The CAIT program gives highly qualified and motivated cadets an opportunity to attend some of the Army’s specialty schools during the
summer. The college’s Army ROTC program has had a high number of cadets accepted into these specialized courses.

Cadet Alexis Van Brocklin, ’26, served as CAIT company commander during her senior year. She spoke with every cadet interested in the program, planned training sessions and worked to secure Army school slots for them.

Van Brocklin knew these schools firsthand. She attended Cadet Troop Leader Training in Germany, an experience that confirmed her path as an infantry officer, and SERE training, which stands for Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape.

“I have around 50 to 55 cadets that I get to send off to summer training. They are putting in the time—we do physical training together three times a week. It is tough,” said Van Brocklin. “Success isn’t even getting a school. It’s you versus you. Are you better than you were yesterday?”

For Cadet Colin White, that question found its answer in the woods of North Carolina.

White participated in Robin Sage, the culminating exercise of the Army’s Special Forces Qualification Course. He role-played as a guerrilla fighter alongside Special Forces candidates who were just days away from earning their Green Berets. For two weeks, he slept in the woods and carried out simulated, unconventional warfare missions throughout rural North Carolina.

“You can’t get that experience anywhere else,” said White. “Even the people I did the program with— other cadets from other colleges—I still keep in touch with them.”

White also pointed to the confidence cadets can gain through CAIT. At Robin Sage, he volunteered to present sections of briefings, giving him the opportunity to speak to retired and future Special Forces soldiers as well as his peers.

The post Beyond the Classroom:Army ROTC Training appeared first on 91���� Magazine 2026.

Ryan S. Sacko, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance, worked with the Office of the Commandant and researchers from the University of South Carolina to study cadet hydration during Challenge Week. Based on what they learned, the Commandant’s Department made two changes this year: freshmen brought reusable water bottles they could fill in the barracks and use in the mess hall, and greater attention was placed on making sure their hydration packs were full at the beginning of the day.

The changes did not include additional water breaks or changes to training. “It’s just availability of water,” Sacko said. “It’s just about making sure that you’re starting from ahead instead of starting from behind.”

Researchers returned during Challenge Week this year to monitor the effects of the changes. In comparison to the fall of 2025, Sacko said hydration improved as the week progressed, although this year’s considerably hotter temperatures made direct comparisons with last year difficult.

The project also gave students an opportunity to participate in large-scale research. Three USC faculty members and four USC students joined three Citadel graduate students and nearly 20 upper-class cadets who returned early to assist with the project.

The research is part of 91����’s CORE Collaborative, an effort to bring together resources from across the college. For Sacko, the project also demonstrates how research can address a practical question on campus and put the findings to use.

The post Research Leads to Changes in Challenge Week Hydration appeared first on 91���� Magazine 2026.

Panels on the first day centered on Cuba and Venezuela, authoritarian resilience and opportunities, and the future of U.S. relations with Latin America. Notable panelists included James Coker, State Department adviser to SOUTHCOM, and James Story, former U.S. ambassador to Venezuela.

“Latin America is such a focus of current U.S. foreign policy, from Venezuela and Cuba to countering Chinese growth in our hemisphere,” said Frank Emerson, J.D., Gov. John C. West Chair of International Politics and American Government at 91���� and former CIA chief of an intelligence center in South America. “We thought this would be a great opportunity to focus on Latin America.”

Other panels discussed U.S. relations with Latin America and China’s growing role in the region. Professor Jon Nelson led a panel on the importance of relations in Latin America that included Rene Howell, former CIA chief of station in Latin America; Kenneth S. Hartman of the South Carolina National Guard; and Emerson.

The conference, now in its third year, ended with a presentation by political science associate professor Michael Sun, Ph.D., on China’s interests and influence in Latin America and its positioning in relation to U.S. goals.

This year’s National Security Conference drew more than 170 attendees.

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That space to fail is part of the training: a feature, not a bug. A new $250,000 federal grant from the Department of War will establish the Intelligence Futures and Judgment Lab, expanding 91����’s use of wargaming to help students practice decision-making involving complex national security scenarios in a simulated setting before the consequences are real.

