0 ROTC Graduate Commissioned as Second Lieutenant

ROTC Graduate Commissioned as Second Lieutenant

June 3, 2019

On May 10, graduating Houghton University senior Victoria Krisher was commissioned into the army as a second lieutenant. The ceremony also marked the commissioning of John-Paul Holubeck, graduating senior from Alfred State College.

In the Houghton University Recital Hall, loved ones and Seneca Battalion members gathered for the commissioning of the two ROTC graduates. During the ceremony, Victoria Krisher’s parents, Thomas and Rachel Krisher, pinned to her uniform the gold bars which symbolize her new rank.

Houghton University President Shirley Mullen was the guest speaker at the ceremony. She encouraged the new second lieutenants to steward the gift of their college education “in a spirit of gratitude and humility, making your education work for the good of those you are called and privileged to command and serve.”

Houghton students have the opportunity to participate in the Reserve Officer Training Corps through a cross-enrollment agreement with St. Bonaventure University. ROTC students take courses in military science, combining academic work with practical field experience to prepare them for active or reserve duty.

Victoria Krisher majored in biology at Houghton University. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree on May 11 at Houghton’s commencement ceremony. She has been commissioned into the army as an active-duty finance officer.