'True Heroes': Old Dominion Alum Petitions for Free Tuition for ROTC Cadets

An Old Dominion University alumnus is calling for her alma mater to provide free tuition to ROTC cadets in light of what was described as their "heroic" actions last week in response to a deadly on-campus shooting.

Mohamed Bailor Jalloh has been identified by federal authorities as the gunman who opened fire March 12 on an ODU classroom, killing one person and injuring another two before Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) students killed him in self-defense.

The incident at the public research university in Norfolk, Va., which has more than 23,000 students, has drawn a spotlight on the academic institution’s programs that long have benefited ROTC cadets and prospective future military officers as they complete undergraduate degrees.

Thankfulness for their efforts last week have led to 2021 ODU graduate Helen Sharpe starting a Change.org petition on the evening of March 12, calling on university leadership to waive tuition for the ROTC cadets who confronted the attacker and prevented other loss of life.

“I was just sitting there late at night that Thursday,” Sharpe, who grew up in Norfolk and now lives in Richmond, Va., told Military.com. “As more news came out of what happened and who the gunman was—every news station was focused on who the gunman was, his background, why he did it. 

“But not a lot of news outlets focused on the cadets who were in the room, and the fact that two of them were able to pin down the gunman and basically kill him with a knife. Here in America, we always kind of focus on who caused the action rather than who stopped it.”

Shooter's History

Records show that Jalloh was less than two years’ removed from prison after attempting to aid the Islamic State group, according to the Associated Press. 

He pleaded guilty in October 2016 to providing material support to the designated foreign terrorist organization and in 2017 was sentenced by a federal judge to 11 years in prison, with credit for time served retroactive to his July 2016 arrest.

However, Jalloh was released from federal custody on Dec. 23, 2024. It’s unclear why he was released early and did not serve the full sentence.

The FBI in Norfolk told Military.com on Wednesday that the incident continues to be investigated.

“In this complex terrorism investigation, as the FBI develops new leads, examines electronic devices, and interviews witnesses, special agents and intelligence analysts will uncover details of Jalloh's movements leading up to the shooting, including more about his motivation, if he acted alone, or if anyone knew he intended to carry out this tragic attack on innocent victims in the ROTC class,” an FBI spokesperson said.

One day after the shooting, the Justice Department announced that Kenya McChell Chapman, 32, of Smithfield, Virginia, was charged with dealing firearms without a license in connection with the ODU shooting. Chapman was also charged with three counts of making false statements during purchases of firearms.

'Honor Selfnessness and Courage'

Jalloh walked into the classroom and asked if it was an ROTC class, according to the FBI during a press conference one week ago. When someone replied in the affirmative, the accused shooter reportedly shouted, “Allah Akbar” and shot the instructor several times.

That was when cadets galvanized to stop Jalloh, eventually killing him. Law enforcement has indicated that Jalloh did not die of gunshot wounds.

Sharpe’s petition, which had 3,900 signatures as of Wednesday evening, refers to the cadets as individuals who “demonstrated their incredible courage and heroism…without hesitation."

Their bravery and quick thinking during such a terrifying ordeal undoubtedly prevented further loss and injury, marking them as true heroes of the ODU community.

It also calls upon university leadership to show support toward their valor.

“By waiving tuition for these ROTC cadets, ODU has the opportunity to honor their selflessness and courage in a meaningful and impactful way,” reads the petition. “This gesture would not only signify the university's acknowledgment of their bravery but also set a precedence [sic] for valuing heroism and dedication to the community.”

Even temporarily suspending tuition fees “can serve as a small token of appreciation for their magnanimous deeds,” it adds.

ODU Offering Counseling to On-Campus Community

Sharpe said that when she originally heard what happened, she was “astonished” but not quite surprised. She’s been a mainstay in the region for a long time and routinely has known military service members and their families.

“That's just the kind of people that ODU kind of raises in their community to be leaders, to protect one another,” she said.

When Sharpe spoke with Military.com, she hadn’t yet heard a response from ODU administrators.

An ODO spokesperson told Military.com on Tuesday that they weren’t aware of the petition. ODU President Brian Hemphill said in the incident’s aftermath that the cadets’ courage and resilience are an inspiration and that they saved other lives.

ODU immediately canceled classes for Thursday, March 12, as part of what the university said was an effort to provide counseling services and other support for the campus and community. The campus was closed that Friday, March 13.

'Least' They Can Do

Sharpe isn’t exactly sure if she knows anyone who was in that room on March 12, but believes paths may have crossed. She has friends who are active-duty military who went to ROTC at ODU, “and they're just as stunned and saddened at the situation than I am.”

Growing up in the Norfolk area leads to plenty of respect for the military, Sharpe added, saying that you were prone to know either the service members themselves or their children in school.

She hopes the university will consider the tuition request.

“The least the university could do is to waive the tuition for the students who helped neutralize the target,” she said. “Even if they're not on a scholarship, we don't know their financial status with the school, of course, but a lot of ROTC students don't usually get scholarships, and if they do, it's partial.”

Counseling services and 24/7 crisis support remain available for any students, faculty or staff who may need emotional support.

ODU regularly updates its support resources webpage that includes group crisis intervention sessions and therapy dogs for employees this week. Officials said that following spring break, students and faculty will return to campus next week and more information will be added online.