TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Army ROTC Cadet Alan L. Stephens of Roanoke was recently named the George C. Marshall Award winner at The University of Alabama.

The George C. Marshall Award is presented to the outstanding cadet in UA’s Army ROTC program. The late Gen. Marshall served as the chief of staff of the Army and Secretary of both State and Defense. He was the author of the restorative Marshall Plan and was the only career soldier to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

“I cannot imagine anyone who personifies the spirit of the George C. Marshall Award more than Mr. Stephens. He is a great credit to not only to our program, but also to the University, the state of Alabama and our country,” said Lt. Col. Neil C. Reinwald Jr., UA professor of military science.

Stephens was selected for his professional excellence, leadership, personal integrity and selfless service to the nation. His many accomplishments include the completion of the Army’s Mountain Warfare Training School and the U.S. Army Airborne School at Fort Benning, Ga. Stephens is the cadet battalion commander, the highest-ranking member of the Corps of Cadets, and was recently recognized as a Distinguished Military Student for possessing outstanding qualities of leadership and high moral character and attaining a military science standing in the upper third of the ROTC class. He also is ranked in the upper half of his university class.

“I am very thankful and encouraged that we still have this kind of young American stepping forward as one of the nation’s future leaders for the next generation,” said Reinwald.

Stephens, a 1997 graduate of Handley High School, is the son of David and Donna Stephens of Roanoke.

Stephens will attend a four-day national seminar at the George C. Marshall Foundation located at The Virginia Military Institute in April. He will be commissioned May 17, and will attend the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course at Fort Sill, Okla.