USC Aiken Holds Third Coining Ceremony
Robert Murphy is the Director of Student Academic Success and the Office of Veteran Military Student Success, which includes ROTC pacer detachment. Murphy is a career military officer who served 23 years in the United States Marine Corps.
USCA has been a part of ROTC for years. Prior to 3 years ago, the university collaborated with Augusta University to provide the program to students. Today, classes and physical training opportunities are available on campus.
Although the program is new, ROTC has already begun to reach milestones. It promoted the first lieutenant in May 2022, and she is now a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army.
On Aug. 23, the Office of Veteran and Military Student Success held their annual coining ceremony.
“A military coin is a tradition all the way back from WWI. When someone in the military does something of significance and commits to completing something, usually someone of a higher rank will present that person that coin and say ‘I appreciate what you’ve done”
They have found a way to make this tradition their own and provide the coin to all new military-connected students. It is seen as a symbol of commitment to completing higher education. The goals of this tradition are to provide a feeling of connectedness as well as solidifying commitment.