Albany Resident and Marist College ROTC Cadet and Graduate Commissioned as Army Second Lieutenant

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (05/31/2013)(readMedia)-- Marist College student and ROTC cadet William C. Ryan was officially commissioned as Army Second Lieutenant at a May 23 ceremony at the historic Cornell Boathouse on Marist's Hudson River waterfront.

Second Lt. William C. Ryan, a criminal justice major from Albany, N.Y., had the oath of office read to him by Lt. Col. Richard B. Gussenhoven before his parents performed the pinning of the rank.

Marist College President Dennis J. Murray spoke at the ceremony, and James Johnson, Colonel. U.S. Army, retired, Dr. Frank T. Bumpus Chair in Hudson River Valley History and executive director of the Hudson River Valley Institute at Marist College, was the guest speaker.

Brigadier Gen. Fergal Foley (Marist '82/MPA '94), commander of the New York State Guard; Col. Eric Olsen, New York State Guard Chaplain (Marist MPA '95); and a representative of U.S., Rep. Chris Gibson (R-NY 19th District) were also in attendance.

Second Lt. Ryan attended LaSalle Institute, Troy, N.Y. for seven years, achieving the rank of Cadet Captain.  In August of 2009 Second Lt. Ryan joined 3rd Platoon Marist College serving as guidon bearer.  It was at this time that Operation 24 was conceived, a program Second Lt. Ryan has piloted and served at the head of for two years.  Operation 24 grew the program from 3rd Platoon to Charlie Company.  In January of 2011, Second Lt. Ryan enlisted in the New York Army National Guard, a position in which he was able to serve as a company commander during the annual training event for 2012 as well as during the Hurricane Sandy relief effort.  In July of 2012, he traveled to the Republic of the Marshall Islands as part of the Army's Cultural Understanding and Language Program and taught English, math, and woodworking to under-privileged youths for a month.  Second Lt. Ryan has been called "Mr. ROTC".  He has seen the program grow and served in every leadership role from squad member to Charlie Company Commander.  He finished his ROTC career as the command sergeant major of the Ram Battalion.  He commissions into the New York Army National Guard serving as an officer in the Military Police Corp.