Jakub Burzynski ’21, construction management; Evan Shook ’21, sustainable and renewable energy; and Justin O’Connell ’21, engineering technology, were commissioned as second lieutenants on May 7. The students were part of Illinois State University’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corp (ROTC) program, which is one of more than 1,700 college and university ROTC programs across the United States. ROTC programs provide a path to school and service.
The purpose of the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps is to develop selected college-educated men and women for leadership positions of responsibility as commissioned officers in the Active Army, Army Reserve and National Guard. During the commissioning ceremony, the cadets recite the Oath of the Commissioned Officer, “I___, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.” Following this oath, the new officers are pinned by their family and receive their first salute and handshake as an officer in the United States Army.
Congratulations Second Lieutenants Burzynski, Shook and O’Connell!
