South Carolina Corps of Cadets Class of 2022

The South Carolina Corps of Cadets Class of 2022 made history as one of The Citadel's largest incoming classes when they arrived on campus four years ago.

Now, after two years of modified graduation ceremonies, more than 600 members of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets and more than 500 students from The Citadel Graduate College accepted their degrees during the commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 7.

The day before commencement, about 30% of the graduating cadets accepted commissions as officers into the U.S. Armed Services. Among those who accepted commissions are the first two Citadel cadets to join the U.S. Space Force: Conor William Deans, Space Operations Officer, and Jack O. Schwartz, Developmental Engineer.

Another significant accomplishment from the Class of 2022 include two cadets tying for the position of First Honor Graduate - Steven Jones and Ashley Ruiz.

Ruiz, along with William Jenson and Martynas Tendzegolskis, comprise the first group to graduate through The Citadel Distinguished Scholars Program, a rigorous academic initiative that develops the brightest and most ambitious cadets and students for success in top-tier graduate schools and for leadership roles in their future careers.

The top academic programs for the Class of 2022 included Business Administration, Intelligence and Security Studies, Criminal Justice, Mechanical Engineering and Political Science.

Graduates accepted their diploma from President of The Citadel Gen. Glenn W. Walters, USMC (Ret.), Class of 1979.