2020 ROTC Commissioning Ceremony

“Pride of Pennsylvania” U.S. Army Senior Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC) Battalion Established 1948

Commissioning Ceremony May 2020 Gannon - Mercyhurst - Penn State Erie

SEQUENCE OF EVENTS Welcome National Anthem Invocation Reverend Michael Kesicki Associate Vice President for Mission and Ministry Opening Remarks Keith Taylor, Ph.D. President, Gannon University Guest Speaker Remarks CSM Ralph E. Veppert Army Reserve Ambassador to Ohio Oath of Office (Varies by Cadet) First Salute (Varies by Cadet) Oath of Office Certificate Lieutenant Colonel Michael P. Bentley Professor of Military Science Senior Gift Presentation Master Sergeant Trevor Woods Closing Remarks Lieutenant Colonel Michael P. Bentley Professor of Military Science

HISTORY The United States Army established the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) at Gannon University in the fall of 1948 with the mission of developing and commissioning future leaders in the United States Army. The first graduating class of Cadets, consisting entirely of veterans, commissioned in 1950.

The Pride of Pennsylvania, originated at Gannon University where the basic ROTC course was mandatory for all physically and mentally fit students. The ROTC program existed exclusively for the Military Police Corps until 1954 when it became a General Military Science curriculum. In 1969, the ROTC Basic course became an elective available for all freshmen and sophomore students. Beginning in 1970, the Military Science Department initiated cross enrollment with other Erie area colleges establishing offices at Allegheny College, Edinboro University, Mercyhurst College, and Penn State Erie - The Behrend College.

In the 1990s, Mercyhurst College (Mercyhurst University as of January 23, 2012) and Penn State Erie-The Behrend College officially joined the Gannon ROTC program which now enjoys the equaled support of all three local institutions of higher learning in the Erie area.

Since its establishment, the “Pride of PA” Military Science program has graduated and commissioned over 1,200 officers, with nine ascending to the General Officer ranks. In recognition of the program consistently training high quality Lieutenants, the Battalion proudly carries the title, “Pride of PA” and the Battalion motto is:

“I WILL DO MY DUTY – TRAIN TO LEAD!”

Keith Taylor, Ph.D.

President of Gannon University In May 2011, Keith Taylor, Ph.D. was appointed the seventh president of Gannon University, a Catholic, diocesan, comprehensive university founded in 1925 by Archbishop John Mark Gannon. As the University’s previous provost and vice president for academic affairs, Dr. Taylor was instrumental in reorganizing Gannon’s academic structure to a more integrated three-college model; adding two new doctoral level and six new bachelor’s degree programs; broadening the focus on a global campus perspective; and instituting the Erie-GAINS (Gannon Alliances to Improve Neighborhood Sustainability) program. He is noted for his commitment to students, service to the community and building cultural and global awareness. Dr. Taylor earned a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy, a master’s degree in exercise science and a doctoral degree in anatomy and cell biology from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He has an extensive record of scholarly presentations and peerreviewed publications.

While he served as Gannon’s provost and vice president for academic affairs from 2005-2011, Dr. Taylor bolstered efforts to support student achievement through the creation of Gannon’s Student Success Center, funded in part by the University’s first TRIO Student Support Services grant.

He has been instrumental in procuring funding for the University by spearheading the establishment of an Academic Grants Office, leading to more than $6 million in support from government, corporations and foundations this past year.

Funding from the Council for Opportunity in Education, along with the GE Foundation, led to the creation of a new,

comprehensive student-mentoring program that partners Gannon University and the Erie School District. Dr. Taylor helped secure Gannon’s first funding from the National Science Foundation, which supports scholarships for students interested in the STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering and math).

Dr. Taylor has also reaffirmed Gannon’s commitment to social justice and Catholic social teaching in support of the local community through the Erie-GAINS project. The initiative represents a series of strategic partnerships with government agencies, businesses and community organizations to revitalize the neighborhood surrounding Gannon’s campus.

This work is central to his dedication to Catholic higher education and his fervent personal commitment to serving the local and international community. Since joining Gannon University, his volunteer work includes serving as chair of the Board of Directors for the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, a board member of the Erie Downtown Partnership and the Erie Technology Incubator, and a corporator of United Way of Erie County and Hamot Health Foundation. He has also served as a board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Erie, the Cooperative for Innovation and Commercialization and the Keystone Innovation Zone Council. He has traveled extensively, both in providing service to those in need, as well as in developing global partnerships and opportunities for Gannon’s students and faculty to learn and serve throughout the world.

Prior to his work at Gannon, Dr. Taylor served Daemen College in Amherst, NY from 1988-2005 as a full professor, academic dean of health and human services, chairman of the Department of Physical Therapy, as well as the assistant to the vice president for academic affairs for instructional technology and liberal learning.

He enjoys his life journey with his wife Mary Jean Taylor, and four children Abigail, Kaitlyn, Samantha and Timothy.

