Commissioning 2023


Monday, June 5, 2023
An Ensign cover and program pamphlet lay on a balcony table with Independence Hall in the background

On May 13th, 2023, the University of Pennsylvania NROTC Consortium commissioned nine Midshipmen as Ensigns and 2nd Lieutenants in the United States Navy and Marine Corps. The commissioning ceremony took place at the historic National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Commanding Officer and Professor of Naval Science Colonel Vincent J. Ciuccoli offers his remarks from a podium
Colonel Vincent J. Ciuccoli, Commanding Officer and Professor of Naval Science, shares his insightful remarks, imparting valuable wisdom and guidance to our newly commissioned officers as they embark on their journey in the United States Navy and Marine Corps.

Below are photos of each of the ensigns and 2nd lieutenants and their first duty stations.

CAPT Mole gives his commissioning ceremony speech from a podium

The ceremony’s Guest of Honor was Captain Kurtis A. Mole. CAPT Mole hails from Bowie, Maryland. He enlisted in the Navy as a Cryptologic Technician and later commissioned through the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelors of Science in Economics and a minor in Chinese. CAPT Mole also holds an Information Systems Operations Certificate from the Naval Postgraduate School, a Masters of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, and a Masters of Business Administration from National University. He is currently slated to report to CTF-70 in Yokosuka, Japan as Information Warfare Commander. 

The commissioning ceremony hosted two university guests, Ms. Sharon Smith and Dr. Steven Weber.

Ms. Sharon Smith applauds in her front row seat
The unit was privileged to host Ms. Sharon Smith, Associate Vice Provost for University Life at the University of Pennsylvania.
2nd LT Conway stands with his family and Dr. Weber with his commission warrant in hand
We were also privileged to host Dr. Steven Weber from Drexel Univesrity. Dr. Weber serves as a full Professor at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and is the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Curriculum and Education at Drexel.

We are grateful to all our graduates for their dedication and service to our unit. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to these exceptional individuals as they embark on their new chapters.

MIDN Hannah Wang

Midshipman Third Class and a rising Second-Year Student at the University of Pennsylvania

Original article written by Ensign O’Connor of the University of Pennsylvania.