Rider alumnus honored at State of the Union address on Feb. 24

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U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer and Petty Officer Scott Ruskan ’21 was awarded the Legion of Merit during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Feb. 24.

The Legion of Merit is one of the nation’s highest military decorations, awarded to members of the armed forces for exceptional service and extraordinary achievement.

Ruskan was recognized for his lifesaving efforts during the devastating floods that swept through Central Texas during Fourth of July weekend last summer. Credited with rescuing 165 people, including campers and staff from Camp Mystic, an all-girls camp along the Guadalupe River, Ruskan served as the only triage coordinator on scene as floodwaters rose rapidly and claimed more than 130 lives.

During the address, President Trump turned his attention to Ruskan, who was seated in the House gallery beside 11-year-old Milly Cate McClymond, one of the children he saved, praising his courage and announcing the award. 

“Petty Officer Ruskan, I’m pleased to inform you, I am now awarding you the Legion of Merit for extraordinary heroism, which is was what it was, extraordinary heroism,” Trump said, as a military aide pinned the medal on Ruskan before a standing ovation. 

Ruskan began his professional career with the U.S. Coast Guard in 2021, after graduating from Rider with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in accounting and competing as a distance runner for the University’s Division I men’s track and field team.