Two graduating seniors from the U.S. Army ROTC program at Arkansas Tech University were commissioned as second lieutenants during a ceremony at Doc Bryan Student Services Center Lecture Hall on Saturday, Dec. 10.
Douglas S. Ticson of Martinez, Calif., was commissioned as a quartermaster in the U.S. Army, while Seth A. Cates of Center Ridge was commissioned as an ordinance officer in the Army National Guard.
Ticson completed a Bachelor of Applied Science degree with a minor in military science and Cates earned a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science with a minor in military science from Arkansas Tech during the fall 2022 semester.
Capt. Larry Boggs, ATU assistant professor of military science and officer in charge for the ATU U.S. Army ROTC program, was master of ceremonies at the commissioning ceremony.
Stephen White served as ceremony speaker. It was his final official duty in a 41-year career of service to the United States. A two-time graduate of Arkansas Tech, White earned his commission through the ATU U.S. Army ROTC program in 1985. He served in Operation Iraqi Freedom (2009-10) as well as Operation Enduring Freedom (2011) and retired from active duty at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
White has rendered 10 years of service to the ATU U.S. Army ROTC program, including the last four-and-a-half years as senior military science instructor. He is retiring in January 2023.
The ATU U.S. Army ROTC program has commissioned more than 800 officers since it was founded in 1952.
Learn more about the ATU U.S. Army ROTC program at www.atu.edu/rotc.
