ’71 LCDR USN (retired)

Midshipmen Social Coordinator

George A Wallace '73 CDR USN (retired)

Communications

Kevin Hall '74 CAPT USMC

Flag Honors Hall of Fame Committee Chair

Brian Murray ’76 MAJ USMC (retired)

Reunion Weekend Tailgate Coordinator

Paul Matthews ’76 MAJ USMC (retired)

Virtual Board Meetings, Reunion Weekend Dinner & Society Ship's Store Coordinator

Elizabeth Boardman ’77 CDR USN (retired)

FHHOF
Facebook & LinkedIn Coordinator

Dina Wald-Margolis ’90 USN

Decades Challenge Committee Chair

Charles Smith ’95 COL USMC

Midshipmen Sponsorship Families Chair

Frank Bennett ’96 CAPT USN

Membership Recognition and Virtual Programming

Morgan Ritter ’07 MAJ USMC (2007–2017)

Member At-Large

CAPT Robert Moran USN

Professor of Naval Science (PNS)

Julie Haley

OSUAA Assistant Director, Alumni Societies Engagement

Questions or comments?

Please email us at NavyROTCSociety@osu.edu.