Montoursville native and new Lycoming College graduate Tyler Hartsock was commissioned as 2nd lieutenant after successfully completing the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program, in a ceremony conducted by the Bald Eagle Battalion.

As an ROTC cadet, Hartsock participated in weekly classes, physical training, monthly leadership labs and a field training exercise every semester, all while keeping pace with academic and extracurricular commitments.

Hartsock was commissioned into the Army as an active duty Military Intelligence/Chemical Corps. 2nd Lieutenant, and was awarded a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in philosophy and law upon graduating this month.

The commissioning ceremony included an address from Michael J. Reed, Ed.D., president of Pennsylvania College of Technology. As part of the ceremony, the cadets raised their right hands and recited the oath as they received gold lieutenant bars, signifying the transition from cadet to professional military officer. Cadets also received their first salute, representing the symbolic receipt of respect due newly commissioned second lieutenants.

“ROTC at Lycoming offers a rare opportunity for students to study military science as well as earn a liberal arts and sciences degree within a small school setting. This is just another way that Lycoming students receive a big college experience on a small, liberal arts and sciences campus.” said Chip Hinton, associate vice president and chief enrollment officer. “Today’s commissioning is just the beginning of a career and life of meaning for Tyler. Lycoming is very proud and congratulates him on this significant step.”