When Cadet Makayla Riley, ’25, took the stand as a witness in court, she sat down poised, confident and ready to testify that her fiancé could never have poisoned his father—or at least, that’s what the character she was playing believed. A member of the mock trial team, Riley played witnesses ranging from a pulmonary physician to a social media influencer and fiancée of the accused.

Riley, a psychology major, was encouraged to join the mock trial team by Lt. Col. Platte Moring, a retired Pennsylvania Army National Guard officer and an instructor in the Department of Political Science. Moring was struck by her theatrical potential during an improv exercise in a leadership class, but Riley was hesitant. With dreams of practicing clinical psychology and little experience in political science, she worried that mock trial would be a poor fit, but Riley had chosen The Citadel for a reason, and backing down from a challenge wasn’t in her nature.

“I wasn’t going to let something that intimidated me turn me away,” said Riley. “Not just this experience, but many experiences that I’ve had at The Citadel have shown me to go for the things that frighten you the most because that’s where you’re going to grow.”

After joining the team, Riley found the experience both rigorous and rewarding. Students on the mock trial team participate in both classwork and team activities. In class, they learn about court procedures and best practices in public speaking—skills they implement in competition outside the classroom, where they simulate real courtroom trials. In tournament-style play, the team plays four rounds each against other schools, alternating between plaintiff and defense each round. Riley and her classmates, well briefed on the case, acted as lawyers and witnesses and were scored on the strength of their performances. “The case theory itself is not that important,” said Riley. “It’s about how you do as an individual. Were you loud? Were you articulate? Did you give clear answers? All of that plays a role in how we are scored.”

Her experiences in mock trial set Riley, who earned Best Witness honors in a competition against Kennesaw State University, on a new path toward law school. “This experience showed me that I really do have a passion for finding justice,” said Riley. “It opened up a new horizon I never imagined was possible.”

In a comfortable office lined with shelves of shells, crystals and miniature figures, graduate student Jonathan Adams patiently outlined a business marketing plan to Christine Conti, owner of Phoenix Counseling Wellness Center.

Adams, a power forward on the basketball team, is pursuing an MBA in The Citadel Graduate College, where he’s had the opportunity to connect with local businesses through Business Professor Mark Rosenbaum, who requires students in his strategic marketing class to develop a marketing plan for a local organization. Adams was drawn to Phoenix Counseling Wellness Center, a veteran-owned counseling center specializing in talk therapy, small group yoga, reiki and sand tray therapy.

After learning about the business, Adams spent weeks developing a marketing plan, offering well-researched advice on financial planning, social media strategies and competitor analysis. “The project made me think about Phoenix Counseling Wellness Center as if it were my own company and ask myself what I would do to help it stand out,” said Adams. “It was a great experience.”

With Rosenbaum’s guidance, Adams used artificial intelligence to aid his research, utilizing tools such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini. “I was able to use online research as well as generative AI to come up with some creative recommendations,” said Adams.

Adams hopes to combine his undergraduate experience in mechanical engineering with the business acumen he’s gained at The Citadel through technical sales. “It’s unique that I’ve been able to grow a relationship with a local company. Even as a grad student taking asynchronous classes online, I’m able to meet new people and engage with the local community. I’m passionate about helping others, and I know that I’m learning throughout the whole process and then applying those skills to my own endeavors.”

For Abby Sitarik, ’25, life is in the details. “If you can’t do the little things right, you’ll never be able to do the big things,” said Sitarik. “The little details add up to the big picture.”

The big picture is something the fine arts minor knows a thing or two about—from Fine Arts Club president to gallery tour guide, Sitarik has made the most of The Citadel’s creative outlets. A history major and Marine Corps contract, Sitarik found her passion during her sophomore year in a combat art class taught by retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Craig Streeter. While an interest in the arts led her to the classroom, the guidance and mentorship of combat artists fostered Sitarik’s development both inside and outside of the studio.

Sitarik began studying the work of Marine Combat Artist Kris Battles as a sophomore. Early in her senior year, she met Battles at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, where he serves as the artist in residence. “Meeting him at the museum during OCS this past August, just after undergoing my initial Marine training, was incredibly impactful,” said Sitarik. “It brought to life the essential connection between art and military service: art immortalizes the history of the Marine Corps and honors the individuals who serve.”

Sitarik also had the opportunity to connect with U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Charles Baumann. “I really appreciate how he showed me how to apply visually what he’s learned as a combat artist and how that impacts him as an officer in the Marine Corps, knowing that attention to detail really matters,” said Sitarik. “Through his meaningful mentorship, briefs and casual conversations, like our chats in Starbucks after an open mic fine arts event, he showed me firsthand how art powerfully bridges military service and storytelling.”

A tour guide in the Winfred B. Moore, Jr., Art Gallery in Capers Hall, Sitarik was able to tell part of that story herself, leading visitors and students through the Marine Corps aviation art display, a temporary exhibit on loan from the National Museum of the Marine Corps.