The federal grant will allow the college to build on years of wargaming work by adding the people, programming and technology needed to expand it. This effort includes a dedicated director of wargames, support for the annual Day of Intrigue exercise and a fellows program that will pair government participants with those who work in the private sector.

With this federal grant, faculty plan to weave wargaming more deeply into the intelligence curriculum, allowing cadets to encounter simulations throughout their four years rather than only near the end of their studies.

“This exciting new partnership is a big step forward in preparing the next generation of principled leaders,” said Col. Brian Madison Jones, Ph.D., dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. “It’s a dynamic and substantive experiential learning opportunity for all our cadets, and I’m thrilled that their efforts will help strengthen national security. Most importantly, the lab will demonstrate just how critical human judgment is in the age of artificial intelligence and showcase how the humanities and social sciences prepare students to thrive in this challenging space.”

The post Grant Expands Wargaming Opportunities appeared first on 91���� Magazine 2026.

The incoming class of about 750 students officially reported to campus to begin a first year that combines academic coursework with military and physical training.

This year, however, Matriculation Day marked more than a beginning for the Class of 2030. Among them were 119 women, the largest class of female cadet-recruits in the history of the college.

The Class of 2030 also includes a significant number of legacy students, those with a parent, grandparent or other family member who attended 91����. Nearly one in four members of the class are legacy students.

“What you’re going to get here is not only a world-class education that prepares you for the future; you’re going to get grounded in leadership,” said retired Marine Corps Gen. Frank McKenzie, ’79, president. “You’re going to leave here knowing how to gather a group of people around you, how to talk about an idea, how to create something tangible from the idea and, with them, pursue that goal.”

The post Welcome, Class of 2030 appeared first on 91���� Magazine 2026.

U.S. News & World Report—which released its annual rankings Tuesday, Sept. 22—also named 91���� as the No. 1 Best Public University in the South for the 16th consecutive year.

“Our goal is to prepare graduates for life after college,” said Kevin Bower, Ph.D., interim provost of 91����. “Our faculty integrate rigorous academics with hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students for success after graduation. It is rewarding to see the impact of those efforts and the achievements of our graduates recognized.”

Other notable rankings earned by 91���� include:

• No. 1 Best Public University in the South
• No. 1 Best College for Veterans, Regional Universities (South)
• No. 2 Best Value for In-State 91����s, Regional Universities (South)
• No. 9 Undergraduate Teaching, Regional Universities (South)
• No. 9 Best Value, Regional Universities (South)
• No. 15 (tie) Best Undergraduate Engineering, nationwide (non-doctoral)

This is also the ninth consecutive year that 91���� has been ranked Best College for Veterans in the South. Veterans may enroll in the college’s day and evening undergraduate programs as well as its master’s programs.

Earlier in the semester, 91���� led South Carolina in TIME’s inaugural America’s Best Colleges ranking. Among the top 500 colleges, 91���� ranked No. 71 nationally, the highest of any private or public colleges in South Carolina.

91���� also ranked among the nation’s highest-performing military colleges, ahead of Virginia Military Institute, Texas A&M University and others.

The post 91���� Leads Colleges in Rankings appeared first on 91���� Magazine 2026.

Members of the college’s lifetime, legacy and loyalty giving societies gather on campus to be honored in front of their peers.

91����’s lifetime giving societies honor those individuals who have expressed their profound commitment to the college through their leadership gifts totaling $100,000 or more by the close of the preceding calendar year. Donors who have included 91���� in their estate plans become members of 91���� Legacy Society.

Through the Order of the Tartan, we acknowledge those loyal donors who have given consecutively at any level for 25 years or more. Beginning at the five-year mark, donors are recognized for their consecutive giving with a tartan-patterned lapel pin, with additional recognition offered at 10, 15 and 20 years. Upon reaching the 25th year, these loyal donors receive their tartan sash and are officially inducted into the Order of the Tartan at the annual ceremony.

91���� Foundation proudly welcomes the new Leaders in Philanthropy listed here who have joined their peers in this annual tradition celebrating charity and service as virtues of the principled leader.

On behalf of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets and the entire campus community, we salute these individuals for their extraordinary generosity, vision and lifelong loyalty to 91����.

