In May, 21 U.S. Army and eight U.S. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets officially became the next generation of military leaders at the University’s annual commissioning ceremony held at the National Veterans Resource Center’s K.G. Tan Auditorium.
U.S. Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets officially became the next generation of military leaders at the University’s annual commissioning ceremony in May.
Cadets from Syracuse University, Le Moyne College, Utica College, Hamilton College, State University of New York (SUNY) at Oswego, SUNY Polytechnic Institute and the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry commissioned as second lieutenants in their respective service branches.
“This year’s commissioning cadets thrived in unprecedented circumstances and were instrumental in Syracuse University’s COVID response,” says retired Col. Ron Novack, executive director of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs at Syracuse University. “Our ROTC programs are always an important component of the University’s effort to be the best place for veterans and military-connected students. But this year’s class gave back and helped ensure not only their successful completion, but that the entire campus could remain open during the health crisis. We are proud of these newly commissioned second lieutenants and are confident they will represent both Syracuse University and our country well in their military careers.”
U.S. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets were commissioned at the University’s annual ceremony in May.
Brigadier General Steve Marks, the deputy commanding general of United States Army Special Operations Command, delivered a keynote address to Army cadets and welcomed them to the officer corps. Marks is an ROTC graduate, earning his commission from the University of Missouri ROTC program in 1992.
The commissioning ceremony is the beginning of the graduating seniors’ military career as second lieutenants in either the U.S. Army or U.S. Air Force. Each cadet was given their first salute by a mentor, family member or friend who serves or has previously served in the military. Following the salute, each new officer presented his or her mentor with a silver dollar as a token of gratitude and respect.
Syracuse University boasts one of the longest continuously running ROTC programs in the country, as well as a storied relationship with the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, with the current cadre of Syracuse ROTC cadets, including multiple students whose parents attended West Point.