CSM Ralph E. Veppert

Honored Guest Speaker Army Reserve Ambassador Ralph E. Veppert is retired from the State of Ohio after 30 years of service.

Ambassador Veppert holds an AAB in Data Processing from Jefferson Technical College (now Eastern Gateway Community College) and a Certificate in Interpreting/Transliterating (American Sign Language) from Columbus State Community College. He is a graduate of Class 27 (Non-Resident), United States Army Sergeants Major Academy and the Command Sergeants Major Course, United States Army Sergeants Major Academy.

After holding key positions in CSM, 3rd Brigade, Great Lakes Division, 75th Training Command, CSM, 643rd Regional Support Group, CSM, 718th Transportation Battalion, Chemical Operations Sergeant Major, and 21st Theater Support Command, Command Sergeant Major Veppert retired from military service on September 20, 2014 after 35 years of service.

In addition to being the Army Reserve Ambassador, CSM Veppert is the Central Ohio Chapter of the Association of the United States Army President, a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and a member of the American Legion CSM Veppert is married to Tamera “TJ� Veppert, LSW

2LT Daniel C. Bridge Baldwinsville, NY

MAJOR

BRANCH

Intelligence

Field Artillery Active Duty

Fall 2019 Semester Battalion Commander 2020 Awards: Department of the Army Superior Cadet Award Oath: LTC Michael Bentley 2LT Rank: David and Ann Bridge (parents) 1st Salute: MSG Trevor Woods

2LT Justin M. Cavallaro Gibsonia, PA

MAJOR

BRANCH

Criminal Justice Minor: Leadership Studies

Armor Active Duty

Airborne, Ranger Challenge, Arctic Challenge, AFRICOM Internship, OTM Tactical Trainer, Battalion Commander 2020 Awards: American Legion Award for Military Excellence, Donald Hoffman Award for Leadership Oath: U.S. Army Colonel (Ret) Dwight Pearson

2LT Rank: Michael and Theresa Cavallaro (parents) and Griffin (Brother) 1st Salute: SFC Jonathan Baxley

2LT Dante A. Cerimele Youngstown, OH

MAJOR

BRANCH

Intelligence Studies Minor: International Relations and Diplomacy

Infantry Active Duty

Ranger Challenge Team Captain (4 years), Artic Challenge, George C. Marshall, Class Rank 1,CULP mission to Bulgaria, CTLT to Fort Richardson, CST O rating, 2020 Awards: General George C. Marshall Award, Physical Training Excellence Award, Society of American Military Engineers Award, DMG Oath: LTC Michael Bentley 2LT Rank: Cynthia Cerimele (mother) and Elizabeth Kelly (sister) 1st Salute: E-5 Sergeant Timothy Hardy

2LT Anthony B. Emmi Baldwinsville, NY

MAJOR

BRANCH

Criminal Justice Pre-Law Concentration Minor: Spanish Language

JAG Syracuse Law School

Company Commander, JAG Internship, 2020 Awards: American Legion Award for Academic Excellence Oath: LTC Michael Bentley 2LT Rank: CPT (Ret) Anthony Emmi 1st Salute: MSG Trevor Woods

2LT Caitlyn E. Eschweiler

Lakewood, OH

MAJOR

BRANCH

Majors: Intelligence Studies and Criminal Justice with Law Enforcement Concentration

Military Police Active Duty

Ranger Challenge, Arctic Challenge, Physical Training Excellence Award, Top MS3 Cadet, Army 10 Miler, Top 10%, Spring 2020 CSM 2020 Awards: Daughters of the American Revolution, Iron Cadet, Physical Training Excellence Oath: CPT Brandon Utykanski 2LT Rank: Frank, Cindy, and Cassie Eschweiler (family) 1st Salute: MSG Trevor Woods

2LT Megan E. Lang Mercer, PA

MAJOR

BRANCH

Biology Minor: Leadership Studies

Chemical Corps Active Duty

Ranger Challenge, AMEDD internship, JBSA-FSH, USAA Spirit Award 2020 Awards: Association of the United States Army, USAA Spirit Award Oath: CPT (Ret) Rusty Vicinie 2LT Rank: Tracy, Susan, Joseph and Tim Lang (family) 1st Salute: Timothy Lang (2nd Class Engineman)

2LT Molly M. Oldach Erie, PA

MAJOR

BRANCH

Early Childhood Education PreK-4 Minor: Leadership Studies

Ordnance Corps Reserve Duty

Company Commander, Cadet Summer Training, 10 miler 2020 Awards: Founders Day Leadership (Doc Beyer) Award Oath: LTC Michael Bentley 2LT Rank: Mary Suroviec (mother) and Gary Oldach (father) 1st Salute: SPC Stephen Granzeier

2LT Michael F. Scarpello Lancaster, NY

MAJOR

BRANCH

Intelligence Studies Minor: Criminal Justice

Armor Active Duty

Air Assault, Gold German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge, Top 10% DMG, Ranger Challenge, CPT Arctic Challenge, CTLT, Adv. Camp Outstanding Rating 2020 Awards: Reserve Officer’s Association Award, Professor of Military Science Award Oath: LTC Michael Bentley 2LT Rank: Michael and Paula Scarpello (parents) 1st Salute: MSG Trevor Woods

