Widener University’s ROTC program celebrated its 2025 Commissioning Ceremony in Alumni Auditorium on Saturday, May 24 with 14 cadets taking the oath of office as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army.

Four Widener students were among the cadets commissioned, and a fifth will commission on May 30. The group of 14 that was celebrated on Saturday hailed from four area universities and all trained through the Dauntless Battalion unit at Widener, where they engaged in the hands-on, intense military training that has prepared them for successful careers.

Family members pinned the new rank to their dress uniforms, and each officer shared a silver dollar with the individual they selected to give them their first salute – a military tradition.

The officers who earned their undergraduate degrees from Widener last week, and the military careers for which they prepared, included:

•    Meghan (Rampolla) Draeger, nursing corps
•    Anthony Korab, corps of engineers
•    Alexander Krause, military police
•    Taylor (Finocchiaro) McGonigal, nursing corps
•    Darryl Villard, signal corps, commissioning on May 30

In addition, current Widener student and cadet Brendon Hardy will commission in December and head into infantry service. He emceed the ceremony.

Draeger’s grandfather, Robert Hawley, a 1962 graduate of Pennsylvania Military College, was the ceremony speaker. He provided the new officers with multiple pieces of advice on the essentials of leadership, including the importance of authenticity, empathy, communication, humility and persistence.

“You, the future leaders of our nation, fill me with immense pride and hope,” Hawley said. "I’m proud of your achievements and I’m eager for what lies ahead. I salute all of you.”

In addition, ROTC civilian staff members Keith Karbel and Bill Campbell were recognized for their more than 50 combined years of service to the program. Lt. Col. James Pascoe, who leads the Dauntless Battalion, said the men have supported more than 500 cadets to successful outcomes.

"It’s just incredible how much these two individuals have done. Their impact on the army has been immense," said Pascoe, who is also retiring. Pascoe will conclude his service in the fall.

Pictured above, front row from left, Meghan (Rampolla) Draeger and Taylor (Finocchiaro) McGonigal. Back row from left, Brendon Hardy, Alexander Krause and Anthony Korab.

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