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By Jonah Grinkewitz

Fifty-nine students from Old Dominion University, Regent University, Norfolk State University and Virginia Wesleyan University took the oath to serve during the Spring 2026 Joint Commissioning Ceremony at Chartway Arena on May 14, officially beginning their careers as officers in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force. The ceremony also marked the first time officer candidates from Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University and EVMS School of Health Professions at Old Dominion University were commissioned in the joint ceremony. 

For many in attendance, the Joint Commissioning Ceremony carried special meaning due to the tragic loss of Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah (B.S. ’07), the longtime leader of the Army ROTC Monarch Battalion. Lt. Col. Shah’s leadership significantly shaped many of the cadets standing before family, friends and fellow service members as they took the oath to serve our country. 

Lt. Col. Shah, who led the Army ROTC Monarch Battalion since 2022, had prepared remarks for the commissioning before his death earlier this year. His wife, Katherine Shah, shared parts of those reflections during the ceremony. He had planned to speak to cadets about “stepping into danger,” moments of uncertainty and pressure or fear that test leaders and demand courage.  

“Honestly, it stopped me in my tracks,” said Katherine Shah, of finding this note. “What none of us knew at the time was that Brandon himself would step directly into a danger area. On the day he died, my husband saw danger, and - without hesitation - he rushed toward it.”  

The keynote speaker, retired Lt. Gen. Donna W. Martin (B.S. ’88), the 67th Inspector General of the U.S. Army, spoke to the newly commissioned officers about the responsibilities of leadership as many would soon to be stepping into assignments and moments of danger, uncertainty and pressure.  

“The leaders who matter the most in difficult times are not always the loudest, the most visible or the most celebrated,” retired Lt. Gen. Martin said. “They are the ones who remain grounded in values, disciplined in action and faithful to the people they serve.” 

With nearly 30% of Old Dominion University’s students being military-affiliated, the Joint Commissioning Ceremony is a pillar of tradition during the commencement season.  

Brian K. Payne, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, spoke of the ceremony as a “turning point” for each newly commissioned officer.   

“This is a turning point that we thank you for,” Provost Payne said to the officers. “You chose to commit your life to something that few do. You answered that call to serve.” 

Lt. Col. Dan O’Donnell, who serves as commanding officer of the Army ROTC Monarch Battalion, spoke of “three Cs” he wanted each of them to carry forth to their new assignments. 

“Character, competence and commitment,” Lt. Col. O’Donnell said. “These pillars are a theme that binds all great leaders.” 

He also recognized Mrs. Linda Baker, known to many as simply, “Mrs. B.”  

“Mrs. B has played a huge part in developing Monarch Battalion second lieutenants who have character, competence and commitment,” he said. “Upon entering retirement, she concludes 46 years of developing leaders.” The crowd recognized her years of service and commitment with a rousing applause. 

Before the 59 students were pinned by their designated family member or friend and took their oaths of service, Capt. Matthew T. Frauenzimmer, professor of naval science and commanding officer of Naval ROTC Hampton Roads, praised them. 

“To the future officers representing the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and yes, even a “zoomie” out there for the Air Force, congratulations. You have earned this moment through years of discipline, sacrifice, challenges and perseverance.” 

Fifty students from Old Dominion University were commissioned during the ceremony, including twenty-four commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army: 

• Raphael Afrim, Kumasi, Ghana, B.S. Computer Engineering, Old Dominion University, Cyber Corps; 
• Louis Ancheta, Virginia Beach, Virginia, B.S. Geography, Old Dominion University, Infantry; 
• Oshea Bego, Temple Hills, Maryland, B.S. Sport Management, Old Dominion University, Medical Services Corps; 
• Evan Beltran, Loudon County, Virginia, B.S. Psychology, Old Dominion University, Infantry; 
• Nikia Chambers, Buckingham, Virginia, B.S. Psychology, Old Dominion University, Adjutant General Corps; 
• Liam Clement, Brunswick, Maine, M.S. Cybersecurity, Old Dominion University, Signal; 
• Riley Farrell, Portsmouth, Virginia, B.S. Business Analytics, Old Dominion University, Field Artillery; 
• Leonyl Lazaga, Virginia Beach, Virginia, B.S. Exercise Science, Old Dominion University, Medical Service Corps; 
• Tyrell Mallory, Winchester, Virginia, B.S. Criminal Justice, Old Dominion University, Armor; 
• Jonah Menichetti, Haymarket, Virginia, B.A. Political Science, Old Dominion University, Armor; 
• Wesley Myers, Virginia Beach, Virginia, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Old Dominion University, Armor; 
• Aileen O’Hara Wiora, Portsmouth, Virginia, B.S. Geography, Old Dominion University, Logistics; 
• Sean O’Neill, Virginia Beach, Virginia, B.S. Applied Math, Old Dominion University, Infantry; 
• Tatiyana Pollard, Gloucester, Virginia, B.A. Criminal Justice, Old Dominion University, Adjutant General Corps; 
• Katherine Proffitt, Williamsburg, Virginia, B.A. International Studies, Old Dominion University, Field Artillery; 
• Samuel Reineberg, York, Pennsylvania, B.S. Leadership, Old Dominion University, Logistics; 
• Justin Robinson, Loudon County, Virginia, B.S. Cybersecurity, Old Dominion University, Signal Corps; 
• Samora Robinson, Chesapeake, Virginia, B.S. Psychology, Old Dominion University, Medical Services Corps; 
• McKenzie Scherra, Chesterfield, Virginia, B.S. Criminal Justice, Old Dominion University, Chaplain Corps Candidate; 
• Toni Ann Schneider, Montego Bay, Jamaica, M.B. Public Administration, Old Dominion University, Logistics; 
• Nicole Smith, Ashland, Virginia, B.S. Strategic Communications, Old Dominion University, Logistics; 
• Meribeth Tubera, Silver Spring, Maryland, B.S. Pre-Clinical Studies, Old Dominion University, Military Intelligence; 
• Jahire Urtarte, Newport News, Virginia, B.S. Human Services, Old Dominion University, Adjutant General Corps; and 
• Matthew Wright, Norfolk, Virginia, B.A. History, Old Dominion University, Logistics. 

