Citadel Distinguished Scholars

Jacob Blaser

Jacob Blaser is from Colorado Springs, Colorado, but has lived all over the country and even overseas in Germany and Italy. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, reading, and exercising. He currently has two majors, German, and Political Science with a concentration in American Government and Politics. He is a member of The Citadel Honors Program and is on a Citadel Scholars’ Scholarship. Following graduation, he hopes to attend law school.

Adaya El-Sherif

Adaya El-Sherif is an Honors College student majoring in Criminal Justice with a double minor in Psychology and Law & Legal Studies. She is from Camden, South Carolina, and enjoys traveling. At The Citadel, she volunteers with a community service organization and participates in many athletic clubs on campus. As a member of the Distinguished Scholars Program and the Citadel Honors College, she diligently works to develop her understanding and intellectual background in criminal investigations and cognitive behavior. She finds joy in exploring many areas of interest and observing different cultures and traditions. During the summer of 2024, Adaya spent her time advancing her understanding of national strategies to combat crime in Washington, D.C. as an intern. During the summer of 2025, Adaya went to Dublin, Ireland, to study criminal procedure. After graduation, she plans to pursue a law degree and intends to continue developing professional field experience moving forward.

Katerina Govorova

My name is Katerina Govorova, and I am from Slovyansk, the Donetsk region in Ukraine. In Ukraine, I finished three years of college almost completing a Bachelor in Teacher of Labor Training and Computer Science degree. I played on the women’s soccer and futzal teams in Ukraine. This is my third year at The Citadel studying Exercise Science with a minor in Leadership. Over the last year, I was passionate about volunteering and giving back to the community. I had an internship and attended two Alternative Breaks with the Krause Center. During the spring, I was honored to be nominated as a Newman Civic Fellowship for the 2024-2025 school year.  

During my free time, I like to do outside activities, play sports, do community service, write, and read. I would describe myself as positive, hard-working, friendly, responsible, professional, passionate, and open-minded. 

Olivia Liquori

Olivia Liquori is a Criminal Justice major who additionally minors in Applied Statistics, English, and Psychology. She is currently pursuing Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Forensic Psychology through the Army’s Medical Services. Olivia also thrives in academic research, where she has been conducting a research project on domestic violence studies, specifically observing what current social and community norms impact victim-survivors and how outreach service organizations combat these barriers. Her post-graduate goals include attending a Criminal Justice research-focused Master’s Program to continue her love of learning. She is proud to lead 2nd Battalion as the Battalion Commander during the 2025-2026 school year.

Lucy McArthur

Lucy McArthur is from Somerset, Kentucky, and is an Intelligence and Security Studies and English double major. She is an avid member of The Citadel Honors Program, English Club, Citadel Inn of Court, Ethics Bowl Team, College of Charleston Orchestra, and tutors as a writing instructor at the Student Success Center. She was the 2024/25 Regimental Sergeant Major for the Corps of Cadets and will be an Honor Representative as well as First Battalion’s Commander for the 2025/26 school year. She is passionate about reading and writing and wishes to pursue international fellowships such as the Rotary, Fulbright, Boren, and Rhodes fellowships. In December of 2023, she attended a self-directed trip to Rwanda and Kenya to make diplomatic connections with the Rwandan Defense Force and begin research on the quality of women’s education. During the summer of 2024, she ventured to the UK on an undergraduate research grant to continue studies on the quality of women’s education across specific regions in Kenya and Rwanda and will spend the summer of 2025 in Kenya and Tanzania researching U.S.-based education curriculum implementation of NGOs for students in primary or secondary levels. She hopes to continue to graduate school and enter a career in foreign diplomacy and international relations.

