Soon, East Tennessee State University ROTC cadets will cross a stage and enter a new phase of life defined by duty and service. These cadets will trade tactical field training exercises and runs with the Joe Callahan Running Club for the rank of Second Lieutenant at the Army ROTC commissioning ceremony.

This year’s guest speaker is Colonel Travis McKnight, Deputy United States Property and Fiscal Officer (USPFO) for the Tennessee National Guard and a decorated U.S. Army combat veteran.

When is the ROTC commissioning ceremony?

The ROTC ceremony is Friday, May 8, at 1 p.m. in the D.P. Culp Student Center ballroom on ETSU’s main campus.

The free public ceremony continues ETSU’s long-standing commitment to serving military-affiliated students. The university’s Army ROTC program, housed within the College of Business and Technology, was established in the 1950s when ETSU was still East Tennessee State College. Since then, the program has commissioned more than 1,600 Second Lieutenants into military service.

“These cadets represent the very best of ETSU’s commitment to leadership, discipline and service. Their commissioning as Second Lieutenants reflects years of hard work, personal commitment and preparation for responsibilities that extend far beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Tony Pittarese, dean of the ETSU College of Business and Technology. “We are tremendously proud of these cadets and all they have accomplished.”

Who is being commissioned?

The following cadets will receive their commissions:

  • Cadet Christopher Beckman – Military Police
  • Cadet John Cathey – Logistics
  • Cadet Hong Chen – Logistics
  • Cadet Christian Crowe – Military Intelligence
  • Cadet Paul Guhn – Infantry
  • Cadet Connor Gorga – Logistics
  • Cadet Lucas Litzenberger – Logistics
  • Cadet Montague Meeks – Logistics
  • Cadet Rollian Morgan – Logistics
  • Cadet Mark Reese – Explosive Ordinance Disposal
  • Cadet Tyler Schlesinger – Military Police
  • Cadet Gunnar Stewart – Infantry
  • Cadet Mason Stieber – Medical Service Officer (Aeromedical Evacuations)

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What does the ceremony represent?

The commissioning ceremony marks a pivotal moment for ROTC cadets, as they transition from students to commissioned officers in the United States military. For many, it represents years of academic vigor, leadership training and community service.

ETSU’s military-friendly mission

ETSU maintains a strong tradition of supporting veterans, active-duty personnel and military-affiliated students through academic resources, financial support and campus programs designed to help them succeed.

Learn about all the ways ETSU supports military service members and their families at etsu.edu/veterans.