Marquette University Commissions ROTC Students Released: May 18, 2005 In a joint ceremony, Marquette University's Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) students will be honored at the 51 st Annual Spring Commissioning Ceremony and Reception on Saturday, May 21 at the Weasler Auditorium, adjacent to the Alumni Memorial Union. This ceremony will formally commission the 35 graduating seniors in the ROTC programs as second lieutenants and ensigns.   This year's program marks the 51 st Anniversary of Marquette University's Annual Spring Commissioning Ceremony and Reception. The commissioning program's guest of honor will be Rear Admiral Gerald R. Beaman, commander of naval network and space operations command. Rear Admiral Beaman graduated from Marquette's College of Business in 1974 and was commissioned as an ensign through the Naval ROTC program.  During his impressive career serving the country, he spent more than 25 years in various naval positions and three years as a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Rear Admiral Beaman has accumulated over 3,000 flight hours and 1,050 carrier landings. He wears the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Strike/Flight Air Medal (2), the Navy Commendation Medal (3), the Navy Achievement Medal, and various unit, campaign and service awards. Also giving remarks at the program are Rev. Robert A. Wild, S.J., president of Marquette University, the chairs and commanding officers of the individual ROTC programs, and Michael McKinney, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. and will include music from the U.S. Naval Band, Great Lakes.   Some students will be available for interviews after the ceremony takes place.  Many of the individuals who are being commissioned have already been informed of their duty assignments. Marquette University's ROTC tradition dates back to the 1940s, when the Navy unit was established on campus in accord with the national spirit of being ready in the event of a serious emergency.   Marquette was the twelfth program to be established in the country and the first to be formed at a Catholic university. Office of Public Affairs Contacts Anne Broeker Senior Media Relations Specialist Phone: (414) 288-0286 Send e-mail