Noah Miller

Noah is most satisfied when he is serving others, and he uses his cadet career to do just that. As an active member in Citadel BCM (Baptist Collegiate Ministry), he is discipled and disciples young men, teaching them how to seriously walk with Jesus Christ. As the Editor-in-chief for The Gold Star Journal, The Citadel’s premier publication, he helps promote students’ academic achievements. In the SCCC, he uses his position as the Regimental Academic Officer to make The Citadel academic experience one where all can succeed. In the DSP, he is focused on how The Citadel can improve its advising model for cadets and align it with The Citadel’s Quality Enhancement Plan for future cadets to succeed. He is honored to be in the DSP program and wishes to use his Political Science and English majors to pursue law school after graduation. Noah is from Camden, SC.

Luke Murphy

Hey, I’m Luke Murphy,  a senior at The Citadel majoring in Exercise Science and Chemistry with a minor in Psychology. I’ve got a 3.9 GPA and I’m currently working toward applying to medical school. My passion for medicine really took off after going on a medical mission trip to Kenya, where we helped treat over 10,000 patients. That experience changed everything for me it reminded me why I care so much about people and why I want to spend my life serving others through healthcare.

Outside of academics, I stay active with fitness, love being involved in research and leadership, and I’m always down to help my classmates however I can. I’m also the son of a veteran who gave everything for this country, and that’s a big part of what drives me. His legacy reminds me every day to stay focused, stay grounded, and do something meaningful with my life.

Doreen Ontiveros

Doreen Ontiveros is a triple major in Criminal Justice, Psychology, and Modern Language with a concentration in Spanish. She is a part of The Citadel’s Honors Program and an active member of various extracurriculars on campus, such as President of the Circle of Women, Psych Club, and SALSA Club. Doreen has also been inducted into two honor societies, which are Psi Chi National Honor Society in Psychology and Sigma Delta Pi National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society. For her project, Doreen focuses on the comparative analysis of criminal justice systems and how the United States compares to other countries around the world. In her free time, Doreen enjoys reading, spending time with friends, and exploring new cultures. After graduation, Doreen plans to pursue a career with a federal agency while also furthering her education in graduate school.

Meredith Reed

Meredith Reed is a Mechanical Engineering major from Summerville, South Carolina. Following graduation, she intends to pursue higher education in renewable energy systems and eventually work as a turbine design engineer. She has completed research on offshore wind design, research on AI applications in project management, and most recently, worked as an engineering tutor. Her project is a comparative analysis of the sustainable design choices made during nuclear reactor and wind turbine development. In her free time, she enjoys reading and hiking.

David Ropp

David Ropp is a Senior from Hartsville, South Carolina, majoring in Exercise Science and minoring in Chemistry. Upon graduation, he plans to attend medical school to become a Primary Care Physician, focusing on medical disparities in rural areas. In the summer of 2024, David had the opportunity to serve for a month in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya, providing free medical care through the Citadel’s Medical Camp to over 11,000 people. On campus, he is a member of the Citadel’s Honor Program, Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Health Honors Society, and the Commander of the 2026 Junior Sword Arch. David will serve as the Regimental Commander of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets for the 2025-2026 school year.

Brendan Guinee

Brendan Guinee is a junior cadet from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, majoring in Intelligence and Security Studies. He will serve as the Academic NCO for India Company next year. He is a member of the Honors Program, the Crescent and Spear Intelligence Society, the Knights of Columbus, and the Catholic Campus Ministry, and he has a four-year Citadel Scholars’ Scholarship; he also is a co-editor of The Citadel Intelligence Newsletter, The Bastion Bulletin, which is set to be published soon. This past semester, he spent his time in Washington D.C. as an intern with Congressman Joe Wilson’s office. While in Washington, he attended both House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committee Hearings, where he learned extensively about rising geopolitical threats and unconventional warfare, areas in which he plans to base his project. In his free time, he enjoys learning about history and politics, skiing, running, lifting weights, and rooting for Pittsburgh and Penn State sports teams.

