Georgian youth in their struggle for democracy in the future.” As Autumn makes decisions about her future career, her father’s service continues to shape her life and career goals.

Marine parents shape their children not only by how they serve but also by how they choose to live and pursue careers upon returning to civilian life. Often, the determination and dedication with which they work makes their children interested in the same industry. Many Marine Scholars choose to study a subject related to either their parents’ area of military service, like mechanics, or post-service career, like engineering. 

As a first-generation college student, Gavin Gros balances life as a full-time scholar, athlete and volunteer while he studies mechanical engineering at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. A multi-year scholarship recipient, he has been able to focus on his studies, rather than having to work a part-time job to cover his tuition. 

After he was awarded his scholarship, Gavin said, “Sharing this news with my family, especially my father, a Marine Corps veteran, was a moment of profound connection. His reaction was one of immense pride, knowing that the values he upheld during his service continue to inspire and support the next generation.” Veteran Sergeant Roland Gros was honorably discharged when Gavin was young, before he could fully understand the impact of his father’s service. Applying for a scholarship was Gavin’s opportunity to hear stories of his father’s deployments and learn about lessons the Marine Corps taught him.

On campus, Gavin volunteers with several on campus organizations, including one focusing on supporting disabled individuals in their local community. He helps lead events, fundraises and works on raising awareness across the area. Additionally, Gavin plays on the Fightin’ Engineers football team, participating in 16 of their games in his first two years. He credits his veteran father instilling the values of discipline, resilience and dedication in him—“principles that have guided me through academic challenges and personal growth.”

These values helped him to gain admission into one of the top engineering programs for undergraduates in the country, after graduating fourth-highest in his high school class. His career isn’t only shaped by his father’s legacy of military service; when Gavin was a kid, he would work with his dad and grandfather repairing semi-trucks and their family car. This sparked an interest in mechanics and machines that drives him today.

Last summer, Gavin completed an engineering internship at DRC, a company known for innovative approaches to product engineering. The internship allowed him to work with experienced engineers, gain valuable insights into professional engineering processes and begin building his career. After graduating, he plans to work in the automotive industry, developing electric or automated cars, or in the aerospace industry, developing innovative technology to advance scientific discovery. He said his father’s “dedication, sacrifice and commitment to serving others have inspired [him] to strive for excellence in everything [he does.]” He continued, “I am proud to carry on his legacy of service and honor, and I am grateful for the invaluable lessons he taught me.”