Citadel Distinguished Scholars

Brendan Guinee

Brendan Guinee is a rising senior cadet from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, majoring in Intelligence and Security Studies. He will serve as the India Company Executive Officer and Company Representative on the Honor Court. He previously served as a Cadre Corporal and Company Academic NCO. He has received Gold Stars every semester and has been named to the President’s and Commandant’s List. 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. In his sophomore year, he was an intern for Congressman Joe Wilson in Washington DC, where he learned about rising geopolitical threats and unconventional warfare– areas in which he plans to base his project. This summer, he works as a Fraud Risk Intern for the FNB Corporation in Pittsburgh. In his free time, he enjoys learning about history and politics, skiing, running and 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 in Mike Company and is 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. During the 2026-2027 school year, Connor will serve as second battalion commander. 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 Commander for the 2026-2027 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 rising senior in Oscar Company. He is triple majoring in Physics, English, and German 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. 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 rising junior 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 is a double major in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering. Knobbing in Bravo company, he is now serving as the Regimental Academic NCO. With this position, he hopes to help as many people in the SCCC Corps of Cadets succeed academically as possible. On campus, he’s the Vice President of the Honors Program’s Student Advisory Council and a team captain of the Citadel’s Division 1 NCAA Mixed Rifle team, where he devotes himself to helping his fellow honors students and teammates succeed in all facets of Citadel life. 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 and apply for fellowships such as the Boren. Theron is contracted with the U.S. Army and plans to commission upon graduation. While in the Army, Theron aspires to achieve a master’s degree in electrical engineering to further his development in the renewable energy field.

Leonard Huxford

Leonard Huxford is from Moncks Corner, South Carolina, and is pursuing a double major in Civil Engineering and Mathematics at The Citadel. He is an active member of The Citadel Honors Program and the student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), where he continues to grow academically and professionally. Within the Corps of Cadets, Leonard will serve as the Academic NCO for Bravo Company for the 2026–2027 school year, supporting cadet academic success and mentoring his peers. He has gained hands-on construction experience through summer infrastructure projects in the Charleston area and, in the summer of 2026, will serve as a construction intern with The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company. He will also travel to Amsterdam to research Dutch water infrastructure systems and compare them to Charleston’s, with the goal of identifying sustainable solutions for coastal water
management challenges.

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.