Kaitlyn Hatchew

Kaitlyn Hatchew is a Citadel Honors Program student pursuing a major in Physics with minors in Aerospace Science and Philosophy. She is a Navy ROTC four-year scholarship recipient and a member of the Citadel’s Trident Society and Turbela Verborum: The Citadel’s English Club. At The Citadel, Kaitlyn edits for The Gold Star Journal, is the secretary for the Calliopean Literary Society, and the Treasurer for the Society of Physics Students. Last year, Kaitlyn had the opportunity to present her research on fractals and their application at the Southern Regional Honors Conference in Jacksonville, Florida. This year Kaitlyn is participating in the University Physics Challenge and the Army Star Challenge. Kaitlyn is a student pilot and enjoys giving back to the community by working with FEMA as an aerial photographer and leading search and rescue teams for the civilian auxiliary of the Air Force. Upon graduating from The Citadel, Kaitlyn hopes to pursue a career in Naval Aviation as well as advanced degrees in Physics and Philosophy.

William Mosley

William N. Mosley is from San Antonio, Texas, and is a Political Science and Intelligence and Security Studies double major, attending The Citadel on a US Army Scholarship; he plans to commission into the U.S. Army upon graduation. As a member of the Distinguished Scholar Program, he intends to study international politics and military affairs further to see how military action influences all aspects of society. Throughout the last year, he has studied Mandarin and Chinese culture in Taiwan and is spending the Fall of 2024 in Aberystwyth, Wales, to study international politics. He also serves as the co-founder and vice-president of the Citadel Model UN Club and Aberystwyth International Politics Society to promote academic excellence and intellectual curiosity amongst its members. In the future, he hopes to pursue community projects focused on veterans in eldercare, promote societal de-polarization through democratic discussion, and pursue excellence in all areas of life, no matter what. In his free time, he enjoys spending quality time with family, cooking, reading, working out, and enjoying the sun.

John Mullis

John Mullis is a junior in Mike Company from Greenville, South Carolina. He is a member of The Citadel Honors Program and is majoring in Exercise Science and Spanish. In his cadet career, he has earned and maintained a 4.0 GPA, joined the Phi Kappa Phi and Beta Gamma Sigma honors societies, and received gold stars and Dean’s list every semester. During his sophomore year, he enjoyed his experience as a Cadre Corporal, leading, instructing, and advising freshmen cadets to become disciplined and well-rounded individuals. In his free time, he enjoys doing Jiu-jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts, lifting weights, and running. He is deeply passionate about traveling and wants to visit countries all over the world. The summer after his freshman year, he completed an internship with a Solar Company in Summerville and gained valuable experience in project management and logistics. Last summer, he traveled with the Citadel pre-health program to Kenya to help operate a UCESCO free medical camp in the slums of Nairobi, providing a variety of healthcare services to impoverished people. For his DSP project, he wants to study the impact of combat sports on the human brain, with the goal of developing methodologies to minimize brain damage in athletes. After graduation, he seeks to attend medical school and work toward his dream of owning his own medical practice.  

Connor Salch

Connor Salch is a Physics major from Aiken, South Carolina. Connor serves as a Team Leader for Palmetto Battery as well as a Physics tutor for The Citadel’s Student Success Center. He has also worked for The Citadel Success Institute summer program as a Math Lab Tutor. Connor is a member of the Honors Program and Society of Physics Students, as well as an officer for the Math Club. During his freshman year, Connor participated in research on relationships between numeric sequences, which is currently under peer review for publication. Following graduation, Connor plans to pursue Ph.D. Candidacy in Astrophysics and work as a researcher and teacher in his field.

Banks Scarpa

Banks Scarpa is a Biology major from Beaufort, South Carolina, driven by a deep passion for serving others—a passion that has shaped his goal of pursuing a career in medicine. In the summer of 2025, Banks had the incredible opportunity to join The Citadel’s Healthcare Study Abroad Program in Nairobi, Kenya, where he worked alongside local physicians to provide free medical care in underserved communities. This experience, supported by the Star of the West Scholarship, was life-changing and reinforced his commitment to healthcare.