For more information about 91���� Foundation’s lifetime giving societies or to view the roster of all current members, please visit: foundation.citadel.edu/lifetimegiving

Class of 2026 New Inductees

∆ = Increased Giving Level

Lifetime Giving Societies

Founders’ Society

Bronze: $5,000,000 to $9,999,999
Silver: $10,000,000 to $24,999,999
Gold: $25,000,000 and Greater

Just as the founders of 91���� conceived of an institution that would “awaken greater ardor in the people, and a warmer interest in our rulers, to advance the cause of education,” members of the Founders’ Society demonstrate the vision and commitment that will ensure the long-term vitality of the college. The Founders’ Society is 91����’s most prestigious giving society.

Gold

Dr. and Mrs. Christopher C. Swain, ’81 ∆
Mr. R. Edward Turner, III ∆

Bronze

Mr. William A. Ackman
Col. and Mrs. Harry R. Good, Jr., ’75 ∆
Dr. Timothy J. Halligan, ’82 and Ms. Jacqueline Hine ∆
Mr. and Mrs. Charles I. Small, ’69 ∆

Society of 1842:

$1,000,000 to $4,999,999

Since its founding in 1842, 91���� has molded individuals into citizen-soldiers who put into action the guiding principles learned in the barracks, in the classroom and on the parade field as they serve their families, their communities, their professions and their country with distinction.

Mr. and Mrs. William A. Barkley

Mr. and Mrs. G. William Beale, Jr., ’71 ∆
Mr. Mark W. Jordan, ’93 ∆
Capt. Ronald C. Plunkett, ’64, CGC ’97 and Dr. Linda M. Plunkett ∆
Mr. John L. Rasberry, ’57 ∆

Mark Clark Society

$500,000 to $999,999

Gen. Mark W. Clark (1896-1984) became president of 91���� after a career seldom equaled in the United States Army. During his tenure (1954-1965), 91���� achieved international recognition, and the Corps of Cadets increased to the maximum capacity of the barracks. One of Clark’s most enduring accomplishments was the founding of the Cadet Honor Code, whereby a cadet does not lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate those who do.

Anonymous
Mr. Frank J. Caple III, ’85
Ms. Susan R. Faulkner ∆
Mr. and Mrs. James H. Ferrera, ’81
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Kohl, ’78 ∆
Dr. and Mrs. John E. Moore, ’71 ∆
Col. and Mrs. Fred L. Price, Jr., ’75 ∆
Dr. Frederick W. Shuler, ’89 and Dr. Magdalena Shuler ∆

Star of the West Society

$250,000 to $499,999

Citadel graduates have served their country in every conflict since the Mexican War. Named for the historic Civil War action led by a detachment of Citadel cadets, the Star of the West Monument on Summerall Field commemorates all Citadel cadets and graduates who have died in defense of their country and recognizes the strong call to service demonstrated by Citadel men and women.

Mr. and Mrs. Vollie C. Bailey, III, ’76 ∆
Mr. and Mrs. John M. Barnes, Jr., ’81 ∆
Mr. and Mrs. Brandon E. Boyles, ’89 ∆
Mr. and Mrs. Kenne P. Bristol, ’64 ∆
Joyce Carusi ∆
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin M. Elmore, ’74 ∆
Kathleen M. Hayes, Ph.D. ∆
Col. and Mrs. Alan J. Lecznar, ’74 ∆
Mr. and Mrs. Roy P. Maybank, ’92 ∆
Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. McQueeney, ’72 ∆
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey S. Miller, ’86
Mr. and Mrs. Sidney P. Mitchell, ’63 ∆
Mr. and Mrs. Richard D. Ouzts, ’74 ∆
Mrs. Eleanor C. Peters
Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Rennebaum, ’84 ∆
Col. and Mrs. Todd R. Starbuck, ’65
Mr. and Mrs. Mark M. Stubley, ’85 ∆
Mr. and Mrs. John K. Tucker, ’67 ∆
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Vallini, ’95 ∆
Dr. and Mrs. Howard S. J. Walker III, ’71 ∆
Mr. Craig Wardlaw
Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Waring, ’82

Summerall Society

$100,000 to $249,999

Gen. Charles Pelot Summerall (1867-1954) assumed the presidency of 91���� in 1931 after retiring as chief of staff of the United States Army. During his 22-year tenure as president, the campus was greatly expanded to include many of the buildings that shape 91���� footprint today, including Summerall Chapel, Capers Hall, LeTellier Hall and McAlister Field House.

