Military students honored at largest Clark State SALUTE induction

Clark State College honored a record number of military-affiliated students as 15 active-duty service members, veterans, reservists and National Guard members were inducted into the SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society.

The largest SALUTE class in college history, the inductees were recognized not only for their military service, but also for their academic achievement, leadership and commitment to continued success in higher education.

“These students exemplify the very best of Clark State,” said Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D., president. “Their commitment to service in uniform and their continued pursuit of academic excellence reflect resilience, leadership and determination. We are proud to honor their achievements and support their continued success.”

This year’s inductees represented multiple branches of military service and a wide range of academic programs—from nursing and cybersecurity to manufacturing engineering, social services and business.

The 2026 SALUTE inductees include:

• Samantha Arellano Morales – U.S. Air Force (active duty), registered nursing
• Shaun Barnes – Army National Guard (veteran), manufacturing engineering
• Louis Butler – Army National Guard (veteran), cybersecurity
• Colton Caffee – U.S. Army (veteran), business 
• Jonathan Day – U.S. Army (veteran), general transfer
• Sara Du Perow – U.S. Marine Corps (veteran), logistics management
• Londa Dube – U.S. Air Force (veteran), medical office administration
• Daniel Hingston – U.S. Army (veteran), cybersecurity
• Donald Hollar – U.S. Marine Corps (veteran), cybersecurity
• James Caleb Lange – U.S. Army (veteran), addiction and recovery services
• Cannon Propst – U.S. Air Force Air National Guard, web design and development
• Dorthetta Rue – U.S. Air Force (veteran), registered nursing
• Mackenzie Strouth – U.S. Marine Corps (reservist), criminal justice-law enforcement
• Danisha Vassar – Army National Guard (veteran), social services
• Zachary Wiggins – U.S. Marine Corps (veteran), general transfer

The college offers priority registration for veterans, military affiliated students, their spouses and dependents, as well as a 50 percent tuition reduction for active military members, reservists, Ohio National Guard members and their spouses.  Clark State is also the first college in Ohio to receive the Purple Heart Campus designation and earned the Collegiate Purple Star designation from the Ohio Department of Higher Education in 2022.

In September 2024, Clark State reaffirmed its commitment to military support by signing a Statement of Support with Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, strengthening efforts to support service members both in the classroom and workforce.

In 2025, 357 military-affiliated students enrolled at the college.

For more information about veteran and military services at Clark State College, visit clarkstate.edu.