Recently, Banks earned his Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification, adding practical skills that enhance his medical training. He currently serves as Vice President of Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Health Honors Society, where he enjoys helping fellow pre-health students navigate their own journeys. In the Corps of Cadets, Banks will take on the role of Regimental Sergeant Major for the 2025-2026 school year.

A member of The Citadel Honors Program, Banks also gained valuable experience volunteering weekly in MUSC’s cardiothoracic surgery department, caring for patients alongside healthcare professionals. When he’s not studying or serving, Banks loves spending time on the water and is an avid runner. After graduation, he looks forward to attending medical school with the goal of becoming an emergency medicine physician.
  

Robert Torres III

Robert Torres III is from Lorain, Ohio. He is a double major in Political Science and Intelligence and Security studies with a minor in Spanish. He’s involved in several clubs around campus, such as the Intelligence Society and Rifle Legion, where he helps out with coaching new members how to spin a rifle and perform drill. He is also the President of the Model United Nations club that focuses on teaching cadets about international relations, diplomacy, and promoting global awareness. He has a four-year Army Scholarship with the Reserves and looks to be commissioned as an Intelligence Officer upon graduation. He is particularly interested in politics, both foreign and domestic, but mainly foreign, and in Latin America where he hope to focus his studies over the next couple of years. He is also extremely fond of international travel and has been to multiple European countries to compete in Model United Nations, including Belgium, France, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. In his free time, he loves to go bowling with friends and is very active, attempting to learn and try new sports such as Volleyball and Pickleball. 
  

Quentin Walsh

Quentin is a sophomore in Oscar Company where he currently serves as a squad corporal. He is double majoring in Physics and English and is a member of the Distinguished Scholars Program, the Vice President of the Honors Program, President of Turbela Verborum: The Citadel’s English Club, President of The Calliopean Literary Society: The Citadel’s Debate Society, Secretary of The Society of Physics Student, Treasurer of the Chess Club, member of Omicron Delta Kappa honor society and editor for The Gold Star Journal. Quentin competes with The Citadel’s Ethics Bowl Team and the International Physics Competition Team. He serves as the captain of The Citadel’s Army Star Challenge team researching high energy density flywheel power systems to combat directed energy weapons in VTOLs for Army DEVCOM. Currently, he is researching ionic wind generation for the Southern Regional Honors Conference and hopes to publish on this topic in the coming year. Last year, he researched fractals and their applications for the Southern Regional Honors Conference and two of his submissions went on to be selected for publication in their literary journal, Sanctuary. This summer he will participate in an exchange with the Royal Dutch Military Academy and work on research on the social impact of Spomenik (Soviet era monuments in former Yugoslavia) as part of a larger project on the impact of public art. Quentin is contracted with Army ROTC and plans to commission in the Army upon graduation.
  

Caleb A. Wilson

Caleb A. Wilson is an Intelligence and Security Studies major with a concentration in Military Intelligence. He attends The Citadel on a U.S. Army Minuteman scholarship. Prior to matriculation, he served overseas with the 369th Special Troops Battalion “Harlem Hellfighters” as the senior intelligence analyst in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (Spartan Shield). Upon graduation, he intends to commission into the New York Army National Guard and continue his service as a Military Intelligence officer. Caleb is committed to giving back to his community and dedicates his time to serving as an assistant Scoutmaster for the local Boy Scout troop in Charleston. In the summer of 2024, his volunteer service culminated in his role as program director at June Norcross Webster Scout Reservation, where he oversaw the operations of several camp-wide programs and provided guidance and leadership to a team of nearly 100 staff members serving more than 3,000 young people. During the Fall of 2024, Caleb participated in The Citadel in D.C. program and earned a prestigious internship with the Executive Office of the President as an intelligence analyst for The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.
  

