Lincoln University Holds ROTC Commissioning Ceremony for Cadet Kiana Mayers  

Cadet Kiana Mayers was officially appointed as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army during a commissioning ceremony on October 10.

Lincoln University held its fall commissioning ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 10, for Cadet Kiana Mayers, officially appointing her as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. The event took place at Pawley Theatre in Martin Luther King Hall and was attended by university officials, military personnel, family and friends.

Cadet Kiana Mayers is ceremonially pinned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army by her family during the Lincoln University ROTC commissioning ceremony.

Capt. Brian P. Rice, a small group leader at the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Captains Career Course, 84th Chemical Battalion, served as the guest speaker. Rice, a native of Bel Air, Maryland, was commissioned in 2016 after graduating from Susquehanna University. His military career has included multiple leadership roles, deployments in support of Atlantic Resolve and the Korean Rotational Force, and positions such as battalion logistics officer and aide-de-camp to the deputy commanding general of support. Rice’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, four Army Commendation Medals and two Army Achievement Medals.

Mayers, a cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Science in psychology, took the oath of office administered by Maj. J. Marc McQuilliams, professor of military science at Lincoln University.

The ceremonial pinning of her rank was conducted by her mother, Karen Mayers-Scott, and her grandmother, Venetia Mayers. Her first salute was presented by Master Sgt. Timothy Morningstar, senior military science instructor. 

Cadet Kiana Mayers, newly commissioned second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, cuts a ceremonial cake in her honor following the commissioning ceremony.

Following the formal proceedings, Mayers received her commissioning certificate from McQuilliams and Dr. John B. Moseley, president of Lincoln University. The event concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony to celebrate the occasion.