Posted by Nick Kolar, '75 on April 20, 2011:

Paul Cerjan was the first Army officer to set an azimuth for me in my military career and my life's journey. He opened up his home and heart to me while I was a cadet. As a football coach he molded our offensive line into a formidable force that played a part in our going undefeated for three straight seasons (still an Academy record) with accompanying satisfying wins over Navy. He pushed us hard and expected nothing but 100% all the time. As I prepared for Branch selection and he knew I was already shining a pair of crossed rifles, he called me into his office which was replete with self-depricating Polish jokes and memorabilia. He asked me what branch he was wearing on the collar of his tans - Engineer of course. He said, "I used to be in the Infantry, but tours in Vietnam taught me that I could be just as effective a 'hooah - follow me' leader in the Engineers and have a ready made career once I decide to get out." He added that Engineer's secondary mission was to fight as Infantry so you got the best of both worlds. He told me to go back and think about it. I did, and branched Engineer and enjoyed a career with the Corps and indeed had an engineering-related job awaiting me after retirement. He set me on my military path and was the penultimate example of what an officer could be and should be. When I returned to West Point to teach I tried my best to emulate Paul Cerjan but he had set the bar very high! From being a loving husband and father, an outstanding teacher and leader, and a demanding 150's coach of the "Dirt Pigs" he set the example that I wanted to aspire to. He changed the course of my career early on and set me on an azimuth for success. I am honored to have known him.

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