Anonymous
Capt. and Mrs. Claude Baldwin IV, ’86
Mr. Donald M. Barnes, ’20
Mr. J. Wriston Barnes, ’16
Mr. Niven W. M. Barnes, ’25
Ms. V. Gracen Barnes, ’18
Dr. and Mrs. James F. Boyd, ’71
Dr. and Mrs. Christopher C. Bray, ’01
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Brodie III, ’00
Ms. Cheryl A. Brown
Mr. and Mrs. L. Scott Catington, ’87
Mr. Hack Clinkscales, Jr., ’75
Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Cole, ’67
Mr. and Mrs. Hubert M. Craig III
Mr. Jack E. Craig
Mr. and Mrs. James L. Day, ’95
Mr. and Mrs. Brian P. Dunphy, ’86
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Friedgen
Mr. and Mrs. Hunter B. Garrett, ’92
Mr. and Mrs. George W. Gering IV, ’94
Lt. Col. and Mrs. John E. Goodwin, ’62
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick M. Gramblin, Sr., ’90
Mr. and Mrs. L. Lee Hamm, ’76
Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson H. Hiers, ’97
The Honorable and Mrs. Jay D. Hockenbury, ’69
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin J. Keneally, ’87
Col. and Mrs. Jamie A. Khan, ’00
Col. and Mrs. Timothy G. Learn, ’79
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph T. Leary, CLU, ’81
Dr. and Mrs. Charles A. Leath III, ’94
Mr. and Mrs. Nevan D. Little
Brig. Gen. and Mrs. Miller L. Love, Jr., Ret., ’62
Dr. and Mrs. E. Lowry Manson, Jr., ’70
Mr. and Mrs. Chester R. Marshall, Jr., ’74
Mr. and Mrs. Hugh G. McKay, III, ’61
Col. and Mrs. S. Aaron Meadows, ’04
Col. and Mrs. Norman L. Moore, Jr., ’75
Dr. and Mrs. James D. Moore, ’83
Mr. William C. Motte, Jr., ’79, and Mrs. M. Renay Motte, CGC ’92
Mr. and Mrs. Michael W. Nix, ’95
Mr. and Mrs. William H. Nixon, Jr., ’93
Col. and Mrs. Wayne O. Ouzts, ’79
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Parrish, ’75
Mr. and Mrs. Alan J. Reyner, Jr., ’72
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel R. Settana, Jr., ’89
Mr. and Mrs. E. Glenn Shull, ’85
Col. and Mrs. Ted W. Summerford, ’65
Brig. Gen. Hugh B. Tant III, ’71, and Lt. Col. Christine L. Tant
Col. David B. Taylor, USA, ’86
Mr. and Mrs. Michael G. Thomas, ’85
Mr. and Mrs. James M. Uschelbec, ’87
Mr. and Mrs. Chad A. Van Slooten, Sr., ’95
Mr. and Mrs. P. Heath Verner, ’97
Lt. Col. and Mrs. Diedreich P. von Lehe III, ’83
Mr. and Mrs. James S. Watson, Jr., ’63
Mr. A. Marcus White, IV, ’04, and Mrs. Delaney B. White, CGC ’08
Mr. Jeremy G. Wilson
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Wilson, ’69
Mr. and Mrs. John Winthrop
Mr. and Mrs. James M. Wooten, ’77

Legacy Society

Planned Giving

91���� Legacy Society recognizes alumni and friends who support 91���� with deferred gifts. Through their generosity and foresight, legacy donors help to secure the future of the institution through a variety of estate planning tools. 91���� Legacy Society is open to individuals who have included 91���� in their estate planning and who provide the college with documentation of their gift.