2LT Camille L. Schiminger Forest Hill, MD

MAJOR

BRANCH

Nursing

Nurse Corps Active Duty

NSTP at Tripler, Color Guard, Army 10 miler, Professor of Military Science Award as MSI and MSII, Platoon Leader, Executive Officer, Squad Leader, CSM, PAO, CULP Romania, CST 2019 Oath: LTC Michael Bentley 2LT Rank: Robert and Julie Schiminger (parents) 1st Salute: MSG Trevor Woods

2LT Joshua T. Slawatycki Elma, NY

MAJOR

BRANCH

Intelligence Studies Quartermaster Corps Minor: Russian Language Reserve Duty Ranger Challenge, Army 10 Miler Team Captain, GAFB-Gold, CPT Color Guard 2020 Award: Sons of the American Revolution Oath: CPT Brandon Utykanski 2LT Rank: Tom and Peggy Slawatycki (parents) 1st Salute: Nickolas Roemer / PO2

2LT Tawnee Stacy Liverpool, PA

MAJOR

BRANCH

Criminal Justice Concentration: Law Enforcement

Quartermaster Corps Reserve Duty

Oath: CPT Kennith Swanson 2LT Rank: Jeff and Lisa Stacey (parents) 1st Salute: SGT Brian Fischer

2LT Georgie C. Warren Rochester, NY

MAJOR

BRANCH

Double Major: Intelligence Studies and Political Science with a concentration in Adjutant General International Relations Gold German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (GAFPB), Color Guard Captain, Battalion Executive Officer (XO), Distinguished Military Graduate (DMG) Oath: CPT Kennith Swanson 2LT Rank: John and Annette Warren, and Alexandria Grigoriadis (family) 1st Salute: SFC Jonathon Baxley

Cadet Battalion Command/Staff Battalion Commander C/LTC – Justin Cavallaro

Battalion Executive Officer C/MAJ – Dante Cerimele

Command Sergeant Major C/CSM – Caitlyn Eschweiler

Battalion S-1 C/CPT – Morgan York

Battalion S-2 C/CPT – Tim Murtha C/CPT – Molly Oldach

Battalion S-3 C/MAJ – Michael Scarpello C/CPT – Tawnee Stacey C/CPT – Georgie Warren C/CPT – Daniel Bridge

Battalion S-4 C/CPT – Joshua Slawatycki

Battalion PAOs C/CPT- Camille Schiminger

Battalion S-6 C/CPT – Diamond King

Behrend Company C/CPT —Krista Kelyman Gannon Company C/CPT —Megan Lang Mercyhurst Company C/CPT —Anthony Emmi

Class of 2020 Branch & Duty

Gannon University Justin Cavallaro* Megan Lang

Armor Chemical Corps

Active Duty Active Duty

Molly Oldach

Ordnance Corps

Army Reserve

Camille Schiminger*

Nurse Corps

Active Duty

Field Artillery

Active Duty

Dante Cerimele*

Infantry

Active Duty

Anthony Emmi*

Syracuse Law School

Active Duty

Caitlyn Eschweiler*

Military Police

Active Duty

Michael Scarpello*

Armor

Active Duty

Joshua Slawatycki*

Quartermaster Corps

Army Reserve

Tawnee Stacey

Quartermaster Corps

Army Reserve

Mercyhurst University Daniel Bridge

Georgie Warren*

Adjutant General Corps

Active Duty

* = Distinguished Military Graduate

Cadre/Staff Professor of Military Science Lieutenant Colonel Michael P. Bentley

Senior Military Science Instructor Master Sergeant Trevor Woods Executive Officer/Assistant Professor of Military Science Captain Kennith Swanson Assistant Professor of Military Science Captain Brandon Utykanski Assistant Professor of Military Science Captain Sergio Franco Military Science Instructor Sergeant First Class Jonathon Baxley Military Science Instructor Sergeant First Class Guadalupe Trevino Recruiting Operations Officer Mr. Raymond Patterson (CPT Ret.) Unit Supply Technician Mr. Joseph Burwell (SSG Ret.) Human Resources Assistant Mrs. Sharon Dugan Administrative Assistant Mrs. Lori Dales

ARMY SONG (EVERYONE SINGS)

Verse:

March along, sing our song, with the Army of the free.

Count the brave, count the true, who have fought to victory.

We’re the Army and proud of our name!

We’re the Army and proudly proclaim:

Chorus:

First to fight for the right, And to build the Nation’s might, And The Army Goes Rolling Along.

Proud of all we have done, Fighting till the battle’s won, And the Army Goes Rolling Along.

Refrain:

Then it’s hi! hi! hey!

The Army’s on its way.

Count off the cadence loud and strong; For where’re we go, You will always know That The Army Goes Rolling Along