Thirteen cadets were appointed to lead enlisted personnel as second lieutenants in the Army during the University's Army ROTC Thunder Battalion Commissioning Ceremony on Saturday at Ethingthon Theatre. The cadets recited the Oath of Commissioned Officers, accepted the gold-bar rank on their uniform during a pinning ceremony and received their first salute to welcome them as new lieutenants in the Officer Corps. Two students were named in the top 10% of cadets in the nation, Harrison Snell and Mitchell Sullivan. Also, three cadets were among the ROTC's Distinguished Military Graduates, meaning they're ranked in the top 20% of Army ROTC cadets nationwide. They are Samuel Myers, Adam Ballard and Brian Peters.
University Provost and retired Air Force pilot Dr. Randy Gibb speaks during the Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony at Ethington Theatre on May 13, 2023.
ROTC cadets listen to University Provost Dr. Randy Gibb speak during the Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony at Ethington Theatre on May 13, 2023.
Guest speaker retired Lt. Col. Clint Sundt addresses the cadets during the Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony at Ethington Theatre on May 13, 2023.
Guest speaker retired Lt. Col. Clint Sundt addresses the cadets during the Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony at Ethington Theatre on May 13, 2023.
ROTC cadets listen to guest speaker retired Lt. Col. Clint Sundt during the Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony at Ethington Theatre on May 13, 2023.
ROTC cadets on the stage of Ethington Theatre during the Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony on May 13, 2023.
ROTC cadets take the Oath of Office during the Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony at Ethington Theatre on May 13, 2023.
Cadet Justin Godbout takes the Oath of Office with his fellow cadets during the Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony at Ethington Theatre on May 13, 2023.
Cadet Cassidy Baschke is pinned with her lieutenant bars by a family member during the Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony at Ethington Theatre on May 13, 2023.
Cadet Marissa Brooks receives her first salute as an officer during the Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony at Ethington Theatre on May 13, 2023.
Cadet Justin Godbout is pinned with his lieutenant bars by parents Jocelyn and Robert Godbout during the Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony at Ethington Theatre on May 13, 2023.
Cadet Justin Godbout is presented his commission certificate by Lt. Col. Erich Schneider during the Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony at Ethington Theatre on May 13, 2023.
Cadet Adam Ballard is pinned with his lieutenant bars by wife Ashley, daughter Giuliana and son Ezra during the Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony at Ethington Theatre on May 13, 2023.
Cadet Nicole Hartley Anderson is congratulated by a family member after receiving her first salute as an officer during the Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony at Ethington Theatre on May 13, 2023.
Cadet Samuel Myers receives his first salute as an officer during the Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony at Ethington Theatre on May 13, 2023.
Cadet Samuel Myers is presented his commission certificate by Lieutenant Colonel Erich Schneider during the Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony at Ethington Theatre on May 13, 2023.
Cadet Mitchell Sullivan gets a kiss from wife Ashlynn after his pinning during the Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony at Ethington Theatre on May 13, 2023.
Cadet Adam Gaspar receives his first salute as an officer during the Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony at Ethington Theatre on May 13, 2023.
Cadet Jordan Opp is presented his commission certificate by Lt. Col. Erich Schneider during the Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony at Ethington Theatre on May 13, 2023.
Cadet Ethan Vail is pinned with his lieutenant bars by parents Michelle and Erik Vail during the Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony at Ethington Theatre on May 13, 2023.
Cadets stand on the stage at Ethington Theatre and sing the Army Song during the Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony on May 13, 2023.
Newly commissioned officers during the Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony at Ethington Theatre on May 13, 2023.
Cadet Nicole Hartley Anderson is congratulated with a hug and kiss by GCU ROTC Coordinator Trish Shipley during the Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony at Ethington Theatre on May 13, 2023.
Newly commissioned officers Marissa Brooks (left) and Nicole Hartley Anderson during the Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony at Ethington Theatre on May 13, 2023.
Cadet Ethan Vail with his ceremonial officer’s saber during the Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony at Ethington Theatre on May 13, 2023.