Anonymous
Mr. and Mrs. Rodney L. Adelstone, ’85
Capt. and Mrs. Claude Baldwin IV, ’86
Mr. Donald M. Barnes, ’20
Mr. J. Wriston Barnes, ’16
Mr. Niven W. M. Barnes, ’25
Ms. V. Gracen Barnes, ’18
Mr. and Mrs. John G. Barnhardt, ’77
Mr. and Mrs. L. Scott Catington, ’87
Mr. and Mrs. Michael M. Cochran, ’93
Mr. and Mrs. Jack R. Cunningham, ’77
Mr. and Mrs. James L. Day, ’95
Mr. and Mrs. Brian P. Dunphy, ’86
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher M. Eckert, ’01
Col. Vernon L. Graham, USMC, ’87
Capt. and Mrs. Richard G. Hoffman, Jr., ’75
Mr. Mark W. Jordan, ’93
Mr. and Mrs. Michael M. Keating, ’75
Mr. and Mrs. L. Glenn Keith, ’87
Col. and Mrs. Timothy W. Kelley, Ret., ’87
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin J. Keneally, ’87
Col. and Mrs. Jamie A. Khan, ’00
The Honorable and Mrs. Howard P. King, ’61
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph T. Leary, CLU, ’81
Lt. Col. and Mrs. Terry M. Mays
Col. and Mrs. S. Aaron Meadows, ’04
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey S. Miller, ’86
Mr. and Mrs. Michael W. Nix, ’95
Mr. and Mrs. William H. Nixon, Jr., ’93
Mr. Augustine A. Olalere, ’91
Mr. and Mrs. Richard D. Ouzts, ’74
Mr. Demitri E. Rickman, ’14
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew V. Roughgarden, Jr., ’73
Mr. and Mrs. E. Glenn Shull, ’85
Col. and Mrs. Todd R. Starbuck, ’65
Col. David B. Taylor, USA, ’86
Mr. and Mrs. Michael G. Thomas, ’85
Mr. Paul C. Truluck, Sr., ’87
Mr. and Mrs. James M. Uschelbec, ’87
Lt. Col. and Mrs. Diedreich P. von Lehe III, ’83
Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Waring, ’82

Order of the Tartan

Consecutive Giving

The Scottish tartan, a woolen cloth woven in a distinctive pattern of plaid, has long served as a symbol of loyalty and association with a particular region, family or clan. 91����’s Order of the Tartan recognizes and celebrates those loyal donors who have given consecutively to 91���� each year for 25 years or more.

Col. and Mrs. John R. Baer, ’71
Dr. and Mrs. Ransom L. Bryan, Jr., ’74
Mr. and Mrs. Augustus G. Chapman, ’88
Mr. and Mrs. Glen W. Clark, Jr., ’67
Col. and Mrs. Robert G. Coleman II, ’66
Mr. David A. Conrad, ’67
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas C. Croft, ’95
Mr. and Mrs. Sumter F. de Brux, ’69
Mr. Robert J. Deane, ’79
Mr. and Mrs. Luther B. Dukes, Jr., ’58
Lt. Col. Jesse W. Gill III, USAF, Ret., ’66
Mr. and Mrs. Brett C. Govett, ’87
Mr. and Mrs. J. Michael Grubbs, Sr., ’66
Col. and Mrs. Marshall L. Helena, ’70
Mr. and Mrs. Terrell G. Herring, ’86
Dr. and Mrs. Hoke S. Hill, Jr., ’71
Ms. Judith Horan Westerhouse
Dr. Brad L. Johnson, ’83
Mr. and Mrs. Frank M. Johnston, ’65
Capt. and Mrs. David J. LeBlanc, Sr., ’81
Dr. Teresa M. Luhrs
Dr. Frank L. Martin III, ’77
Mr. Stephen A. Miller, ’79
Mr. and Mrs. William W. Miller, Jr., ’68
Mr. and Mrs. Martin O. Mobley, ’75
Mr. William C. Motte, Jr., ’79, and Mrs. M. Renay Motte, CGC ’92
Mr. and Mrs. Frederick S. Nuttall, ’75
Col. Gerald A. Palmer, USA, Ret., ’68
Dr. and Mrs. Harris F. Pearson, Jr., ’55
Mr. and Mrs. Eric D. Pittard, ’67
Mr. and Mrs. William B. Rea, Jr., ’66
Mrs. Gertrude D. Reeves
Lt. Col. and Mrs. Shaun A. Reynolds, ’01
Mr. and Mrs. Herbert R. Sass III, ’76
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel R. Settana, Jr., ’89
Bishop and Mrs. William J. Skilton, ’62
Mr. Robert J. Trzeciak, ’76
Dr. and Mrs. Edward H. West, ’66
Lt. Cmdr. and Mrs. Scott E. Wilson, ’76
Mr. Arthur J. Wood III, ’82
Mr. Jacob H. Zeigler III, ’66

The post Leaders in Philanthropy appeared first on 91���� Magazine 2026.

