ORANGEBURG, S.C. -- With success stories from the program's history at their backs, 10 cadets from South Carolina State University ROTC took the oath of commission, joining the officer ranks of the U.S. Army, May 5 at the Smith Hammond Middleton Memorial Center.
The cadets welcomed friends and family on stage to pin bars on their shoulders in front of five of the 15 alumni of the program who achieved the rank of General Officer.
"I had no idea I would get to sit with such greatness today … those individuals who have achieved the rank of generals in the military who are graduates of South Carolina State University," said university interim President Dr. W. Franklin Evans. "They are representative of what South Carolina State University has produced and continues to produce."
The active and retired General Officers returned to campus for this year's commissioning to meet with and hear from the ceremony's keynote speaker, four-star Gen. Dennis L. Via, Army Materiel Command commanding general. This year also marks a historic anniversary for the Army ROTC program -- its centennial.
"These cadets are receiving their commissions during a very special year -- a milestone -- as 2016 marks the 100th anniversary of the United States Army Reserve Officer Training Corps program," said Via. "ROTC has become the largest officer-producing program within the American military. It has commissioned more than half a million second lieutenants, 70 percent of our Army's current officers."
A historically black university, South Carolina State's ROTC program maintains around 150 cadets and is recognized as one of the largest producers of minority officers for the Army. This year's new second lieutenants included six females and four males. Three were commissioned into the active duty, five into the Army Reserve, and two into the National Guard.
"Today you will accept the responsibility to serve as an officer in the United States Army," Via told the cadets before administering the oath. "You are better prepared than you know. I challenge each of you to become more than a lieutenant -- become a good officer and an effective leader."
Via thanked the cadets for joining the less than 1 percent of Americans who serve in the military.
"Leading and caring for our Soldiers is the business of our Army," he said. "It's a very serious business, and today it becomes your business."
Before the ceremony, Via met with all of the program's cadets to share insights into leadership and building a successful career.
"Don't let anybody tell you what you cannot do," said Via. "Never doubt your abilities. Leave here determined to be the best lieutenant in the United States Army."
He challenged the cadets to uphold their integrity, maintain a positive attitude, and above all, make a difference.
"You've been provided an exceptional foundation here at South Carolina State; you have a rich legacy to build upon," he said. "Go out and claim your part in our United States Army -- now your United States Army. Make a difference in yourself, your family, and most importantly, the lives of others you are entrusted to lead."
Following the ceremony, the president of the South Carolina State University Military Alumni Association, Col. Joe Hart, inducted Via as an honorary member of the ROTC Hall of Fame. For his more than three decades of service and continued commitment to the success of historically black college and university ROTC programs, Via joined other honorary members retired Gen. Colin Powell and retired Lt. Gen. Arthur Gregg.
South Carolina State University Alumni General Officers in attendance included retired Brig. Gen. George Price, class of 1951; retired Maj. Gen. Abraham Turner, class of 1976; Maj. Gen. Bruce Crawford, class of 1986; Brig. Gen. Richard Dix, class of 1986; and Brig. Gen. Kenneth Hubbard, class of 1986.
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