Roch Switlik, Doylestown, PA has been named to receive the 2006 William and Allene Guthrie Van Meter Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award from the board of directors of the Labette Community College Foundation and Alumni Association.

Switlik was born in Parsons to John and Marie Switlik and was the tenth child out of eleven. He graduated from Parsons High School and was a member of St. Patrick’s parish.

After graduating from high school, Switlik attended Labette Community College. He was a Student Senator from 1979-1980 and student Senate President from 1980-1981. He graduated from Labette Community College in 1981 with an Associate of Arts degree.

Then he transferred to Pittsburg State University. At PSU he continued his active role in student government. He served as Student Senate Vice President and President, was appointed as student member of the Kansas State Board of Regents, and received the award for Outstanding Graduating Senior. In 1984, he received a Bachelor of Business Administration with emphasis in Marketing from PSU.

In 1992, he earned a Master’s of Science with emphasis in Management from Navel Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.

Switlik has served in the United States Army in both active duty and National Guard capacities since 1984. He has served in many domestic and international assignments including duty in Germany, South West Asia, and Northern Iraq. He currently holds the Commanding Officer position with the 50th Main Support Battalion of the 42nd Infantry Division Support Command in Teaneck, New Jersey.

From 1996 to 2003, Switlik moved up the management ladder at the global pharmaceutical company Merck & Co., Inc. Some significant projects Switlik has been responsible for include: the design and construction of bulk-chemical facilities in Singapore, Puerto Rico and Virginia; multiple vaccine and pharmaceutical packaging lines; and major utilities and environmental restoration projects.

In May 2004, Switlik a Lieutenant Colonel, was called to Active Military Service and deployed to Northern Iraq. Upon his return from Iraq, Switlik took over the position of Director of Global Distribution and Logistics for Merck & Co., Inc. and is still presently employed in that position.

Switlik’s professional certifications include the Defense Authorization Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA), Level III Certified, and National Contracts Management Association: “Certified Professional Contracts Manager” in 1992. Switlik published “Contract Termination-Myths and Realities” in 1994. He is a member of the National Contract Management Association; Veterans of Foreign Wars; and American Legion.

He has also been awarded numerous military decorations, service medals and badges including the Bronze Star, Army Meritorious Service Medal and many others.

Since 2000, he has been an advisory member to the Board of Directors, New Jersey Foster and Adoptive Parents Association.

Switlik and his wife Mary Grace, have two daughters Emily and Alyssa.