We asked families what changed most about their cadets. Here’s what they said.

Banks Scarpa

Leadership

Cadet Col. Banks Scarpa, ’27, of Bravo Company and Beaufort, S.C., serves as regimental commander, the highest-ranking cadet in the Corps. He is a biology major, a chemistry minor and a member of 91���� National Health Professionals Honor Society. After graduation, he plans to attend medical school. In his spare time, he enjoys running and spending time on the water.

“When Banks arrived at 91����, he was someone others trusted to lead, but he needed to develop the confidence to truly see himself as a leader. Over the past three years, we have watched his confidence grow from within as he learned to trust his instincts, step forward when others look to him for leadership and fully embrace the weight of responsibility. Now, as a senior, that change is evident in the way he carries himself, with a humble command presence, a quiet assurance and a sense of purpose that have taken shape since he first reported as a knob.”

Grange Simons

Character

Cadet Grange Simons, ’28, of Band Company, is studying marketing and business development with a minor in French. The Mount Pleasant native is a squad sergeant and bagpiper in the Regimental Band and Pipes. He enjoys working out and boating in Charleston Harbor.

“Grange came to 91���� for the bagpipe program and for the bonds he knew he would form by doing something difficult alongside his classmates. But what I saw during knob year was a change in his character. He was surrounded by people who modeled integrity, encouraged him and expected his best. My son became a man knob year. I’m proud of my piper, and I’m proud of the man he has become.”

Oyindamola Akinsanya

Maturity

Cadet Oyindamola Akinsanya, ’27, of Palmetto Battery, is a psychology major with a minor in education. Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, she became a U.S. citizen last spring and now lives in Brandywine, Maryland. She was a cheerleader for two years and now serves as senior manager for the Office of Admissions 91���� Ambassadors program. She is in Army ROTC and plans to commission after graduation. She enjoys reading, spending time with friends and participating in community service work with children.

“The biggest change we’ve seen in Oyindamola since she started attending 91���� is her remarkable growth in maturity. It’s almost as if she grew overnight. She has become more confident, courageous and self-reliant. At home, she takes more initiative and has become more involved in guiding and caring for her younger siblings. The transformation has been truly inspiring.”

Barret Icenhour

Confidence

Cadet Barret Icenhour, ’29, of Bravo Company, is a supply chain management major from Travelers Rest, S.C. He is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes who enjoys spending time with friends and family, and hunting with his brother.

“Before matriculating at 91����, my son was quiet and reserved. Now, he communicates confidently and professionally. His growth helped him secure a competitive internship, and he has become much more outgoing, developing strong friendships with cadets from all over the country.”

Meghan Park

Resilience

Cadet Meghan Park, ’28, of Mike Company, is a nursing major from Brookline, New Hampshire. She is a human affairs NCO, a huddle leader for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a member of the 91���� Nurses Association. She holds an Army contract and plans to commission in the Army as a nurse and pursue flight nursing. She enjoys traveling, fishing and going to the beach.

“As a rising junior, Meghan has grown into a resilient, independent and confident young woman. Those qualities were put to the ultimate test when she unexpectedly lost her father during her sophomore year. I truly believe 91���� helped give her the strength, discipline and support to persevere through one of the most difficult times in her life.”

Ryder Harbaugh

Discipline

Cadet Ryder Harbaugh, ’29, of Echo Company, is an accounting major from Morgantown, Kentucky. He is a member of the cross-country and track teams and Baptist Collegiate Ministry. After graduation, he plans to take the CPA exam and pursue a master’s degree. He enjoys playing cards with friends, spending time with family and relaxing at the beach.

“Since our son, Ryder, joined the Corps of Cadets, we’ve seen how the discipline instilled in him during knob year has transformed his life. It shows in his studies, his training and even his nutrition.”

