CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson University proudly commissioned 37 new Second Lieutenants during a joint Army and Air Force ROTC ceremony held Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the newly renovated Memorial Auditorium in Tillman Hall.
Among those honored were Collin S. McCann of Tega Cay and Alexa M. Smith of York, both commissioned into the United States Air Force. McCann, who earned a degree in business management, and Smith, who graduated with a degree in computer science, joined 13 other Air Force cadets in taking their commissioning oath.
The event marked a major milestone for the cadets, who completed years of rigorous military and academic training. In total, 22 cadets were commissioned into the U.S. Army and 15 into the U.S. Air Force.
Following the formal commissioning, each new officer participated in the Silver Dollar Salute at Clemson’s Military Heritage Plaza above Bowman Field. This tradition represents the new officer’s first salute from an enlisted service member, symbolizing mutual respect and the transition into military leadership. In return, the officer presents the enlisted member with a silver dollar as a token of appreciation.
Clemson has a long-standing tradition of military excellence, and the ROTC programs continue to prepare future leaders for service and sacrifice. The commissioning ceremony stands as a reflection of the university’s commitment to leadership development, academic achievement, and national service.
Congratulations to all 37 new Second Lieutenants—and especially to Collin McCann and Alexa Smith, whose communities in Tega Cay and York share in the pride of their achievements and dedication to our nation.
United States Army
Jorge Tobias Aquino of Laurel, Maryland, majoring in criminal justice
Carter Joseph Campbell of Wrentham, Massachusetts, majoring in political science
Nicholas Thomas Carter of Zionsville, Pennsylvania, majoring in business management
Andrew Paul Egedy of Midland Park, New Jersey, majoring in political science
Ryan Matthew Elrod of Fairfax, Virginia, majoring in biological sciences
Cole Jackson Guarneri of Hockessin, Delaware, majoring in wildlife and fisheries biology
Isabelle Frances Hageman of Erie, Colorado, majoring in marketing
William Johnson Hagner of Waxhaw, North Carolina, majoring in business management
Tyler James Herndon of Newberry, South Carolina, majoring in microbiology
Tate Caroline Lewis of Fairfax Station, Virginia, majoring in parks, recreation, and tourism management
William Stanton McKinney of Blaine, Washington, majoring in economics
Madeline Ariana Medica of Lake Forest, Illinois, majoring in wildlife and fisheries biology
Gabriel Joseph Monroe of Fairhaven, Massachusetts, majoring in criminal justice
Lauren Francis Pidcock of Leesburg, Virginia, majoring in criminal justice
Gabriel John Ratcliffe of Sterling, Virginia, majoring in Mandarin Chinese, and history
Christopher George Rebar of Harleysville, Pennsylvania, majoring in economics
Dakota Hunter Schmidt of Charlotte, North Carolina, majoring in economics
John Reynolds Shipley of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, majoring in computer science
Olivia Elise Smith of Lilburn, Georgia, majoring in civil engineering
Matthew Martin Summerford of Blythewood, South Carolina, majoring in business management
Barrett Rowe Watson of Arlington, Virginia, majoring in economics
Amelia Grace Wiley of Fredrick, Maryland, majoring in biological sciences
United States Air Force
Easton P. Clark of Irmo, South Carolina, majoring in financial management
Chase T. Corbin of Morehead City, North Carolina, majoring in business management
Caleb M. Costen of Fayetteville, Georgia, majoring in elementary education
Sean M. Costigan of Langhorne, Pennsylvania, majoring in political science
William A. Guthrie of Elgin, South Carolina, majoring in criminal justice
Rena D. Jones of Weaverville, North Carolina, majoring in criminal justice
Sydney H. Lanier of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, majoring in industrial engineering
Julian L. Kimsey of Summerville, South Carolina, majoring in political science
Collin S. McCann of Tega Cay, South Carolina, majoring in business management
Daniella M. Nichols of Falls Church, Virginia, majoring in accounting
Jakob A. Padar of Sumter, South Carolina, majoring in computer science
Alexa M. Smith of York, South Carolina, majoring in computer science
Nicole A. Sopala of High Point, North Carolina, majoring in health science
George L. Vazquez of Summerville, South Carolina, majoring in political science
Riley J. Wright of Charleston, South Carolina, majoring in industrial engineering
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