Sixteen were commissioned as ensigns in the U.S. Navy: 

• Kevin Butler, Pittsburg, Kansas, B.S. Nursing, Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Ellmer School of Nursing at Old Dominion University; 
• Jack Clark, Norfolk, Virginia, B.S. Economics, Old Dominion University, Student Naval Aviator; 
• Haley Damer, Culpeper, Virginia, B.S. Criminal Justice, Old Dominion University, Student Naval Aviator; 
• Kole Friel, Uniontown, Pennsylvania, B.S. Physics, Old Dominion University, Submarine Warfare Officer; 
• Michael Hildebrand, Humble, Texas, B.S. Physics, Old Dominion University, Submarine Warfare Officer; 
• Aiden Johnson, Norfolk, Virginia, B.S. Business Administration, Old Dominion University, Surface Warfare Officer; 
• Rhonda King, Pittsburg, Texas, B.S. Nursing, Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Ellmer School of Nursing at Old Dominion University; 
• Johnathan Miller, Dayton, Ohio, B.S. Electrical Engineering, Old Dominion University, Submarine Warfare Officer; 
• Shayne Salisbury, Glocester, Rhode Island, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Old Dominion University, Submarine Warfare Officer; 
• Ryan Sapinoso, Virginia Beach, Virginia, B.S. Information Systems & Technology, Old Dominion University, Nuclear Surface Warfare Officer; 
• Brady Semtner, Blacksburg, Virginia, B.S. Mechanical Engineering Technology, Old Dominion University, Meteorology & Oceanography Officer; 
• Christopher Sicle, Miami, Florida, B.S. Cybersecurity, Old Dominion University, Student Naval Aviator; 
• Joseph Sturgis, Mukilteo, Washington, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Old Dominion University, Nuclear Surface Warfare Officer; 
• Kaylin Thomas, Edgerton, Wisconsin, B.S. Chemistry, Old Dominion University, Submarine Warfare Officer; 
• Jamie Vasek, Phelan, California, B.S. Nursing, Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Ellmer School of Nursing at Old Dominion University; and 
• Samuel Woullard, Virginia Beach, Virginia, B.S. Mechanical Engineering Technology, Old Dominion University, Student Naval Aviator. 

 Four were commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Marine Corps: 

• Douglas Broadfoot, Danville, Virginia, B.A. History, Old Dominion University, Marine Corps Officer; 
• Dylan Brown, Stafford, Virginia, B.S. Criminal Justice, Old Dominion University, Marine Corps Officer; 
• William Neil, Quantico, Virginia, B.S. Leadership, Old Dominion University, Marine Corps Officer; and 
• Alex Rapin, West Chester, Pennsylvania, B.S. Business Management, Old Dominion University, Marine Corps Officer. 

One was commissioned as a lieutenant junior grade in the U.S. Navy: 

• Caroline Doyle, Norfolk, Virginia, Master of Physician Assistant (Family Medicine), Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences EVMS School of Health Professions at Old Dominion University. 

 Five were commissioned as lieutenants in the U.S. Navy: 

• Trevor DiGerolamo, Phoenix, Arizona, Doctor of Medicine (General Surgery), Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University; 
• Joseph Peluso, Winter Park, Florida, Doctor of Medicine (Pediatrics), Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University; 
• Samir Shaikh, Reisterstown, Maryland, Doctor of Medicine (Radiology), Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University; 
• Liam Spiers, Richmond, Virginia, Doctor of Medicine (Family Medicine), Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University; and 
• Julia Wilson, Virginia Beach, Virginia, Doctor of Medicine (Emergency Medicine), Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University. 

And, one was commissioned as a captain in the U.S. Air Force: 

• Jinho Dupont, Annandale, Virginia, Doctor of Medicine (Psychiatry), Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University. 

Seven students from Regent University were commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army and ensigns in the U.S. Navy, including: Brennan Moody, Chesapeake, Virginia, B.A. Communications, Regent University, Signal Corps; Byron Rawlinson, Chesterfield, Virginia, M.S. Business Analytics, Regent University, Cyber; Creed Frazier, New Bern, North Carolina, B.S. Cybersecurity, Regent University, Student Naval Flight Officer; Joshua Gooch, Virginia Beach, Virginia, B.S. Cybersecurity, Regent University, Surface Warfare Officer; Caige Lackey, Atlanta, Georgia, B.S. Cybersecurity, Regent University, Information Warfare Officer; Derwin Narvaez, Middleburg, Florida, B.S. Cybersecurity, Regent University, Surface Warfare Officer; and Michael Winczner, Ponte Vedra, Florida, B.S. Information Systems & Technology, Regent University, Submarine Warfare Officer. 

For Virginia Wesleyan University, Hannah Gautreaux, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, B.A. Business Management, Military Police Corps, was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. 

For Norfolk State University, Quincy Tamaribuchi, of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, B.S. Business Management, was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps.