UD ROTC Holds Commissioning Ceremony
May 24, 2018 | University Relations staff
DUBUQUE, Iowa – The University of Dubuque Army ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) program held its 2018 ROTC Commissioning Ceremony on Thursday, May 17, in Steffens Hall inside the Charles and Romona Myers Center. Eight cadets were commissioned as second lieutenants.
During the ceremony, graduating seniors took an oath of office and had their new rank pinned on their uniform by loved ones or military officers. The newly commissioned officers then completed the “first salute” – a tradition wherein students walk through the arch of sabers to receive their first salute as a member of the military from a current/prior enlisted officer, typically a family member. Students, in turn, gave the person who gave them their first salute a silver dollar as part of a longstanding military tradition.
The 2018 ROTC Commissioning Class
- 2nd Lt. Jordan Hamling (criminal justice major from Forsyth, Missouri) – Transportation, Active Duty
- 2nd Lt. Johnathan James (wellness and exercise science major from Dubuque) – Medical Services, Active Duty
- 2nd Lt. Jacob Johnston (human health science major from Marengo, Illinois) – Engineer, Active Duty
- 2nd Lt. Reymoi Jno-Lewis (wellness and exercise science major from Hinesville, Georgia) – Medical Services, Active Duty
- 2nd Lt. Grace Kovarik (biology major from Downers Grove, Illinois) – Chemical, National Guard (Illinois)
- 2nd Lt. Anthony Reed (aviation management major from Dubuque) – Infantry, Active Duty
- 2nd Lt. DeQuan Reed (criminal justice major from Cibolo, Texas) – Engineer, Active Duty
- 2nd Lt. Adam Wright (criminal justice major from Lena, Illinois) – Ordinance, National Guard (Iowa)
The newly commissioned officers wore their uniforms at UD’s 166th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 19, in the Chlapaty Wellness and Recreation Center.
The UD ROTC program is offered through a partnership with University of Northern Iowa. It is opened to students at UD, Clarke University, and Loras College. The ROTC program is a college elective students can try out for up to two years with no obligation.
