Four NIU graduates were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Army following successful completion of their degree requirements and the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program. On Dec. 18, faculty and staff from NIU Department of Military Science celebrated Cadets Ricardo Montoya, Dennis Mathew, Wyatt Smith and Kamran Stringer during the military graduation held in the Holmes Student Center Sky Room.
“This commissioning ceremony honored an exceptional group of Cadets whose dedication and service greatly strengthened both the university and our ROTC program,” said Lt. Col. Harold Larsen, chair of NIU Department of Military Science. “Throughout their time here, these Cadets were integral members of the Color Guard and supported Mission with professionalism and pride.”
The ROTC is a leadership program designed to develop qualified college students in preparation for future service as an Army officer in either the active force, Army Reserves or National Guard. It is a part of your overall college experience and is designed to augment your NIU academic program.
During the commissioning ceremony, Montoya, Mathew, Smith and Stringer received two sets of gold bars – pinned by loved ones on the shoulders of their military uniform – as they were officially admitted into the U.S. Military. The ceremony ended with the officer’s first salute, significant because it marks their transition from an officer trainee to a commissioned officer.
“While their presence and contributions will be greatly missed, we are proud to see them commission and continue their service to the state of Illinois and communities beyond,” Larsen said.
Congratulations to the following military officers:
Ricardo Montoya is a biology major who is joining the Illinois Army National Guard as a Medical Service Corps Officer. He plans to pursue a career in optometry after commissioning, aspiring to serve as an Army and civilian optometrist. Through ROTC, he has learned the importance of adaptability, discipline, and leading by example skills that will serve him well both in medicine and in the military.
Dennis Mathew is a biology major who is joining the Illinois Army National Guard as a Chemical Officer. He plans to go into the field of forensic investigation. The military has been a keystone into his career and life, and ROTC nurtured his critical thinking and understanding.
Wyatt Smith is a general studies major who is joining the Illinois Army National Guard as a Logistics Officer. Smith said the most important lesson he learned from ROTC is that good leaders listen first, and speak second.
Kamran Stringer is a business administration major who is joining the Illinois Army National Guard as an Armor Officer. Stringer said the most important thing he learned from ROTC was how to work as team but individually at the same time.
Learn more about ROTC at NIU.
