(l-r) Arnold, Hinton, Coukart
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Two Lycoming College 2026 graduates were commissioned as 2nd lieutenants after successfully completing the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program, in the Bison Battalion’s 76th commissioning ceremony, at Bucknell University’s Rooke Chapel, Sunday, May 17.
The ROTC program requires cadets to participate in weekly classes, physical training, monthly leadership labs, and a field training exercise every semester, all while keeping pace with academic and extracurricular commitments.
Nickolas Arnold (Millville, Pa.) was commissioned into the Army as an active duty Armor. 2nd Lieutenant Arnold was awarded a bachelor’s degree in history and archaeology during May 9 Commencement exercises at Lycoming College, where he graduated cum laude.
Michael Coukart (Portage, Pa.) was commissioned into the Army as an active duty Signal; Brand Detail Armor. Lycoming College awarded 2nd Lieutenant Coukart a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in philosophy during May 9 Commencement exercises.
The commissioning ceremony included an address from retired Command Seargeant Major Mario O. Terenas. As part of the ceremony, cadets raised their right hands and recited the oath as they received gold lieutenant bars, signifying the transition from cadet to professional military officer, and their first salute, representing the symbolic receipt of respect due newly commissioned second lieutenants.
“We are incredibly proud of Nickolas and Michael for their achievement and commitment to service,” said Chip Hinton, vice president for enrollment management at Lycoming College. “Their success in the ROTC program reflects the discipline, leadership, and sense of purpose that define a Lycoming education. As they begin their careers as commissioned officers, they carry forward our mission of developing responsible citizens who lead lives of significance and service.”
ROTC at Lycoming College
The Lycoming College Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program, part of the Bison Battalion, offers students the chance to pursue higher education with financial support from the Army. Along with learning and physical training, the program prepares students for military service as commissioned officers in the active Army, or part-time in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard. More information on ROTC at Lycoming College is available at https://www.lycoming.edu/rotc.