August 13, 2007
The St. Mary’s University’s U.S. Army ROTC program commissioned three new military officers in two recent ceremonies. In the 75 years of Army ROTC on the St. Mary’s campus, a total of 1,471 officers have been commissioned.
In a ceremony on campus, Lt. Col. Steve Daknis, professor of military science, administered the oath of office to Lt. Stacey Sears, who graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in criminology, and Lt. Ryan Schmidt, who recently completed degree requirements for a bachelor’s in exercise and sports science. Sears, an El Paso native, will enter active duty within the next three months as a member of the military police. Schmidt, a native of New Orleans, graduated as the Distinguished Military Graduate from St. Mary’s and will join the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps.
In a separate ceremony in Fort Lewis, Wash., 2nd Lt. Alfredo Garcia received his commission during a graduation ceremony for the Leader Development and Assessment Course there. Garcia earned his bachelor’s degree in education from St. Mary’s in May 2006. Garcia will enter active duty within the next two months and hopes to join the Medical Service Corps.