Penn College Army ROTC cadets earn commissions
Thursday, May 9, 2024
Photos by Patrick Marty, chief government and international relations officer, and ROTC cadet Michael Giordano, a construction management student
Prior to receiving their baccalaureate degrees, two Army ROTC cadets at Pennsylvania College of Technology were commissioned as second lieutenants and assigned to their Army component and branch.
Upon commissioning, the cadets committed to four years of active duty or eight years in the Army Reserve or National Guard.
Gabriel R. Kennedy-Citeroni, of Blairsville, was assigned to active duty with the Chemical Corps. Kennedy-Citeroni will be awarded a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering technology on May 11.
Grayson M. Tanner, of St. Matthews, South Carolina, will serve in the Engineer Corps of the Maryland Army National Guard. Tanner will be awarded a Bachelor of Science in construction management on May 11.
Both Kennedy-Citeroni and Tanner are Dean’s List students.
In addition to their regular college courses and activities, ROTC cadets take classes on military science and leadership and engage in physical training three days a week to meet conditioning requirements.
Each semester also includes a three-day field training exercise and several labs around the area where the cadets can lead a platoon-size element, as either a platoon leader or platoon sergeant, to increase confidence in their leadership skills.
“The ROTC program produces outstanding graduates. Gabriel and Grayson are the latest examples of students who have shown inspiring dedication to their ROTC obligations while also excelling in the classroom,” said Anthony J. Pace, associate vice president for enrollment and academic operations at Penn College. “The Army is getting two new second lieutenants who will serve our nation with pride and distinction. We are Penn College proud.”
The Penn College Army ROTC program is part of the Bald Eagle Battalion, headquartered at Lock Haven University, which hosted the commissioning ceremony. Other members of the battalion are Lycoming College and Lock Haven and Mansfield universities.
Maj. Daniel Gaitan, professor of military science at Lock Haven, presided over the commissioning ceremony. Retired Lt. Col. James Montgomery was the keynote speaker.
Email for information on ROTC at Penn College.
Penn College was ranked No. 2 in the Best Colleges for Veterans-Regional Colleges North category in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Colleges rankings.
Penn College is a national leader in applied technology education. Email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222 for more information.