Aidan Yampey

Aidan Yampey is an Exercise Science major and Chemistry minor from Stuttgart, Germany, and enjoys learning everything he can about medicine. As part of his summer, he traveled to Nairobi, Kenya to help treat impoverished patients, which emboldened his love for both service and medicine. As a U.S. Army contract from a military family, he wants to go into orthopedic medicine taking care of veterans, as well as pursuing research into veteran health during his time here at The Citadel. He is an active member of Alpha Epsilon Delta and hopes to attend medical school at the Uniformed Services University after graduation.
  

Patrick Burns

Patrick Burns is a sophomore from Band Company, playing bagpipes in the Pipe Band. Majoring in Mechanical Engineering, he is at his best when serving others. An active member in Citadel BCM (Baptist Collegiate Ministry), he is discipled and disciples young men in their unique walks with the Lord. Through work as an editor for The Gold Star Journal, he works with fellow Cadets and teachers to ensure a high-quality journal for the institution. He is also an active member of the Citadel Honors Program, the Citadel’s English Club: Turbela Verborum, and the Citadel ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers). He is currently a cadet in Air Force ROTC, pursuing a commission with the intent of flying the C-17 after his time at the Citadel and graduate school furthering his study in Engineering and other disciplines.

Anthony DiSalvo

Anthony DiSalvo is from Lexington, South Carolina, double-majoring in Intelligence and Security Studies and Political Science with a minor in Chinese. A three-year Army ROTC scholarship cadet, he plans to commission as an officer and later pursue a career in law. Anthony finds purpose in shaping others. He lives that calling through the Baptist Collegiate Ministry, where he is both mentored and mentors young men in carrying their cross daily. His passion for civic life began early. Through an immersion program, he learned math and science in Chinese from kindergarten to high school. Later, he developed a passion for the Constitution, helping his “We the People” team win the South Carolina constitutional championship and place fifteenth nationally, with a focus on governmental institutions. In the years ahead, he hopes to study leadership abroad, especially in Taiwan, and bring new insights back to his beloved Corps of Cadets.

Theron Hull-Walton

Theron Hull-Walton is from Oak Harbor, Washington. He’s in Bravo company and is currently serving as their company’s recruiting NCO. He is an Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering Major. Theron is contracted with the U.S. Army and plans to commission upon graduation. On campus, he’s a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a member of the NCAA men’s rifle team, and he enjoys competing with teams from all across the country. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his friends and family, spending time outdoors, and exploring new places. Theron has aspirations to study renewable energy systems in other countries. 

Leonard Huxford

Leonard Huxford is from Moncks Corner, South Carolina, majoring in Civil Engineering and minoring in Applied Statistics and Data Analysis. He is an active member in The Citadel Honors Program as well as the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). While in school, Leonard works as a Peer Instructor for Calculus II where he looks to aid students with any of their mathematical coursework three nights per week. Upon graduation Leonard hopes to pursue a career as a water resources or structural engineer. He hopes to find generational solutions to some of the infrastructure problems coastal regions face today. Leonard aspires to travel and explore some of the spectacular infrastructure in European countries. In his free time, Leonard enjoys playing cards, running, playing golf, and managing his antique booth. 

Gabriel Jauregui

Gabriel Jauregui is a Sophomore from Goodyear, Arizona, double-majoring in Mathematics and Political Science, with minors in Data Analysis and Pre-law Studies. He attends the Citadel on a 4-year ROTC scholarship for the US Navy. Gabriel is a member of the Honors Program as well as the Math Club and the Pre-Law Court of Inn. He is also active in the Catholic ministry on campus, mostly through his participation in the Catholic Choir. During his freshman year, Gabriel was published in a math journal regarding work on Pythagorean Triples as well as his assistance on work with repdigits. In the summer of 2025, he participated in a study abroad program in Valencia, Spain, for language and culture immersion. Currently, Gabriel is in Washington, DC, for an internship through the Citadel in DC program with Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02). Following graduation, he plans to pursue law school with the intent of commissioning as a JAG officer in the Navy.

