Growing up in Annapolis, Mary Ruttum was always keen to the strong bond shared between Midshipmen - both past and present. She had witnessed the camaraderie and fervor in which Academy grads descend en masse onto the Yard and out to Navy football games on Saturdays during the fall.

And later, she experienced that same sense of unity first-hand upon participating in the Academy's Summer Seminar program, which ultimately drove her college decision.

"I came to the summer seminar and really found myself enjoying the pace of life here," said Ruttum, now a senior and standout attacker on the Navy women's lacrosse team. "The closeness I saw between the Midshipmen and how everyone seemed to genuinely enjoy working together - it sold me. I knew it would be an experience you wouldn't find at another college or university."

She was right. In choosing to attend the Naval Academy, she sought something more, something larger than herself. And in her three-plus years on the Yard, it has been that very same desire and motivation to push her own limits which has fueled this hometown girl's success.

"I can honestly say that I have been challenged in every way imaginable," said Ruttum. "Whether it is academically, athletically or mentally, everyday you are pushed. I have failed plenty of times and there is always something I can improve in, but as tough as it gets at times, the payoff is worth it."

In spite of her admission, a glance at Ruttum's profile makes it clear that failure, while inevitable, has not been a recurring theme for this talented senior.

A systems engineering major, Ruttum ranks 87th in overall order of merit among 1,064 midshipmen in the Class of 2010. Academically, she is also near the top of her class with a 3.67 grade-point average and a sterling 3.91 grade-point average in classes within her major.

On the lacrosse field, Ruttum has been one of the main catalysts in the rapid ascent of the Academy's upstart women's program, scoring 67 goals and racking up nearly 100 points in its first two seasons of varsity ball.

Perhaps her most impressive exploits, however, have come within her company, where she has shown herself to have a bright future as a Naval officer.

Since the beginning of her freshman year, Ruttum has improved more than 300 spots in her class in military order of merit to where she currently stands at 33rd. Moreover, she has garnered recognition on the Commandant's and Superintendent's Lists each of the last five semesters.

A year ago, Ruttum began becoming a more active participant in the leadership within her company, serving in the role of First Sergeant. Come spring, she decided to put herself up to a greater challenge and as a result, now finds herself in the top leadership position a Midshipman can hold within one's company as the Seventh Company Commander.

"I figured while I was here I would try to take advantage of as many opportunities as I possibly could," said Ruttum. "I knew it would be a different sort of experience. I knew it would be busy, but also really worthwhile as well. It has definitely been a lot of fun and already has taught me a lot about myself."

As one would imagine, being tasked with overseeing the daily activities of 162 midshipmen could prove arduous. As she describes it, her responsibilities include ensuring her company mates are "not cutting corners" and "doing all the little things", all while also being charged with helping keep up morale.

On any given day, her to-do-list includes anything from making sure everyone shows up at formation to helping underclassmen try to navigate through their nascent days on the Yard. While the position certainly places increased demands on her time, the greatest challenge she's encountered, however, is one that afflicts leaders in all walks of life.

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2009-10-26