Citadel photos

2003 Commencement

Commencement exercises this year took place on a hot May morning in McAlister Field House. Some 370 cadets and six active duty military students took part in the ceremony that signaled the end of a four-year academic career at the military college. For information on the Class of 2003.

The last parade of the academic year is always the Friday before graduation with the upcoming
senior staff taking command over the Corps, and the outgoing senior class forming
the famous Long Gray Line. The college mascot, Spike, joined this year’s parade.

Robert Sturdy receives the John O. Willson Ring. Voted on by the senior class, the award
goes to the finest, purest, and most courteous member of the class.
See additional information on graduation awards.

President Emeritus Maj. Gen. James A. Grimalsey, Jr., USA (Ret.) awards Col. Tony N. Redd
the James A. Grimsley Award for Undergraduate Teaching Excellence.

S.C. Sen. Hugh K. Leatherman receives an honorary doctor of public administration degree.
For more information on honorary degrees.

Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley, ’64, stands to give the commencement address.

Candida Colon walks off stage after receiving her diploma.
Seated to her left is U.S. Senator Fritz Hollings, ’42.

The last cadet to graduate traditionally gives a speech after receiving his or her diploma. Cadet Grant Zinkon gave this year’s speech. His brother, Yancey, gave the speech at the 1999 commencement.

Another graduation tradition is the throwing of the hats at the conclusion of the ceremony.

Graduates Richard Neikirk, Michael Cheng Yu, Adam Burch, Paul Steketee celebrate the big day.

Melvin Carter and Clay Middleton proudly hold their diplomas.
Carter majored in business, and Middleton, in political science.

James Poore lends his hat to Spike.

Return to the photography pages