Monday, Apr 20, 2026
Scott Ruskan ’21 to be honored at the University’s Commencement ceremony on May 16
Petty Officer Scott C. Ruskan ’21 will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws and the Young Alumni Award during ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø’s 2026 Undergraduate Commencement ceremony at the CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton, New Jersey, on May 16.
After earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø, Ruskan enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, where he serves as an aviation survival technician and rescue swimmer, often deploying into extreme conditions to save lives.
In July 2025, during his first official mission, he responded to catastrophic flooding in central Texas. Ruskan served as the only triage coordinator at Camp Mystic, an all-girls camp along the Guadalupe River that rose 20 feet in two hours, helping to save 165 people.
For his actions, Ruskan was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, honoring extraordinary achievement in aerial flight. He also received the Legion of Merit, one of the nation’s highest military decorations, during the State of the Union address in February 2026. Despite the recognition, he remains humble, crediting his fellow servicemembers and emphasizing the teamwork behind every rescue.
At ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø, Ruskan was a Dean’s List student, Division I distance runner on the men’s track and field team, and founder and president of the Investment Club, demonstrating the leadership and determination that continue to define his service.