Connor Day

Accountability

Cadet Connor Day, ’29, of Palmetto Battery, is an intelligence and security studies major from Newburgh, Indiana. He is a member of the boxing club and Catholic ministry and is a four-year National Marine Option NROTC contract cadet. He is pursuing a flight contract in the Marine Corps. He enjoys bass fishing.

“Since Connor joined the Corps, he has taken strong ownership of his future. He understands that the choices he makes today will affect the person he becomes and the life he builds for himself.”

Gracie Mark

Determination

Cadet Gracie Mark, ’27, of Charlie Company, is a business management major from Sacaton, Arizona, which is located on the Gila River Indian Reservation. Mark works on the Gold Star Journal as a graphic designer and as an editor. She is president of the Circle of Women and vice president of the Pride Society. She is a member of the Journey Church Presbyterian and the Ethos Boxing Club, and she is a tutor in the Public Speaking Lab. She likes to shoot basketball and play a traditional game called Thoka. She also likes to draw and sketch while listening to music.

“Gracie has always processed her surroundings differently, navigating a world that isn’t always built for her. Since she arrived at 91����, I’ve witnessed a new determination emerge as she has learned to meet challenges head-on and keep moving forward.”

Grady Redmond

Connection

Cadet Grady Redmond, ’29, of Alpha Company, is double majoring in political science and finance. A native of Goose Creek, S.C., he is a squad corporal and a member of the Honors Program. He has also been active in the 2026 elections.

“Since arriving at 91����, Grady has become much more confident in his ability to connect with people. He has grown more comfortable having meaningful conversations with his peers and building relationships with people outside 91����. It’s been wonderful to see him step outside his comfort zone and connect with people from all walks of life.”

Christopher Banks

Responsibility

Cadet Capt. Christopher Banks, ’27, of Sumter, S.C., is an intelligence and security studies major. He serves as Palmetto Battery company commander and is a member of the Rifle Legion and Semper Fi Society. He is also a Marine Corps ROTC contract cadet.

“We have noticed that Christopher has become more responsible overall. He is better able to manage tasks, whether at home during the holidays or in his studies at 91����. He has also learned to manage his time more effectively and be on time for his obligations, which is a win for everyone!”

The post What Changed Most appeared first on 91���� Magazine 2026.

With a father who served in the Air Force and a former Army drill sergeant for a mother, the Trochessets were already familiar with military life. After growing up in a military family that moved frequently, all four Trochesset siblings—Jacob, ’26; Seth, ’26; Annika, ’27; and Donovan, ’29—were reunited in Murray Barracks, where they all lived for the 2025-26 academic year. Each company in First Battalion, Alpha through Delta, claimed a Trochesset.

For Seth, the second-oldest, the uniform did little to change how the siblings saw each other.

“In a school where everyone’s supposed to do the same thing and look the same, you’re still your own person,” he said. “And then when you get to know people, you find those differences. Everyone looks the same, but everyone’s still unique.”

Their uniforms may not have helped other cadets learn their first names, but their personalities made them easy to tell apart.

Jacob, who took a gap year before matriculating, said others distinguish the four Trochessets by their differences.

“Most people say, ‘That’s the one who smiles and laughs all the time,’ ‘That’s the nice one’ and ‘This is the blunt one,’” he said. “I don’t really hear anything about me. I keep to myself.”

His siblings agree that Jacob is the easygoing sibling. “Everything I hear about him, he’s just a chill, great guy,” said Seth. “Very laid back.”

Just as they do in the Corps, the Trochessets have their own roles within their family: Jacob, the ghost, off on his own; Seth, the clerk, finishing paperwork and arranging logistics early; Annika, the anchor, holding the siblings together; and Donovan, the rookie, finishing his knob year and preparing to carry on the legacy.

While they may have shared classes from time to time, the siblings followed their own schedules. Their various interests also took them to different parts of campus and beyond. From underwater rugby and fencing to performing in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a Trochesset was there.

“When people see us together, they think we have some kind of hive mind or something,” said Annika. “But once they get to know us, they say, ‘You’re so different.’”

Sharing a last name did not mean sharing every part of the cadet experience.

The older brothers said they passed along the essential information, but they wanted their younger siblings to learn for themselves. Before matriculating, Annika asked her brothers what to expect. They told her she’d find out when she arrived.

