Austin Sheppard Commissioned at Hampden-Sydney College Graduation

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Lt. Austin Sheppard with his parents

HAMPDEN-SYDNEY, VA (05/18/2012)(readMedia)-- Austin Jon Sheppard, Class of 2012, was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army on May 13th during commencement ceremonies marking the end of the 237th academic year at Hampden-Sydney College.

Sheppard was commissioned by Major Stephan Ruppel-Lee, assisted by Master Sergeant Jeff Suttle. Pinning his gold bars were his father, Jon Sheppard of Hershey, PA, and his mother, Jennifer Polo of New Bern. Lt. Sheppard received his first salute from Master Sergeant Jeff Suttle.

Sheppard graduated with a B.A. in foreign affairs. While at Hampden-Sydney he was a member of the ROTC program through the University of Richmond and completed Hampden-Sydney's requirement for the Military Leadership/National Security Studies program. He was a member of the social fraternity Sigma Nu and the Soccer Club. Sheppard has completed the Army Airborne School at Ft. Benning, GA, and the ROTC Advanced Camp for Leadership Development and Accessions Course at Ft. Lewis, WA. His first assignment will be to attend the Quartermaster Basic Officer Leadership Course at Ft. Lee.

A private college for men, Hampden-Sydney is ranked in the top tier of liberal arts colleges by U.S. News & World Report. The College is known for its liberal arts curriculum, the Honor Code which stresses individual and collective responsibility, and a focus on the needs of young men.