Olivia Lewandowski

Olivia Lewandowski is a highly motivated cadet at The Citadel who takes leadership and academics very seriously. Coming from Camden, Delaware, Olivia majors in Intelligence and Security Studies with ambitions to add a second major in Political Science. She is currently serving on Regimental Staff as the Fall 2025 Supply Clerk. Upon graduation from The Citadel, Olivia plans to commission as a 2ndLt. in the Air Force with hopes of flying or becoming an Air Battle Manager. The safety of her future troops and the American people is a top priority for Olivia, which is why she is choosing to research the foreign land purchase around Air Force Bases in the U.S, and the security risks it poses. In her free time, Olivia enjoys staying active, working out, reading, travelling, and spending time with friends and family.

Ashton Phillips

Ashton Phillips is a biology major from St. Louis, Missouri, and is joyfully committed to making others glad and to leading and mentoring others around him. He is an active member of the Citadel BCM (Baptist Collegiate Ministries), teaching others about who Jesus is and how to follow Him. This semester, he is also leading as a Cadre Corporal, instructing and guiding freshman cadets to become competent Citadel men and women. Additionally, he is tutoring for the Public Speaking Lab, giving others a voice to share their passions. 

Last summer, Ashton had the opportunity to participate in The Citadel 2025 Kenya Study Abroad program, where he partnered with local physicians and organizations to provide free healthcare to the slums of Nairobi, the capital. This experience confirmed his commitment to healthcare and awakened his desire to become a medical missionary. Ashton aspires to use medicine as a path to bring care and genuine compassion to those around the world who need it most. Nothing excites him more than having the opportunity to serve and heal God’s creation in the U.S. and across the seas. 

For his DSP project, Ashton will investigate how cultural perceptions about medicine affect healthcare in underserved communities. His goal is to identify recurring themes of mistrust and find practical solutions for bridging the gap. After graduation, he plans on attending medical school to fulfill his calling to be a medical missionary. 
  

Ezekiel Sulonen

Zeke is a sophomore from Pasadena, Maryland, pursuing a major in physics. He is an active member of the Society of Physics Students and the Honors Program, and he is also involved with the St. Alban’s Anglican Chapel. A recipient of the Army Minuteman Scholarship, Zeke is committed to serving in the Army Reserves and aspires to join the Chaplain Corps following graduation. Outside of academics and his military commitments, Zeke enjoys a well-rounded life. He spends his free time reading, lifting weights, traveling, and cherishing quality time with his family.
  

Vitale Tillman

Vitale Tillman comes from a military background, born in Italy and raised in Spain, South Korea, and the United States. He is pursuing a double major in Computer Science and Cyber Operations with minors in Spanish and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. On campus, Vitale is in Bravo company and an active member of the Spanish Club, Cyber Club, Soccer Club, and Math Club. He is also conducting research with Dr. Deepti Joshi on applying AI and machine learning to a law-based large language model.

Fluent in English and Spanish and currently studying Korean, Vitale is passionate about language learning and cultural connection. His future goals include pursuing higher education in cybersecurity at MIT or Stanford and creating a program that teaches languages through innovative technology. Outside of academics, he enjoys exploring technology, travelling and playing soccer.
  

Eóin Youngblood

Eóin was born in Virginia and is the youngest of six. When he was four years old, his family moved to Palmer, Alaska. Growing up in Alaska, Eóin developed a love for camping, rock climbing and ice climbing. Eóin now maintains a National Registry EMT certification as well as a Wilderness EMT certification. He is currently in the Citadel Honors Program majoring in Biology with a Pre-Med track and is an active member of the Citadel’s First Responders Club working to develop an on campus EMT program. In the summer of 2025, Eóin had the honor of attending the Citadel Kenya Medal Camp study abroad program in Nairobi. While there, he received hands-on medical experience assisting volunteer medical staff in three separate clinics. Eóin also has a passion for Christ and leads a Bible study group through the Citadel’s BCM Chapter.