Annika spent her freshman year in Second Battalion, and she saw her brothers less than others assumed. Donovan, at that time, was still in high school. But by the time all four were living in First Battalion, they saw more of each other.

On Donovan’s last day as a knob, his older siblings turned a knob-year routine, asking permission to drive the stairs—the knob practice of running up the barracks stairs—into a family joke. He had to ask permission from all three of his older siblings before he could return to his room.

Together in one battalion, the sibling teasing would continue. But so would the support.

“We’ve always been close, just moving around together and having each other, but being here is different,” said Annika.

Going through the same challenges gave them new ways to support and understand each other. On Donovan’s Recognition Day, which marked the end of the last Trochesset’s knob year, all three of his siblings joined him for the mile-long victory run to the barracks and were in the barracks when he completed his class set of pushups.

Though they all made the same journey—from their family home to First Battalion—they each had their own, individual reasons for choosing 91����.

As the two oldest brothers neared the end of their time in the Corps, all four siblings knew that this would likely be the last time they lived so closely together.

For Donovan, that was the whole point.

“I really came to spend more time with them because I knew, after they graduate, we’re all going to go our separate ways, and I decided it would be a good way to spend our last little bit of time together.”

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A Philadelphia native, Griffin began his career as an officer with the Philadelphia Police Department after graduating from Penn State with a degree in criminal justice. Law enforcement was a natural choice for Griffin, whose father served on the Philadelphia police force for 24 years.

While serving on the force himself, Griffin began working on his master’s degree at Penn State, a three-and-a-half hour drive from Philadelphia. Although his father and brother were both police officers, Griffin knew he wanted to pursue a different path. After four years of juggling a full-time job, a long commute and graduate studies, he left the police force to focus on his academic work, earning his doctorate in 2000.

Before turning his attention to sports betting, Griffin wrote two books about Philadelphia’s Black Mafia. His research also led to work as an interview subject and consultant for an episode of BET’s “American Gangster.”

Griffin’s interest in sports betting was sparked when news of the Tim Donaghy scandal broke in 2007. Donaghy, an NBA referee, admitted to betting on games he officiated between 2003 and 2007. “I was simply an organized crime researcher,” said Griffin. “In organized crime circles, we obviously always research sports gambling, but it’s very low- level stuff, meaning you would know of local bookmakers who would take regular bets; they would either be financed by, or more likely extorted by, organized crime groups. This was all before sports gambling became legal in 2018. Betting, money laundering, tax evasion—big white-collar crime stuff.”

The Donaghy scandal was different. A referee betting on games he officiated raised questions about the integrity of professional basketball. “The question everyone had was, well, was he actually fixing them?” said Griffin. “I got involved because I wanted to see what, if anything, the media had missed.”

To Griffin’s surprise, there was a lot to uncover. He found betting-line data for every game Donaghy had officiated, gained access to his electronic betting records and assembled what he believes is evidence that Donaghy had fixed games. “Bets on his games were winning 78%, which is unheard of. Professional gamblers are thrilled if they’re above 50% and he’s winning 78% of games he officiated,” said Griffin.

Griffin published his findings in his 2011 book, Gaming the Game: The Story Behind the NBA Betting Scandal and the Gambler Who Made It Happen. The book garnered national attention and was cited in congressional testimony and arguments before the Supreme Court over the legalization of sports betting.

Griffin has been called on by news organizations across the country, including CBS, Bloomberg News and NPR, to explain the latest sports betting scandals.

Most recently, Griffin has offered insight into two federal investigations involving professional and college basketball. In the NBA case, prosecutors allege that current and former players, a coach and bettors used confidential information about injuries, lineups and player availability to place fraudulent wagers. A separate NCAA point-shaving case involves allegations that dozens of Division I players were paid to underperform in games during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons.

“In the NBA scandal, it’s an interesting mix of people who weren’t necessarily fixing games, but instead were providing information to gamblers so that they could manipulate betting lines and bet on them,” said Griffin. “The NCAA college basketball scandal involved dozens of players, dozens of college teams, and they were actually fixing games.”

Griffin draws on his research in a course he teaches on organized crime. “I always joke with my students that my classes are not necessarily a how-to on committing crimes because I always walk through how these people get caught,” said Griffin. “In the case of the current NBA scandal, the way the bets were placed was begging people to flag them.”

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