Student Snapshot: Sam Orzolek ’26
“The atmosphere and support was amazing,” says Sam Orzolek ’26 (law & policy, Russian), a defensive lineman on Dickinson’s football team. He’s also a recipient of an ROTC scholarship and the Sergeant Harry Goldberg Prize who aspires to become a leader in the U.S. Army, and during the past summer, Sam participated in the U.S. Army Airborne School. As he learned the basics of military parachuting, he completed three jumps out of an aircraft, including at night! On campus, Sam hones his leadership skills as an Admissions Fellow, tour guide and member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
Hometown:
Reading, Pennsylvania.
Majors:
Law & policy and Russian, with a minor in military science.
Clubs/organizations:
Varsity football, Liberty Cap Society (tour guides), ROTC, SAAC and Admissions Fellows.
Scholarships/honors/awards:
Army ROTC scholarship, 1783 scholarship and the Sergeant Harry Goldberg Prize.
Best thing about my Dickinson experience:
The best thing about my Dickinson experience so far was winning the Conestoga Wagon against F&M my sophomore year on a Friday night under the lights. The atmosphere and support we got from the campus was amazing!
Favorite place on campus:
East Asian Study Room in the Waidner-Spahr Library.
Favorite Dining Hall food:
An MTO wrap.
Favorite professor:
Associate Professor of Political Science and International Studies Andy Wolff.
On jumping out of planes:
Over the summer I was fortunate enough to go to the U.S. Army Airborne School at Ft. Moore, Ga., and go to basic camp at Fort Knox, Kentucky, through our ROTC program. Both training events were exciting and different, but the highlights included jumping out of a C-130 at night, completing the night infiltration course and firing multiple different weapon systems.
Post-Dickinson plans:
After Dickinson, I plan to serve in the US Army as an infantry officer in the active-duty component.
Advice for younger students:
Find a system that works for you to manage your time, and don’t forget to have fun!
