ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. — Two graduating seniors who were part of the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (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 Richard Trietley, vice provost for student life at St. Bonaventure. Trietley, a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army, is a former commander of the university’s ROTC unit.
The commissioning ceremony was followed by the Silver Dollar Salute, a tradition in which newly commissioned second lieutenants hand a silver dollar to the first soldier who salutes them.
Commissioned Saturday were John Bradshaw of Randolph, N.Y., and Elisha Darby of Tampa, Fla.
Bradshaw graduated with a master’s degree in education (school counseling). He enrolled in ROTC as a graduate student after successfully completing the Leader’s Training Course at Fort Knox, Ky., where he earned a two-year scholarship.
As a ROTC cadet, Bradshaw served as cadet battalion commander and company executive officer. Upon completion of the Leadership Development and Assessment Course, he was selected to serve in the Military Intelligence Corps with the Army National Guard and will pursue a career in law enforcement.
He is the son of Kathleen Bradshaw and the late John Bradshaw.
Darby graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sport studies. She enrolled in ROTC as a freshman after receiving a four-year scholarship.
While a ROTC Cadet, Darby served as cadet battalion commander and battalion executive officer, and completed the Leadership Development and Assessment Course. She will receive a commission as an active duty military intelligence officer, stationed at Fort Hood, Texas.
Darby is the daughter of Robin and William Wofford and Juan Darby.
About the University: Inspired for more than 150 years by the Catholic 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.