ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. — Five graduating seniors who were part of the Army ROTC program while attending St. Bonaventure University were commissioned as second lieutenants in a ceremony on campus Saturday.
Guest speaker for the event, held at the university’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts, was National Guard Brig. Gen. Mark D. Scraba, deputy director of strategy, policy, and capabilities and assessments, United States European Command in Stuttgart, Germany. Scraba is the brother of Dr. Paula J. Scraba, associate professor of physical education at St. Bonaventure.
The commissioning ceremony was followed by the Silver Dollar Salute, a tradition in which each newly commissioned second lieutenant hands a silver dollar to the first soldier who salutes him.
Cadets commissioned Saturday were:
- Chelsea Adams, a political science major from Cameron, N.Y. Adams enrolled in ROTC as a freshman and later earned a three-year scholarship. As an ROTC cadet, she was captain of the Ranger Challenge Team, attended drill cadet leader training at Fort Jackson, S.C., served as the cadet battalion commander and as the Alpha Company commander. Upon completion of the Leadership Development and Assessment Course, she was selected to serve on active duty in the Medical Service Corps. Adams is the daughter of Jacquelyn Sheerer.
- Kristopher Gustafson, a history major from Jamestown. Gustafson enrolled in ROTC as a freshman after receiving a four-year scholarship. He served as the battalion S-3 and completed the Leadership Development and Assessment Course. He will receive a commission as a Signal Corps officer and will serve in the United States Army Reserve. He is the son of Alan and Nina Gustafson.
- Joshua Marino, a business management major from Allegany. Marino was a three-year ROTC scholarship recipient. As a cadet, he completed the Leadership Development and Assessment Course, served as the executive officer, received the George C. Marshall Award and is a distinguished military graduate. He is commissioned an active duty infantry officer. Marino is the son of Louis and Tina Marino and is married to Samantha MacNeal.
- John Raleigh, a history major from Schenectady. Raleigh enrolled in ROTC after receiving a four-year Army scholarship. He served as the battalion Bravo Company commander. Upon completion of the Leadership Development and Assessment Course, he completed drill cadet leader training in Fort Jackson, S.C. Raleigh is commissioned an infantry officer in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. He is the son of Thomas and Bernadette Raleigh.
- Thomas Rosetti, a political science major from Dryden, N.Y. He enrolled in ROTC after receiving a four-year Army scholarship. Rosetti was a member of the Ranger Challenge Team, graduated from the United States Army Airborne School and served as the cadet battalion commander. Upon completion of the Leadership Development and Assessment Course, he received cadet troop leadership training in Grafenwoehr, Germany. He is commissioned an active duty field artillery officer. Rosetti is the son of David and Kathy Rosetti.
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About the University: Inspired for more than 150 years by the Franciscan values of individual dignity, community inclusiveness, and service, St. Bonaventure University cultivates graduates who are confident and creative communicators, collaborative leaders and team members, and innovative problem solvers who are respectful of themselves, others, and the diverse world around them. No wonder U.S. News and World Report has for years considered us a “Great School at a Great Price.”