“Be ready. Inspire. Lead with integrity.” Those were the three pillars delivered by keynote speaker Colonel Mary Fisher during Olivet Nazarene University’s 2025 Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony—an afternoon filled with reverence, pride and a call to serve with purpose.
Held in Kresge Auditorium, the ceremony marked a defining milestone for five cadets: Ryne Begole, Cameron Benesh, Isaiah Farrar, Emma Katolick and Hannah Sowatzke. Before an audience of family, faculty and military mentors, each took the Oath of Office, formally commissioning as second lieutenants in the United States Army.
Captain Joel Martin ’18, Assistant Professor of Military Science, opened the event with a personal charge. “I sat exactly where you’re sitting now. I know what’s ahead—and I know you’re ready.” He reminded the cadets that the Army would demand much from them, but Olivet had instilled the character and preparation they would need. “You’ll carry the torch of ONU wherever you go. Carry it with pride.” 
Colonel Fisher, a third-generation Olivet graduate and now Staff Judge Advocate at First Army, brought a personal and powerful message. She reflected on her own journey, entering military service after 9/11 through a direct commission. “You may feel unprepared. I did. But leadership isn’t about knowing everything. It’s about showing up—ready, resilient and anchored in your values.”
She encouraged cadets to lean on their training, trust their non-commissioned officers and remember that leadership is earned through empathy and integrity. “Soldiers don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care,” she said.
Each cadet was recognized with the traditional gold bar pinning, followed by their first salute and the presentation of a silver dollar—a time-honored symbol of respect between new officers and the enlisted soldiers who mentor them. 
Hannah Sowatzke received the prestigious General George C. Marshall Award, honoring excellence in academics, leadership and physical fitness. “Military service isn’t just a job,” Colonel Fisher reminded the room. “It’s a calling—and the world needs leaders of character now more than ever.”
As the ceremony closed in prayer, one message rang clear: the Class of 2025 leaves Olivet not just with degrees, but with a sacred charge—to serve, lead and make a difference in a world that deeply needs it.
To watch the full ceremony, click here.
To learn more about ROTC Military Science at Olivet, click here.
